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Volvo rolls out sporty XC60 R-Design

2009-07-08 08:02

 

Volvo's junior SUV gets a style injection thanks to the subtle R-Design package.

Building on an already attractive design, the option pack, from the outside includes door mirror housings, mouldings and additional trim in a matte metal finish, side steps and twin chrome tailpipes.

Signature 18-inch R-Designe five-spoke aluminium wheels are thrown in for good measure, although those in need of a boost could specify the optional 20-inch set.

Furthermore, leather trim and aluminium inserts are sprinkled liberally throughout the cabin.

Instruments get the blue gauges reserved for Volvo's R-Design models.



But the changes aren't merely cosmetic. XC60 model bearing the R-Design livery has a sports chassis for more spirited on-road performance but the ride height has not been lowered since it still has to be able to venture off road.

"The R-Design model boosts the XC60's already sporty aura and gives the car an even more refined character in terms of both driving experience and design.

"These are properties that we know appeal to the discerning buyers of this type of cars," said Lennart Stegland, president of Volvo Special Vehicles.

This R-Design package will be presented for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.




 
Johan
7/9/2009 2:20 PM
It's amazing how times change: less than two years ago this debate would have been about BM, Merc and Audi and who's best/fastest/greatest etc. NOW the debate is between Q5 and a VOLVO nogal! The pathetic X3 is nowhere and Merc's baby SUV is not ready. The forward strides Volvo has made in the past 5 years is nothing short of amazing, and they are getting better and more popular with every new model launch. And all this is happening under Ford ownership! Being bought out by Ford is the best thing that ever happened to Volvo. The un-informed always harp on the supposedly "poor" trade-in values of Volvo, but here's one you can go and check out: A late model S40 keeps it's value better than a similar year/similar spec 3 series. Go check out them apples and then come back with some intelligent remarks.
jamy
7/9/2009 2:10 PM
whatever to all the uninformed. do your home work b4 u say anything?
SNK
7/9/2009 8:03 AM
The over-emphasis on who owns Volvo is boring guys.Corporate take-overs are more strategic financial changes and seldom affect the quality of the products. Ford did not replace Volvo technicians and designers with Ford staff.The management and processes were affected. By your notion (those who think Volvo lost it's "touch" because of the Ford take-over) Rolls Roys should be a crappy car (BMW) and Lambo's (Audi). Can you say Nokia make bad phones since they started off as a timber company? Give credit where it's due. Volvo XC60's City Safety has catapulted it to the position of safest Volvo ever built and has won it numerous awards globally. To UberSushi: Seems to me you're a closet M3/C63/RS4 fan. Understand Volvo's brand positioning and you'll respect their decision to opt out of the brute force engines and performances. Why did they pull out of rally championships decades ago...Safety.
Johan Steyn
7/9/2009 6:55 AM
Oh how I loved Volvo!!! Eat Volvo, sleep Volvo, breath Volvo, drink Volvo...but that was up to my fourth one in a row and I had to pay somebody a lot of money to just take it! Endless problems, poor service, poor quality, rediculous spares and service pricing to mention but a few...still, they were the most comfortable and safe cars I have ever driven and I just wish they could do something about the service and support and spares...anyway...I watched the XC60 from development and it looks good, seems to be good, and should be good! Let's just hope the outside factors won't pull it down into that deep dark depths of poor quality backup...and just maybe I'll go back there. For now, I'll pay a lot less for another brand and have cheaper problems to deal with! I still love Volvo, but for now...I will look only!
Amazed
7/9/2009 6:00 AM
I'm always amazed at the uninformed airing their misguided opinions. Fact: Currently Volvo is owned by Ford. Ford does not build the cars as they are still built in Sweden by Volvo. In the agreement when Ford purchased Volvo Ford cannot makes changes to the design or production. Rumor has it Ford is going to sell Volvo.
Douw
7/8/2009 11:42 PM
Volvo's are nice, however the saying " Volvo for lIfe" comes to mind, meaning they are worthless second hand, have a V50 T 3 years and still can't trade it without paying in... @!!@!@
Desire Mzara
7/8/2009 3:50 PM
Personally I think the XC60 is the best package in its class
GTO
7/8/2009 3:40 PM
@ubersushi - its not a XC60R, its only a optional package you take like merc's amg package or bmw.s m sport. So you can have any engine you like. I am not a big volvo fan, Have any of you seen the key of a volvo, it looks like something from the excitement store. Audi Q5 thumps this XC60 anyday
Badbones
7/8/2009 3:16 PM
I test drove the XC 90 when I shopped for a SUV and found it to be very "hard" not refined, not smooth at all, but I still like the Volvo, I like the new look af the XC 60, nice very nice. Doesn't beat my Tribeca ..... :-)
UberSushi
7/8/2009 1:58 PM
I used to be a huge Volvo fanatic, that was, until they were bought by Ford. Their quality went South after that. It is good to see another R model. The 850R's were awesome, and really different with the carbon coloured rims and that baby yellow colour. The S60R was also a beast. I'll have to wait and see what happens with Volvo's quality before I go back to really liking them the way I used to. I wonder what engine they'll stick in the XC60R...
Leo
7/8/2009 11:29 AM
The XC 60 is definatley the best of the junior premium SUVs.
Jostian
7/8/2009 10:56 AM
The Volvo S40 did so poorly in the JD Power Survey 2008 for reliability & quality, so ya, I'm not convinced, looks nice though, R DESIGN, volvo is owned by Ford and I think thats why their quality ain't what it should be...not that Ford is that bad I guess but its not nowhere near the top of the pile i.t.o quality!
NCL
7/8/2009 10:03 AM
I never liked Volvo's designs, but this one looks good. Coupled to their excellant drivetrain and roadholding, this will be on my wishlist.
PP
7/8/2009 9:22 AM
This a good looking ride. I have always liked Volvo but up until very recently have been a bit boring and dated. Their newest design scheme that started with the S80 is very nice. All they need now is the replacement for the S60 to come and then do something with the great, but dated, S40. Then they will have a good line-up of cars. Maybe work on the XC90, but I have always liked that vehicle, so it is fine like it is. Just give it the new face of Volvo right off the S80 and they will be rocking. Bring that new S60 or a new S40 and they might get one more sale… ME
R DESIGN
7/8/2009 9:21 AM
Volvo has known best safety and performance, and is from sweden. A little country can make something this good, you really have to give them the credit for it.
Wayne
7/8/2009 9:06 AM
The XC60 must be one of the best options around in its class, looks, safety, performance, quality....No mention on whether it is all cosmetic or if the engine also gets attention.
Erik
7/8/2009 8:53 AM
When are we gonna see a real R version again,those were quite nice actully i.e 850R and S60R
C 30 r
7/8/2009 8:44 AM
let them talk now, hey hey is this hey hey volvo is that. if something is good is good people.

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