XC60 is safest Volvo ever

Nov 17 2008 Peter Hayward

VOLVO is claiming that its latest XC60 is the safest car it has ever made - which is some claim coming from that particular company.

The latest safety system built in is City Safety, which uses lasers to help in low speed accidents by automatically applying the brakes when it senses an impending impact.

At low speeds it will even perform an automatic emergency stop.

The XC60 comes with a vast list of further safety features including the BLIS blind spot warning system and a lane departure warning system.

The 185bhp D5 diesel is unlikely to have enough power for the heavy weight - the same problem assails the bigger XC90.

But the T6 turbo petrol is pretty thirsty in the company's other models and is not likely to sell in big numbers with petrol prices where they are.

Pricing looks good however and there is no doubt it's better looking than some.

Interior

It has a luxurious and comfortable-looking interior with plenty of adjustment for the seats if other Volvos are anything to go by.

Standard equipment is also a strong point with the Swedish company's products, so expect lots of toys.

FAST FACTS

Volvo XC60 D5 S

Price : £25,750

Mechanical : 185bhp, 2,400cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 127mph

0-62mph : 9.4 secs

Combined mpg : 37.7

Insurance group : 14

CO2 emissions : 199g/km

BiK rating : 29%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Land Rover Freelander