2010 Volvo XC60: A Comprehensive Look

Understanding the Crossover Concept

Six years ago, the concept of a crossover might have been a question. Who would buy one? Why would someone want one? While Americans might lean towards larger vehicles, there's a growing trend towards smaller, more versatile options. If a sedan doesn't express your style and an SUV feels too large, a crossover offers a compelling alternative. Crossovers can be seen as vehicles that blend wagon-like capabilities with rugged styling, or even sports sedans with extended backs. While some early designs were considered unconventional, the modern crossover aims to provide a balance of form and function.

A true crossover, in essence, should offer off-road capability for maintained service roads, not extreme rock climbing. It provides the benefits of all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability. Volvo's all-wheel-drive platforms are designed to be capable, though owners are reminded to consult the Owner's Manual for specific limits. Experiences driving Volvo XC70s in challenging conditions, like Alaska and Baja, highlight the importance of good preparation and the vehicle's robust systems, including good ground clearance, traction control, and roll-stability control.

Crossovers are evolving, potentially becoming the next generation of station wagons. While they may resemble SUVs, their design often shares more with wagons. A full-size SUV seating five adults and children can sometimes feel more like a minivan to buyers. The progression from station wagons to minivans to SUVs has led to the creation of a premium crossover segment. This document draws from media launch reviews, featuring journalists who have extensive experience with various vehicles.

2010 Volvo XC60 Specifications and Comparisons

The 2010 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD is positioned as a small premium utility vehicle, starting at $37,200. It offers class-leading safety, striking design, and dynamic driving performance. Key standard features include leather seating, a power driver's seat, SIRIUS satellite radio, hands-free Bluetooth, HD Radio, and USB/AUX ports. An introductory offer includes a panorama moonroof. Optional features include a DVD navigation system with a backup camera.

A standout feature is Volvo's 'City Safety' system, a driver-support system designed to prevent or mitigate low-speed collisions (up to 19 mph). The XC60's design blends dynamic car styles, featuring a muscular lower body with high ground clearance and large wheels, topped with flowing coupe-like lines.

The powertrain is a 3.0-liter turbocharged T6 engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 rpm, offering strong acceleration and passing power. Volvo's Instant Traction all-wheel-drive system is standard.

The XC60 is also covered by Volvo's Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance program for the first three years or 36,000 miles, including oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid top-offs.

The 2009 Volvo lineup includes models like the S40, V50, XC90, S60, S80, V70, XC70, C70, and C30.

Comparative Specifications

2010 Volvo XC60 T6 Pricing and Options

MSRP: $37,200

Destination Charge: $825

OPTION PACKAGES

• Climate Package: $1,000 (Heated front seats, Heated rear seats, Heated windshield washer nozzles, Rainsensor windshield wipers, Headlamp washers, Interior Air Quality System (IAQS), Humidity Sensor)
• Technology Package: $2,700 (Dynaudio® Premium Sound System, Dolby Pro-Logic II® Surround Sound, 650-watt amplifier, 12 Dynaudio® speakers, rear seat headphone jacks, audio controls; Volvo Navigation System with Real Time Traffic, DVD map data and remote control; Rear Park Assist Camera)
• Collision Avoidance Package: $1,695 (Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW))
• Convenience Package: $1,000 (Grocery bag holder, 12V power outlet in cargo area, Front and rear park assist, Power tailgate, Homelink remote garage door opener)

OPTIONS

• Black Sapphire Metallic: $525
• Electric Silver Metallic: $675
• Maple Red Pearl: $525
• Barrents Blue: $525
• Silver Metallic: $525
• Lime Grass Green Pearl: $525
• Savile Grey Pearl: $525
• Terra Bronze Pearl: $525
• Dual onboard two-stage child booster seats with adaptive seatbelts and power child rear door locks: $495
• Dual Xenon with Gas Discharge Headlights with Active Bending Light: $800
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): $695
• Personal Car Communicator (PCC) with Keyless drive: $550
• Nordic Light Oak inlays: $295
• Panorama moonroof: n/c

*Price does not include destination charges of $825.

Additional information can be found in articles from Edmunds.com and The Auto Channel.

Media Launch for XC60 – January 19-30

The media launch for the XC60 took place near San Francisco, in the Sausalito area, involving four groups of approximately 30 journalists each. The event included presentations from Volvo Car Corporation's lead safety expert Thomas Broberg and Global Project leader Lars Blenwal, alongside U.S. project manager Mike Cottone, Doug Frasher (Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center), and VP Marketing and Product John Maloney. Technical support and logistics were handled by colleagues from VCC and U.S. staff.

