Volvo has release first pictures and details of the new XC60 crossover SUV which is due to debut at Geneva on 4th March’ 08. The freshest and arguably the most exciting product from Volvo after the C30, the XC60 looks great in the pictures released by Volvo. Infact Volvo is targetting owners of the C30 who they feel would like to buy the XC60 as a lifestyle SUV. Being a crossover it blends the styling of a typical SUV inspired by the XC series with a low slung, athletic appearance while maintaining good ground clearance, large dia wheels and offroad capability. The XC60 will be launched three engine choices including a T6 turbo belting out 285 bhp, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 bhp. The one to go for would be the T6, which seems adequately powered to move the bulk of this SUV at a reasonable pace. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard fitment across the range. Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp has said that in 2009 a front-wheel driven 2.4 litre diesel variant with 163 bhp on tap will also be offered.

New tech includes a ‘City Safety’ feature which is essentially an auto brake feature saving small impacts which occur in urban traffic. If the XC60 is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, it brakes itself. This feature would be standard on all variants. Volvo’s have always been known for their safety kit and this time they are only building on their reputation.

The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. The company says equal volumes would be allocated for Europe and North America. The XC60 goes on sale in Europe in the second half of 2008 and reaches American shores in early 2009.