BRILLIANT ONE, VOLVO
VOLVO CX60 T5
Words and photos by Mel Lee
Posted: 5th September 2009
This confirms my belief: Volvo is much better at SUVs
than cars.
Aside from a decidedly lesser grasp of engineering finesse, as compared to the
Germans, it is the penchant for ‘safety without compromise’ that results in the cars
looking ungainly and feeling sluggish and dull. Cases in point are the S40 and
C30, which disappoint, in terms of overall appeal and dynamics, even with their
comparatively large engine. (I know the fans will be up in arms but there are so few
of you, and even fewer still who actually put your money down for these cars!)
The Volvo philosophy, however, is much better carried in vehicles that can get away
with being ungainly-looking and somewhat sluggish, as compared to cars with
similar engine sizes. It was convincingly proven by the XC90; the XC60 is a proud
testimony of the Philosophy.
The XC60 actually looks like the C30 on steroids! The difference, though, is that
what had been overbearing pillars and shoulders now look balanced, adding nice
highlights to a commanding-looking vehicle. And there is no mistaking that this
newest Volvo model is very modern-looking, a real trend-setter. It is a welcome
addition on our streets, adding class, depth and modernity to the usually dull
environment.
This new crossover model makes the XC90 decidedly outdated; the X3, too. It is
more edgy, visually, than the Freelander, and is a very good match for the Q5.
You would assume that the XC60 is a large vehicle, until you see it next to a Myvi;
these modernday compact cars have grown huge that a mid-size SUV Crossover
like the CX60 looks not-that-large. It looks downright compact next to the Camry or
Accord.
True to its place in the scheme of things, the XC60 is loaded with equipment and
features, many of which are Safety-centric. If you think that the S80 is the epitome of
Vehicular Safety (the car has actually won such an award from a newspaper,
especially dedicated to it), this latest Volvo SUV takes the concept a couple of
steps further. And without Ford ‘stealing’ the ideas, this Swedish carmaker gets to
showcase these innovative features in the XC60, and deservingly so.
But, as I had commented about the S80, a few of these safety features are just too
much of a nuisance; the concept is great but in a real-world environment like ours,
the warnings from the combination of Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) and Park Assist (PA) are very frequent, seemingly
flippant, and therefore invasive. The constant lights and beeps are like having your
grandma along, nagging you about every little infraction. PA even goes so far as to
mute the audio so that you can hear the beep! This is downright nutty in our
environment, with the numerous bikes zooming about, and other road-users not
respecting your personal space. I would say that it can even be dangerous for inept
and nervous drivers, in the way they can overreact to a sudden beep.
LDW, which beeps when you go over lane markings, is supposed to keep you alert
to your driving, as well as encourage you to use your indicators, but I believe most
of us are too far gone in our bad habits to be saved!
The solution to the onslaught is to turn off these features. With the BLIS, however,
the trip computer shows nothing else but the warning that the feature is off! This is
about the most nanny of vehicles on the road.
Volvo has made a promise that no-one will die or suffer serious injuries in one of
its vehicles by 2020. This is an ambitious and noble objective, but I get the feeling
that a lot of it will rely on the cars nagging you to death, or close to it, to achieve the
goal.
Seriously, though, many of the other features in the XC60 are praiseworthy. The
City Safety feature, for example, might be the solution to fender-benders. With the
use of laser technology, the XC60 has the ability to stop itself when it detects that a
low-speed collision is imminent. It also warns you that you are getting too close to
the vehicle in front, as well as primes your brakes so that their reaction time is
enhanced.
Adaptive Cruise Control is a blast to use. I last experienced this feature in the
Mercedes S-Class but I am even more impressed after having used it more often
in the XC60. Depending on the distance set by the driver, the SUV will slow to the
speed of the vehicle directly ahead of it, right down to a complete stop. As soon as
the obstruction is cleared the XC60 will accelerate to the set cruise speed.
This fabulous piece of equipment is about Collision Avoidance and Auto Brake,
and relies on radar to enable the vehicle to react fast enough, for speed as high as
170kph.
