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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.

US DoT makes rear-view cameras compulsory

The US Department of Transportation (DoT) has issued a new safety standard for rear visibility that requires mandatory fitment of rear-view cameras. The ruling applies to all new vehicles, excluding motorcycles, weighing under 10,000 pounds (4,536kg) sold from 2018. The ruling has been introduced to cut backover crashes, caused when the victim strays into the blind zone 10-40 feet (3-12m) behind the vehicle that the driver can't see using their mirrors alone.

Honda replaces Jazz ES with ES Plus – puts price up

The Honda Jazz ES Plus (pictured) replaces the old ES trim Mid-summer (if, indeed, this is summer) is not the best of times for car sales, so we get used to car makers offering enhanced specs to get punters through the door. Which is why Honda has revealed the Jazz ES Plus. Replacing the current Jazz ES, the ES Plus gets extra toys such as a set of 16″ alloys, privacy glass, cruise control, armrest for the driver and leather on the steering wheel and gear knob.