The day began with an early start, including a 6 a.m. wake-up and 7 a.m. testing of the City Safety system, followed by a 250-mile drive. The route went north from Sausalito along the coast, then inland via Healdsburg, and finally south back to the base. This event allowed journalists to engage with the design, engineering, and business teams to gain insights into the XC60's development.

Event Highlights:

• Briefing meeting: James Hope led the agenda for the upcoming days.
• Early Morning Shot: A very early morning photograph captured the vehicles at approximately 6:30 a.m.
• Support Vehicle: An image showed the interior of an XC90 support vehicle, noting the aluminum metal plate treatment.
• XC90 Support Vehicle: This vehicle has accumulated significant mileage, used across global launches.
• Exterior Designer: Doug Frasher, the exterior designer for the XC60, whose work began with the Environmental Concept Car in 1992, was present.
• City Safety Testing: Vehicles were lined up at 7 a.m. for City Safety testing.
• San Francisco View: James Hope (VCNA PR) and Thomas Broberg (Senior Safety Engineer, VCC) were pictured waiting for sunrise in San Francisco.
• XC60/XC90 Comparison: A journalist sought to understand the differences between the XC60 and XC90.

Tags associated with this event include: City Safety, San Francisco, test drive, Volvo, XC60, XC90.

When is a dog an elephant? Cargo Guards and Pet Safety

Physics dictates that a 35 mph crash can magnify a 60-pound object to approximately 2,700 pounds. This analogy is used to emphasize the importance of securing cargo, whether animal, vegetable, or mineral. Volvo has offered steel Cargo Guards for occupant protection since its 245 wagon series in 1975. Later models featured roofs pre-adapted for cargo guards, and current offerings include guards for the V50, V70, XC70, and XC90.

Volvo's cargo guards undergo rigorous testing in their Swedish Crash Laboratory. Testing involves applying significant force to the steel webbing joints and using weighted 'boxes' to simulate cargo. The goal is to ensure pets and luggage remain securely in place.

For those without Volvo wagons or SUVs, checking with vehicle manufacturers for similar accessories is recommended. Pet stores offer suction cup mounted options, but these may not provide adequate protection. For sedans, harness systems are available to restrain pets during accidents, though research is advised. The text notes that the primary benefit of restraint is often for the human occupants, not just the pet.

Post-accident scenarios involving unrestrained pets can lead to agitation and further incidents, such as pets running into traffic. The document references 'Bark Buckle Up,' an organization that recognized the XC90 with a Cargo Guard for its pet safety features. Recommendations for pet restraint and travel data can be found on Bark's website.

Image: A Volvo ID card for Chelsea Johnston (Status: Consultant, Emp #: K9-1) is shown alongside a dog sitting at a desk.

Tags: Automotive pet safety, Bark Buckle Up, Cargo Guard.

A Really Good Question: Vehicle Safety Systems

The integration of advanced safety systems like Blind Spot Detection, Driver Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Collision Warning with Auto Braking, and City Safety raises questions about driver control. While these systems assist drivers, they are designed to enhance, not replace, driver responsibility.

The evolution of safety features, starting with ABS and anti-skid controls, has sometimes been met with criticism for reducing driver engagement. However, these systems are vital for the majority of drivers, providing crucial assistance in critical situations. Volvo's approach to safety is deeply integrated into its engineering philosophy, stemming from decades of accident data analysis and a commitment to protecting occupants.

The Safety Concept Car (which evolved into the C30) was a significant investment in safety technology, leading to innovations like the Blind Spot Identification System (BLIS). Early iterations of BLIS involved multiple driver inputs, but Human Machine Interface (HMI) studies led to a more intuitive single amber LED warning.

The document poses questions about the necessity of constant system monitoring and the ideal instrument panel design for future Volvos. The aim is to provide drivers with necessary information without overwhelming them, ensuring an unobstructed and enjoyable driving experience.

Image: A diagram illustrates City Safety's low-speed auto brake functionality.

Tags: ABS, anti-skid, blind spot, pedestrian safety, Safety Concept Car.

Your Safety Doesn't Take a Holiday

During holiday travel, wearing seat belts is emphasized as the most critical lifesaving device. Airbags are considered supplemental restraint systems, secondary to seat belts. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Volvo's seat belt patent, highlighting its foundational role in automotive safety.

All About City Safety

City Safety is a driver-support system designed to prevent or mitigate collisions at low speeds (under 19 mph). It works by calculating the distance to the vehicle ahead and relative speeds. A laser camera mounted behind the windshield detects potential hazards. The system can apply brakes aggressively, even bringing the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary. In slippery conditions, it reduces speed to mitigate damage and injuries, particularly whiplash.