Then there is Driver Alert Control, where sensors detect your state of attentiveness,
and you get a warning to alert you otherwise.
Be informed, however, that some of these features are only available for the LE
version. There is a RM30K difference between the two versions, and the
equipment in question are quite significant, not only in terms of safety but also
enjoyment of the motoring experience. Chief among these is the audio system,
with the LE offering a 12-speaker and 5x130W-amplifier sensation.
Floating console, improved aesthetics Scandinavian-style, same complaints.
Awkward for lefthand, things fly out.
Mapsing, poor resolution. Dedicated screen, audio and tel small screen. Blinding
on start at night
Pzeros.
Lovely audio LE, 12 speakers, 6CD, USB and iPod jack, remote
Most uninspired looking Stop/Start button
No paddle-shift – this is a Volvo
This is an attractive Volvo, inside and out, and visually as well as dynamically. It
has a nicer balance than the XC90, due to its more compact and trendy
dimensions, and also a more favourable power-weight ratio. It is equipped with an
inline-6, 3.0 litre petrol engine capable of 285bhp and 400Nm. Very significantly,
this is volvo’s latest rendition of a respectably-sized 6-cylinder, normally-aspirated
engine, as compared to the 2.5L light-turbo inline5 unit of the XC90; the outputs
pour out early, strong and consistent. There really is no substitute for capacity.
There is a convincing level of oomph, with highly satisfying response to pressure
on the gas pedal. This high-riding 5-seater can do the 0-100kph spring in 7.5
seconds, and has a top speed of 210kph. This does not seem to be all that
impressive until you experience the surge, virtually from the very moment that you
step on it. Plus, the XC60 feels pretty well sorted out, and put together.
Its fuel consumption ranged from 13L/100km to 20, depending on the pressure on
the fun pedal. Trying for the claimed 11.7L/100km would require way too much
effort, and not the sort of motoring that the vehicle promises. Although you may just
want to glide along, immersing yourself in the terrific audio system. That was what
I found myself doing in this vehicle. After I had sought out its limits I settled down to
enjoying the ambiance. Ensconced in such a classy environment, I was less
inclined to try and drive the wheels off, unlike with the Audi Q5.
The Audi can be said to be the XC60’s closest rival, in terms of outputs,
performance and prices, but these two are like vastly non-identical twins. And you
cannot say that one is better than the other. They are two paths to a common
destination. With its 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine, the Q5 has a more frenetic
nature, very youthful and spirited, compared to the more mature nature of the XC60.
The Volvo SUV does not even have paddle-shifts, and its Start/Stop button is the
most low-keyed I have ever seen. The XC60 would be quite brilliant with
turbodiesel power, but that is not likely to happen here as long as the quality of the
fuel remains as crappy as it is, even in EuroII guise.
The XC60 LE sells for RM360K, which is the same price as the XC90 2.5. The SE
version goes for RM330K. There is a further accessories package (as featured on
this test unit) which is being offered at a price of about RM17K. mel lee
VOLVO CX60 T5
Words and photos by Mel Lee
Posted: 5th September 2009
This confirms my belief: Volvo is much better at SUVs
than cars.
Aside from a decidedly lesser grasp of engineering finesse, as compared to the
Germans, it is the penchant for ‘safety without compromise’ that results in the cars
looking ungainly and feeling sluggish and dull. Cases in point are the S40 and
C30, which disappoint, in terms of overall appeal and dynamics, even with their
comparatively large engine. (I know the fans will be up in arms but there are so few
of you, and even fewer still who actually put your money down for these cars!)
The Volvo philosophy, however, is much better carried in vehicles that can get away
with being ungainly-looking and somewhat sluggish, as compared to cars with
similar engine sizes. It was convincingly proven by the XC90; the XC60 is a proud
testimony of the Philosophy.
The XC60 actually looks like the C30 on steroids! The difference, though, is that
what had been overbearing pillars and shoulders now look balanced, adding nice
highlights to a commanding-looking vehicle. And there is no mistaking that this
newest Volvo model is very modern-looking, a real trend-setter. It is a welcome
addition on our streets, adding class, depth and modernity to the usually dull
environment.
