OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, June 17, 2009 · 20 Style comes to the forefront with 2010 Volvo XC60 By Lorne Drury Metroland Newspapers Carguide Magazine Over the years Volvo has built its reputation on safety, some would say at the expense of styling. However, in the past few years, styling has begun to come to the forefront with Volvo producing some of the finest looking vehicles on the market. To my eyes, the C70 hardtop convertible, while not a huge seller, is one of the prettiest vehicles out there, while the C30 is also a looker for a smaller, entry-level premium vehicle. The 2010 XC60 T6 AWD, at dealers now, takes the brand to a new level-- combining the best in safety features that the company has to offer with drop-dead gorgeous looks. My recent tester was dressed in a luxuriouslooking Terra Bronze Metallic paint (a $790 option) with an equally inviting Soft Beige/Espresso Brown two-toned leather inte- VOLVO XC60 T6 AWD 2010 AT A GLANCE: BODY STYLE: small premium crossover SUV. DRIVE METHOD: front or all-wheel drive. ENGINE: 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder engine (235 hp, 235 lb/ft); 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine (281 hp, 295 lb/ft). FUEL ECONOMY: 14.7L/100 km (19 mpg) city; 10.7L/100 km (26 mpg) highway. PRICE: $39,995 to $49,995. As tested $59,685. The 2010 Volvo XC60 enters the growing small premium crossover segment in the Canadian market. Volvo bills it as its safest car ever, thanks to the standard City Safety system, that helps eliminate or avoid low-speed collisions. rior. Like other manufacturers, sales have been off 16 per cent for Volvo in the first five months of 2009, but May sales were up 26 per cent over the previous month and it's anticipated the XC60 crossover will give an added boost to overall sales in coming months. When launched earlier this year, the XC60 was sold exclusively with the 281 hp T6 engine that was in my tester. But recently, the company announced the 235 hp inline six-cylinder engine currently offered in the S80, V70, XC70 and XC90 would also be available for those who value economy over performance. Another new offering is the R-Design package, which heightens the visual appeal and adds to the handling and performance. The $3,000 option includes larger 20-inch alloy wheels, along with styling features such as a unique grille, side-view mirrors, skid plate, exhaust pipes and fog lamps. The package also includes a firmer sport chassis along with interior features such as a unique steering wheel, floor mats, sport pedals and sport dials. The XC60 is now offered in three trim levels: the 3.2, 3.2 AWD and T6 AWD. The 3.2 models, available in front- or all-wheel drive, have the 3.2-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 235 hp and 236 lb/ft of torque, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. BUY LOCALLY SERVICE LOCALLY SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY Phone: (905) 825-8088 www.volvoofoakville.com My tester had the 281 hp turbocharged 3.0litre inline six-cylinder engine, also mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine puts out 281 hp and 295 lb/ft of torque at 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. Prices start at $39,995 for the XC 60 3.2, $44,495 for the XC60 3.2 AWD and $49,995 for the T6 AWD. But beware! It doesn't take long for the price to climb. My tester priced out at $59,685 with the addition of the $3,050 Luxury Package (Four-C Active chassis, parking assist front and rear, rain sensor, active bending headlights and heated rear seats), $2,100 Convenience Package (Homelink, speed-sensitive steering, power liftgate among other items) and a $4,100 Tech Package, $790 metallic paint, $350 wood steering wheel, $600 wood inlays, $2,100 navigation system and $1,100 rear parking camera. The Tech Package includes a variety of items including Volvo's collision avoidance Continued on Page 23 SERVICE DEPARTMENT OPEN SATURDAYS