The text recounts a personal experience where a minor collision occurred due to distraction, costing $550. It posits that City Safety would have prevented this incident. The system's visibility, unlike other hidden safety features, is noted as a potential point of interest.

The document discusses the debate around advanced safety systems potentially reducing driver control, comparing it to the initial reception of ABS. It highlights that while some may find such systems intrusive, they are invaluable for overall safety. The effectiveness of Collision Warning with Automatic Braking, which includes a visual warning, is also mentioned.

The author expresses a personal preference for City Safety, citing its quick and effective operation.

A car lowering insurance premiums?

Volvo's safety systems, including City Safety, are being demonstrated to automotive journalists and insurance companies to showcase their benefits, including potential insurance premium reductions. The XC60, used in these demonstrations, is a pre-production 'try-out' vehicle.

Similar demonstrations have been conducted in England by Volvo Car Corporation's Regulations and Safety group. The hope is that these events will highlight how City Safety contributes to lower insurance premiums for XC60 owners.

Who was the first person in the U.S. to buy an XC60?

Jane Irish from New Hampshire was identified as the first person in the U.S. to purchase an XC60. She test-drove the vehicle during a 'From Sweden with Löv' tour stop and found it perfectly suited her needs, seeking something smaller than her previous XC90 and with a higher seating position than her XC70.

Jane's history with Volvo includes a 240, a 740 Turbo wagon, and a 2005 XC70. She values Volvo for its combination of safety and styling. She chose the XC60 in Cosmic White with a Sandstone Beige interior. Her experience with City Safety during the test drive involved getting used to the system taking control of braking, recognizing its value in real-world situations, especially for an insurance agency owner.

The XC60 was expected to begin rolling out in March '09.

Seasonal Recipes: Glögg and Ginger Bread Cookies

The document includes recipes from Sweden for Glögg (Mulled Wine) and hard Ginger Bread Cookies, shared by PR Media Site Manager Lena Pettersson.

Glögg (Mulled Wine)

Yields: 6-8 tumblers

Prep time: 15 minutes

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1 dl cane sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cm fresh ginger
• 4 aniseeds
• 5 cloves
• 1 orange in thin slices

Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Heat carefully on low and do not let boil. Let sit for 5 minutes. Serve.

Ginger Bread Cookies (hard)

Makes: approx 200 pc

• 300 gr butter
• 3 dl sugar
• 3/4 dl syrup
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons bicarbonate (baking soda)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ginger (dry)
• 1 teaspoon ground clove
• 1 litre wheatflour (approx. 600 g wheat bread flour)

Instructions: Stir fat and sugar together. Stir in syrup, eggs, bicarbonate, and spices. Add wheatflour and stir. Let the dough rest in the fridge for 1-2 days. Roll out thin. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Cut biscuits and place on cold, buttered baking sheets or paper. Bake for about 5 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet. Serve.

Ginger bread is noted as being delicious with blue cheese spread.

The Safest Car Ever Made?

A journalist questioned if the XC60 is the safest car ever made, given Volvo's reputation for safety. While Volvo aims to be the safest, the company's legal department advises against definitive claims of being the absolute safest.

Volvo's safety history dates back to 1927, with extensive data collection from accidents involving Volvos since 1972. This data informs the engineering of new safety systems. Safety is described as an intrinsic part of Volvo's engineering culture.

The XC60's safety is attributed to over 80 years of engineering, dedicated engineers, real-world safety analyses, and the pioneering City Safety system. Volvo expresses pride in the XC60's safety heritage.

Further information on City Safety is available via a video on Motherproof.com from the L.A. Auto Show.

XC60 News and Resources

Links to various news outlets covering the XC60 are provided, including:

• Long Beach Press-Telegram
• Orange County Register
• TheCarConnection.com
• L.A. Auto Examiner
• AutomotiveTraveler.com
• MotherProof.com
• Popular Mechanics
• Detroit News
• KNSD-TV, NBC
• The Auto Channel
• KFMB-TV (CBS) San Diego, CA
• Car and Driver
• Road and Track
• Autospies.com
• Modesto Bee
• The Avenue News, Baltimore

Users can also watch videos on the Volvo XC60 YouTube Channel or the Volvo Car Corporation YouTube Channel. More photos are available on the Volvo XC60 flickr photostream.

Archives and RSS feeds are available for further updates.

Tags: 2010 Volvo XC60, ABS, anti-skid, Automotive pet safety, Bark Buckle Up, blind spot, Cargo Guard, City Safety, crossover, pedestrian safety, premium crossover, pricing, Safety Concept Car, San Francisco, SUV, test drive, Volvo, wagon, XC60, XC90.