Page 4 - AIT0119_VolvoXC60

SERIEN ARCHITEKTUR UND AUTO • ARCHITECTURE AND AUTOMOBILE
Souverän und gut proportioniert - in Fusion Red Metallic • Superior and well proportioned - in Fusion Red metallic
Geradliniges, dynamisches Design im Cockpit • Cockpit with linear, dynamic design
Teilautonomes Fahren •
042 • AIT 1/2.2019
T he Volvo XC60. The first model already became a bestseller worldwide among
mid-range SUVs in the premium segment and the most popular Volvo model
for almost a decade – even in Germany. My expectations for the second generation
were correspondingly high, and since the SUV exactly matches my automotive pref-
erences in terms of style and function, I was looking forward to taking delivery of the
stylish Fusion Red Metallic SUV. The external appearance of the Swedish car is
dynamic, elegant, confident, and also well-proportioned. Typical design features
such as the T-shaped LED daytime driving lights and the striking rear give it the
unmistakable look of Volvo's design vocabulary. By the way, the backlit door handles
are a useful gimmick with a special wow effect. Inside, the attention to detail is
also clearly noticeable: a dashboard in leather look with light-coloured seams, the
horizontal, linear-dynamic design, striking vertical ventilation flaps, and the centre-
piece in the middle: a 9-inch touch screen display. The R-Design equipment with
sports seats finished in a nubuck textile/nappa leather combination give the interior
a sporty-elegant look. Conclusion: With this car you are guaranteed to have a pro-
fessional appearance everywhere, be it at the client's premises, on the construction
site, or during a weekend trip to Bolzano.
A simple thing for the agile dog!
Well, let's start testing the car’s suitability for everyday use and its "inner values",
because there is no need for us to explain any further that this model is the result
of good product design. Whether the car delivers what it promises has been tested
in a wide variety of situations. First practical test: Is there enough room for a dog
box? After all, Airedale terrier Elly has to get to the office with me every day. Yes,
there is enough space – the boot with a volume of 505 l is sufficient and can be
extended to 1,432 l thanks to electrically folding rear seats. Another nice feature:
When getting out, the rear lowers by five centimetres thanks to the air-sprung
chassis. Of course, my agile dog laughs at that. But for loading and unloading heavy
objects, this reduced height is rather pleasant. During the first ride, you inevitably
have to deal with the functions of the touch display, because almost everything
is controlled with it. You have to delve deeper if you want to take advantage of all
the possibilities the car has to offer. However, this was too extensive for me and
I quickly lost interest. I have to assign a minus point to the climate control, because
it, too, can only be controlled via the display and this quickly distracts the driver’s
attention from the traffic. In this case, a conventional rotary knob would be a much
safer solution. Otherwise, the Volvo is far ahead when it comes to safety. The driver
is supported in critical situations wherever possible in order to keep the risk of
accidents as low as possible. This is achieved by means of an emergency braking
system and automatic steering interventions, which come into play, for example,
when an obstacle is avoided. (I didn't test it, though!)
What I tested in great detail is the Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving.
Sportlich-elegante Sitze • Sporty-elegant seats
Wherever there are road markings on the left and right, the XC 60 can be left to
its own devices at speeds of up to 130 km/h, even without a vehicle in front, and
you can occasionally take your hands off the steering wheel. At first, this seems a
bit spooky and at high speed in the curve you don't want to completely transfer
the responsibility to the electronic system. But once you get used to this comfort,
it can be a pleasant thing. I used it every day on the motorway on my way to the
office or during a weekend trip to Bolzano. However, you can also simply rely on
the cruise control with distance radar to travel in a relaxed manner on country
roads and motorways. I also liked the agile 235-hp diesel engine, which allows
rapid acceleration when you access the motorway. Being a rider, I was also parti-
cularly interested in the trailer load, which, at 2,400 kg, leaves nothing to be de-
sired. The trailer coupling can be extended and retracted semi-electrically in no time
at all. The tank volume of 71 litres is also generous. I find frequent refuelling ex-
tremely annoying. The average fuel consumption of 6.6 l during my two-week test
period is really acceptable. My conclusion: A chic, everyday car for all situations
with lots of comfort and extras. Well suited for all those who do not want to miss
out on anything and are happy to accept the slightly higher price level compared to
similar models from competitors.