Drive: The New (and Much Smarter) Volvo XC60
In 2022, we’re going on more adventures. We’re getting outdoors with the family, hitting the road, and driving wherever the mood may take us…
And we might just do it in a Volvo.
Day trips up the coast, weekends through wine country, extended road trips interstate – we’ve never been so excited to get away. We’ll leave the destination and the company up to you, but our partners at Central Coast Automotive introduced us to the all-new Volvo XC60 this week and we simply couldn’t wait to share.
Words by Jacqueline O’Neill, Images supplied. (Pictured: Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 AWD, Thunder Grey)
The Smarter XC60
You’ve heard of a smartphone, but what about a smart car? Well, the Volvo XC60 is a dynamic midsize SUV that packs one hell of a technological punch. Never fear, though – even those unfamiliar with tech will find this Volvo intuitive, easy-to-use and convenient, designed to take the hassle out of your journey.
Integrating Google Assistant, there’s no need to take your hands off the wheel, ensuring the family stays safe. Simply say “Hey Google” to activate hands-free voice control. Launch Google Maps for directions and real time traffic info on the car’s easy-to-view 12 inch display, and there’s automatic rerouting for those times that you take a cheeky wrong turn – so you can say goodbye to back seat driving. With a head-up display that allows you to watch your speed, follow turn-by-turn navigation, answer phone calls and more, you’ll never have to take your eyes off the road.
You can also easily connect to your favourite apps (such as Spotify for those road trip singalongs), make calls, or access your calendar so you can easily get things done throughout your day. If you’re worried about getting distracted, don’t be – while we definitely don’t suggest letting your guard down too much, the vehicle’s assisted safety features are amongst the best-in-class.
Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 AWD, interior (Euro model pictured)
The Safer XC60
The blind spot information system (BLIS), driver support functions, detection systems, steering support, brake intervention and cross-traffic alerts will all be working hard in the background to keep you, your car and your loved ones right where they should be. Volvo’s advanced driver support technology helps keep your car centred in its lane, tells you when it’s time to resume driving, and even stops the car in the event of an unresponsive driver. Pretty snazzy.
XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid R-Design expression, in Crystal White Pearl
The Sexier and More Sustainable XC60
Past the voice control, infotainment suite and endless safety features, the XC60 also boasts a world-first air quality system, wireless device charging (no more cords!), and an open-and-tilt panoramic roof that helps blur the lines between the open road and the open skies. Add a 360-degree camera, a dynamic chassis that minimises the bumps in the road, full-LED headlights to keep you driving into the night and front, rear and side parking assist for those tricky city parks – and Volvo are truly onto a winner.
The XC60 is available in either a mild or full hybrid version, ensuring that the environment is looked after as well as you are. The mild hybrid saves fuel and reduces emissions by recovering energy from the brakes and storing it in a 48V battery, with Momentum, Inscription and R-Design (top-end) models available. Meanwhile, the full hybrid can be plugged in and charged to achieve an electric range of up to 81km with zero emissions before the engine takes over.
XC60 Inscription, in Pine Grey metallic
The vehicle is also visually stunning, looking right at home both in the city and on the open road. Wherever we’re headed this weekend (possibly one of these spots), we’re definitely going to be wishing we had an XC60 along for the journey.
You can arrange a test drive with the friendly team at Volvo Central Coast by booking here or by calling (02) 4010 1972. To keep up-to-date, you can also follow Volvo on Facebook and Instagram.
