JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Volvo SA will to expand its already refreshed XC60 range with a model intended by the Swedish brand to make that country’s most popular model even more attainable.
it will be the first as the opening derivative in the Scandinavian company’s mid-size SUV line-up, the new XC60 B5 Front Wheel Drive (FWD) lowers the now six-strong range’s starting price to R750 000 (including VAT). It is available for sale from 1 February 2022.
Like all derivatives in the updated XC60 portfolio, the newcomer employs a mild-hybrid powertrain that includes a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) capable of recuperating braking energy to charge a 48-volt battery.
POWER TO THE FRONT
An integrated starter generator uses this recovered energy to support the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and further reduce tailpipe emissions. As a result, the combined fuel consumption figure comes in at 6.9l/100km.
READ MANY MORE VOLVO features on Carman’s Corner
Here driving the front wheels via Volvo’s Geartronic eight-speed automatic transmission, the mild-hybrid arrangement delivers peak power of 183 kW and maximum torque of 350 Nm, with the latter available across a usefully broad rev range (from 1800-4800rpm). The outcome is brisk performance, with the 0-100km/h sprint done in 7.0sec, a tenth behind AWD units.
The newbie slots below the XC60 B5 Momentum AWD but is not short on standard kit: 18″ alloy wheel rims, dual-zone aircon, keyless entry, heatable front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear parking radar with reversing camera, and inductive smartphone charging.
A WORD FROM THE BOSS
Leather upholstery? Sure, as An option…
The brand’s 2022 Android-powered infotainment system with Google apps and other services will be updated online as they are introduced.
Volvo’s MD Greg Maruszewski told The Corner the new B5 FWD derivative would cement the XC60’s “long-held status as the brand’s best-seller and the leader in its class”.
He added: “The XC60 B5 FWD puts this efficient but powerful mild-hybrid powertrain within reach of more customers in South Africa and so experience Volvo’s luxury and safety while the new Android infotainment system will give unparalleled connectivity.”
FINAL NOTE FROM VOLVO SA: “The XC60 has been Volvo’s global top-seller since 2009, was World Car of the Year in 2018, and in 2021 won the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety took the ‘Top Safety Pick’.
Carman's Corner 