Volvo XC60 (2008): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

19 February 2008 12:10

Volvo has finally sanctioned official shots of the XC60 – a junior version of the XC90 SUV that has helped turn around the fortunes of the Swedish company. Yes, it’s another crossover entering an increasingly congested marketplace, but Volvo hopes this one will appeal to buyers wanting the versatility of a 4x4 without the heft.

Key points worth noticing are the Swedes’ gently evolving design – this is the first model developed under Steve Mattin’s watch as design director. (Some CAR users have criticised us for going on about this – but we reckon it’s significant!). So a bigger, rounder grille is given more prominence, the headlamps swell into a more expressive, upright shape and the rear sees a reinterpretation of Volvo’s trademark lights – now illuminated by LEDs - wrapping around the shoulders.

Be sure to tell us what you think of Volvo’s new look by clicking ‘Add your comment’ below.

You bet. The big news is Volvo’s new City Safety system, which uses radar and parking sensors to detect an impending low-speed impact and brakes the car to avoid hitting anything – a first in the industry, according to the Swedes.

‘It’s not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it’s also the most stunning. Not a bad combination, is it?’ says Volvo Cars president and CEO Fredrik Arp.

Click ‘Next’ to read about the XC60’s interior

By Tim Pollard