We all like to feel like we’re the only ones on the road. The kings (or queens) of the road – raised above the rest in a spacious, all weather performance 4-wheel-drive. The reality, of course, is that SUVs are expensive, have higher fuel consumption and therefore higher tax bands. The Volvo XC60, one of Volvo’s safest and most fuel efficient cars, is here to change this.
When the car was revealed in March 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show, officials boasted the car’s “toughness of an SUV and luxury of a Coupe.” The car’s “City Safety” feature reduces damage to the engine in low speed impacts. Based on statistics that approximately 50% of accidents occur in low speed scenarios, the car is able to detect when other vehicles brake suddenly and prepares its own for action. If action is not taken by the driver on time, the car brakes automatically. This has resulted in an insurance premium discount of up to 30% across Europe, with the decreased likelihood of both personal and car bodywork damage.
Alongside the XC60, the DRIVe range includes 7 Volvo models that harbour a dramatic reduction in CO2 levels and increased fuel efficiency. The intelligent Start/Stop system allows the engine to switch off when the cars’ gear lever is in neutral and the clutch is released. As soon as the clutch is pressed to start up again, the engine starts again, thus reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by almost 8% in high traffic conditions.
The best part about Start/Stop? Comfort inside the car is not affected. An additional, small battery supports the main car battery with extra power, allowing air conditioning, music and other electronics to be used within the car, even when the engine’s switched off. The batteries themselves are not charged solely by the diesel engine, but by the cars’ kinetic energy produced when a gear is engaged. This second feature, also completely unique to DRIVe cars, saves between 2-3% of overall fuel consumption.
The XC60 is a great family and company car with the advantage of space and comfort on the inside, efficiency and safety on the functional side and a beautiful design all around. If you’re based in the South East of England, why not give your local Caffyns dealer a call for a test drive – For November and December only, you’ll get a 15% discount on this model, and up to 20% on other Volvo models.
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