GIVEN THE cull that has taken place in the four-wheel-drive market recently, these might not be considered the most auspicious of times to be launching an SUV. However, Volvo is hoping that it will have the balance right with its new XC60 on the basis of price, diesel engines and being able to market the car as the "safest Volvo ever".
It is a formula that will probably appeal to the suburban drivers who have made the XC90 a huge success - the car is even credited with saving the Volvo car company.
The XC60 is a more subtle offering. It is a cross-over concept - where the four-wheel-drive profile is retained while at the same time the vehicle becomes far more car-like - so the bulk of the XC90 is substituted for with a softer profile and much is made of lower emissions.
The XC60 has been launched with two diesel engines, a 2.4-litre diesel and a D5 diesel with greater power output. It also has four-wheel-drive,which is a bit of a nonsense in this suburban sector, but the attraction of four-wheel-drive is seen as an extra selling point for those with safety in mind. Volvo Ireland says its hopes to bring in a 2.0-litre diesel front-wheel-drive model next year, which would make lot more sense in terms of lower emmissions and fuel consumption.
With any other manufacturer it might seem the only logical choice in the range, but with Volvo there is a customer loyalty that seems to suggest that if Volvo say the car is good and safe then it is. Extremely solid second-hand values of the XC90 also indicate this new model will have a wider appeal than a car like the BMW X5, for example.
Prices start at €49,950 for the 2.4-litre diesel and for that you get a lot of equipment. The Volvo City Safety technology will prevent rear end shunts at low speeds by cutting in the braking system when you neglect to.
Volvo is the first manufacturer to introduce this system as standard. You will also get alloy wheels, roof rails, electronic climate control, cruise control, roll stability control, a roll over protection system and Volvo's whiplash protection system.
Add a high driving position, a very pleasant interior with five seats, decent boot space and good ride and handling qualities and you have a car that will appeal greatly to suburban families.
The fact that the XC60 also has class-leading ground clearance won't really enter the equation for most people.