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Volvo unleashes new 60 range

Volvo has just unleashed a fresh of its S60, V60 and XC60 models. And, the sporty R-Design derivatives will be here before the end of 2013.

Volvo’s Senior VP for product strategy and vehicles Lex Kerssemakers said: “We have focused on quality and attention to detail in order to give these dynamic models a major boost and sharpen their competitiveness.

'MORE ATTRACTIVE'

"The new Volvo S60 and XC60 are our best-selling models in several important markets and the innovative V60 Plug-in Hybrid is off to a flying start. We have been listening very carefully to our customers to make improvements that ensure we make these successful cars even more attractive."

The automaker says its Scandinavian design is exemplified by beautiful, elegant shapes and sleek surfaces without the clutter. It’s evident in the redesigned interior and exterior of the new 60 range.

Changes include redesigned seats, relocated washer nozzles (now under the bonnet) and the radar cover is now painted gloss black which makes it look as if it has disappeared into the grille; the chrome frame around the grille has been removed.

Volvo says the new tailpipes, which can be specified with certain engine variants, are the physical and visual link to the technically advanced engines. The designers had to design them in such a way that the operating temperature made the tailpipes remain in place despite the exhaust system expanding in length by as much as 25mm.

The model line-up is also available with a variety of designs. Project director Patrik Widerstrand said: "To enhance the visual appeal of the car, customers can now specify their Volvo S60 or V60 with expressive 19” rims but keep the same profile height as 18” rims so they don't lose any comfort."

The new XC60 is available with 20” rims while keeping the same tyre profile and ride comfort as with 19” rims.

ELEGANCE: S60

Exterior design director Fedde Talsma said: "We've really increased the S60's road presence with the new front design. The more focused and determined-looking head lights help create this new, expressive ‘face'. We were thinking of a wolf's eyes when we designed them.

"We've emphasised the S60's horizontal lines front and rear. Together with details such as a wider grille, daylight running lights and a new LED light guide on the tail lights, they give the new S60 a striking, solid presence. The car has a beauty rooted in the natural world. The clean surfaces and contours give it a very Scandinavian feel."

Inside, he says, there are upgrades such as new upholstery colours, new wood inlays, a new headliner, and silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls. Prices starts from R329 600.

SPORTY, VERSTILE: V60

The automaker says the new V60 is the car for people who need the versatility of an estate but want the handling of a sports sedan. The focal point of this car’s versatility is its intelligent seating. The rear seats can be folded down in three 40/20/40 segments, leaving 430 litres of load space to play with.

There are also the two-stage integrated booster cushions for children. The booster cushions pop up from the seat base to provide a comfortable and safe ride height for children three years old and older. Prices starts from R340 500.

URBAN TWIST: XC60

Volvo's best-selling model, the XC60, now has a redesigned front which include a new bonnet shape that emphasises its wide stance.

Talsma said: "We've taken away any black trim so the new XC60 is now all one body colour. The new head lights look powerful and determined, and the horizontal lines on the grille with its chrome bars further emphasise the car's width.”

Interior changes include new wood inlays, a headliner, silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls.

Corner traction control – a torque vectoring system - comes standard in this model and helps the driver avoid understeer by applying just the right amount of brake force to the inner wheels while powering the outer wheels when accelerating out of a corner.

With all wheel drive, the XC60 becomes a capable vehicle on any road, in any weather. The optional hill-descent control automatically adjusts the car's speed when driving down a steep slope. Pricing starts from R464 800.

R-DESIGN


The new Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 will soon be available in Volvo’s top-of-the-range R-Design derivative. The sporty R-Designs will reach South Africa by November 2013. Full details will be published closer to the time.
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