This new crossover model makes the XC90 decidedly outdated; the X3, too. It is
more edgy, visually, than the Freelander, and is a very good match for the Q5.
You would assume that the XC60 is a large vehicle, until you see it next to a Myvi;
these modernday compact cars have grown huge that a mid-size SUV Crossover
like the CX60 looks not-that-large. It looks downright compact next to the Camry or
Accord.
True to its place in the scheme of things, the XC60 is loaded with equipment and
features, many of which are Safety-centric. If you think that the S80 is the epitome of
Vehicular Safety (the car has actually won such an award from a newspaper,
especially dedicated to it), this latest Volvo SUV takes the concept a couple of
steps further. And without Ford ‘stealing’ the ideas, this Swedish carmaker gets to
showcase these innovative features in the XC60, and deservingly so.
But, as I had commented about the S80, a few of these safety features are just too
much of a nuisance; the concept is great but in a real-world environment like ours,
the warnings from the combination of Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) and Park Assist (PA) are very frequent, seemingly
flippant, and therefore invasive. The constant lights and beeps are like having your
grandma along, nagging you about every little infraction. PA even goes so far as to
mute the audio so that you can hear the beep! This is downright nutty in our
environment, with the numerous bikes zooming about, and other road-users not
respecting your personal space. I would say that it can even be dangerous for inept
and nervous drivers, in the way they can overreact to a sudden beep.
LDW, which beeps when you go over lane markings, is supposed to keep you alert
to your driving, as well as encourage you to use your indicators, but I believe most
of us are too far gone in our bad habits to be saved!
The solution to the onslaught is to turn off these features. With the BLIS, however,
the trip computer shows nothing else but the warning that the feature is off! This is
about the most nanny of vehicles on the road.
Volvo has made a promise that no-one will die or suffer serious injuries in one of
its vehicles by 2020. This is an ambitious and noble objective, but I get the feeling
that a lot of it will rely on the cars nagging you to death, or close to it, to achieve the
goal.
Seriously, though, many of the other features in the XC60 are praiseworthy. The
City Safety feature, for example, might be the solution to fender-benders. With the
use of laser technology, the XC60 has the ability to stop itself when it detects that a
low-speed collision is imminent. It also warns you that you are getting too close to
the vehicle in front, as well as primes your brakes so that their reaction time is
enhanced.
Adaptive Cruise Control is a blast to use. I last experienced this feature in the
Mercedes S-Class but I am even more impressed after having used it more often
in the XC60. Depending on the distance set by the driver, the SUV will slow to the
speed of the vehicle directly ahead of it, right down to a complete stop. As soon as
the obstruction is cleared the XC60 will accelerate to the set cruise speed.
This fabulous piece of equipment is about Collision Avoidance and Auto Brake,
and relies on radar to enable the vehicle to react fast enough, for speed as high as
170kph.
Then there is Driver Alert Control, where sensors detect your state of attentiveness,
and you get a warning to alert you otherwise.
Be informed, however, that some of these features are only available for the LE
version. There is a RM30K difference between the two versions, and the
equipment in question are quite significant, not only in terms of safety but also
enjoyment of the motoring experience. Chief among these is the audio system,
with the LE offering a 12-speaker and 5x130W-amplifier sensation.
Floating console, improved aesthetics Scandinavian-style, same complaints.
Awkward for lefthand, things fly out.
Mapsing, poor resolution. Dedicated screen, audio and tel small screen. Blinding
on start at night
Pzeros.
Lovely audio LE, 12 speakers, 6CD, USB and iPod jack, remote
Most uninspired looking Stop/Start button
No paddle-shift – this is a Volvo
This is an attractive Volvo, inside and out, and visually as well as dynamically. It
has a nicer balance than the XC90, due to its more compact and trendy
dimensions, and also a more favourable power-weight ratio. It is equipped with an
inline-6, 3.0 litre petrol engine capable of 285bhp and 400Nm. Very significantly,
this is volvo’s latest rendition of a respectably-sized 6-cylinder, normally-aspirated
engine, as compared to the 2.5L light-turbo inline5 unit of the XC90; the outputs
pour out early, strong and consistent. There really is no substitute for capacity.
