23 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Volvo XC60 hopes to spark sales in difficult market Continued From Page 20 system, adaptive cruise control, collision warning with auto brake, lane departure warning, distance alert, blind spot information system, retractable mirrors and an upgraded 12 speaker 650W audio system. Volvo is heralding its City Safety system, standard of all XC60s, as a breakthrough in vehicle safety. They say it's a little known fact that three quarters of all collisions occur at speeds below 30 km/h. "Collisions below 30 km/h are, unfortunately, very common," said Jeff Pugliese, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. "In fact, up to 75 per cent of all collisions occur at such low speeds. Volvo's collision research has also shown that in approximately half of all low-speed collisions, the driver doesn't brake or steer to avoid the vehicle in front. This is where City Safety can play an important part in making Canadian roads safer." With the City Safety, a laser sensor in the windshield calculates the closing rate between the vehicle and the one in front. If a collision is imminent at speeds under 30 km/h and the driver takes no action, City Safety automatically activates up to 50 per cent braking power. At speeds under 15 km/h, it's possible to avoid the collision entirely as the vehicle stays stationary for one and a half seconds and between 15 and 30 km/h, the goal is to reduce speed as much as possible prior to the collision. To test City Safety, Volvo provided flexible pylons that I was able set up in my driveway at home. It worked as advertised, provided I didn't yank the steering wheel, or touch the brakes or accelerator-- all these inputs override the program. Fortunately, it didn't need to activate for me out on the road, but many of the other safety features did come into play like the blind spot and lane departure warning systems. I also found the adaptive cruise control to be a neat feature that I'm sure other manufacturers will be offering in the future. It utilizes radar to maintain a pre-determined time interval to the vehicle in front. The rear-parking camera, available only with a navigation system, is a pricey, but practical option. On the road, the XC60 seems a light, nimble vehicle, despite its size. The turbocharged engine brings the vehicle up to speed well with a bit of the turbo whine.. Depending on the driving conditions, you can select Comfort, Sport or Advanced modes area around the vehicle at night. For cottagers who occasionally go off-road, the XC60 has best in class ground clearance and Hill Descent Control, activated with the simple push of a button, that slows the vehicle to a crawl down steep inclines. Inside the cabin, the two-toned beige and brown colour scheme gives off a feeling of luxury. The floating centre stack is a Volvo trademark nowadays, but other than for design purposes, I don't see the point of it. The seats are typically Volvo, meaning they are outstanding-- the best in the business I believe. The 60/20/40 rear seats fold down to a flat load floor, meaning there is lots of cargo space (1,907 litres with the rear seats folded). The cargo floor is also quite low, allowing for easy loading and unloading of goods. All in all, an impressive vehicle that Volvo hopes will help spur sales for the brand in a difficult market. Volvo hopes the styling, safety features and technology of the XC60 will appeal to younger, trendy, professional couples looking to move up into the premium crossover class. It's simply a nice ride that competes favorably with the best that Mercedes, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Acura and other manufacturers have to offer. The XC60 interior is particularly attractive in this two-toned crème/brown combination. The wood inlays and wood steering wheel are optional as is the navigation system and rear-parking camera. with the Four-C Active chassis. With this system, sensors monitor the driving behaviour and electronically control the shock absorbers. Meanwhile, the Haldex AWD system automatically sends power to the wheels with the best traction. The list of safety features outlined above is only the start of the technological goodies on the XC60. Standard are anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake distribution, dynamic stability and traction control, a roll over protection system and headlamp washers. There is also an alarm system and a personal security lighting system to illuminate the introducing the new 2010 THE CAR THAT STOPS ITSELF volvo XC60 with city safety $45,495 $549 bonus offer: No-charge laminated panoramic roof at no extra cost with this introductory offer VOLVO OF OAKVILLE 770 Pacific Road, Oakville Phone: (905) 825-8088 www.volvoofoakville.com *Limited time lease offer available on approved credit to qualified retail customers through Volvo Car Financial Services Canada. Lease offer example based on a 2010 XC60 T6 AWD at 5.90% lease APR and $549/month for 48 months with $5,150 down and $650 security deposit and first month's payment due at lease inception. Taxes, up to $1,995 freight and PDI and up to $75 PPSA are due at lease inception. Total lease obligation $26,352. Taxes, license, insurance and retailer charges are extra. Lease has an 80,000 km allowance ($0.16 per km on excess). Payments and security deposits may vary by choice of extra equipment. Purchase at end of lease for $21,291 plus taxes. All 2010 XC60 vehicles purchased before the offer end date are eligible for a `No-charge' Laminated Panoramic Roof, while supplies last. The $1,800 value of the Laminated Panoramic Roof is applied to reduce the down payment of the 2010 XC60 T6 AWD from $6,950 to $5,150. Front bumper bar, side scuff plates and 19" Alloy wheels are not standard features on the 2010 XC60 T6 AWD. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. Volvo of Oakville may lease for less. Some terms/conditions apply. Offer subject to availability. Offer ends June 30, 2009. See Volvo of Oakville for full details. City Safety does not work in all situations. Bad weather (i.e. rain, snow, fog, etc.) can cause City Safety to become unavailable. In most cases the driver will receive a message that City Safety is not active. For further details on City Safety visit volvoofoakville.com. 9.1L per 100 kms (HWY)/13.5L per 100 kms (city). Based on 2009 fuel Consumption Guide ratings published by Natural Resources Canada. Transport Canada test methods used. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. ©2009 Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. "Volvo. for life" is a registered trademark used under license by Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. Always remember to wear your seat belt. Visit volvoofoakville.com.