There is a convincing level of oomph, with highly satisfying response to pressure
on the gas pedal. This high-riding 5-seater can do the 0-100kph spring in 7.5
seconds, and has a top speed of 210kph. This does not seem to be all that
impressive until you experience the surge, virtually from the very moment that you
step on it. Plus, the XC60 feels pretty well sorted out, and put together.
Its fuel consumption ranged from 13L/100km to 20, depending on the pressure on
the fun pedal. Trying for the claimed 11.7L/100km would require way too much
effort, and not the sort of motoring that the vehicle promises. Although you may just
want to glide along, immersing yourself in the terrific audio system. That was what
I found myself doing in this vehicle. After I had sought out its limits I settled down to
enjoying the ambiance. Ensconced in such a classy environment, I was less
inclined to try and drive the wheels off, unlike with the Audi Q5.
The Audi can be said to be the XC60’s closest rival, in terms of outputs,
performance and prices, but these two are like vastly non-identical twins. And you
cannot say that one is better than the other. They are two paths to a common
destination. With its 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine, the Q5 has a more frenetic
nature, very youthful and spirited, compared to the more mature nature of the XC60.
The Volvo SUV does not even have paddle-shifts, and its Start/Stop button is the
most low-keyed I have ever seen. The XC60 would be quite brilliant with
turbodiesel power, but that is not likely to happen here as long as the quality of the
fuel remains as crappy as it is, even in EuroII guise.
The XC60 LE sells for RM360K, which is the same price as the XC90 2.5. The SE
version goes for RM330K. There is a further accessories package (as featured on
this test unit) which is being offered at a price of about RM17K. mel lee
Refreshed 'floating console' still threatens to do
harm to your wrists. There is plenty of features
but some are exclusive to the high-end version.
harm to your wrists. There is plenty of features
but some are exclusive to the high-end version.
Navi system uses MapSing software but the screen resolution sucks.
This is more a 4-seater. The two rear
seats have a 2-stage bolster feature
that would help to make children ride
more contentedly. There is also a
3-part split/fold feature that adds to a
lot more versatility. The tailgate has
power-lift and close, while the huge tail
lights are lit whenever the tailgate is
opened.
The nettings are part of a accessories
package.
seats have a 2-stage bolster feature
that would help to make children ride
more contentedly. There is also a
3-part split/fold feature that adds to a
lot more versatility. The tailgate has
power-lift and close, while the huge tail
lights are lit whenever the tailgate is
opened.
The nettings are part of a accessories
package.
VOLVO XC60 T6
BRIEF SPECIFICATIONS
Inline-6 petrol 2953cc engine with 285bhp at 5600rpm,
400Nm from 1500-4800rpm.
6-speed Geartronic.
Maximum speed: 210kph.
0-100kph: 7.5 seconds.
Claimed average fuel consumption: 11.9L/100km.
As tested: from 13 to 20L/100km.
Price: SE RM330K. LE RM360K.
BRIEF SPECIFICATIONS
Inline-6 petrol 2953cc engine with 285bhp at 5600rpm,
400Nm from 1500-4800rpm.
6-speed Geartronic.
Maximum speed: 210kph.
0-100kph: 7.5 seconds.
Claimed average fuel consumption: 11.9L/100km.
As tested: from 13 to 20L/100km.
Price: SE RM330K. LE RM360K.
The keyfob operates
additional features
such as Panic Alarm,
Welcome Light, and
Trespasser Alert.
Volvo's latest SUV has
strong family cues
which work well in this
genre, as the XC60
carries the prominent
body parts rather well.
additional features
such as Panic Alarm,
Welcome Light, and
Trespasser Alert.
Volvo's latest SUV has
strong family cues
which work well in this
genre, as the XC60
carries the prominent
body parts rather well.