The Driving Woman

Shorter than the XC70 and lower than the XC90, the slimmed-down 2009 Volvo XC60 is entering the expanding ”small premium utility” market. According to Volvo, in the next few years buyers will have at least ten crossover models to choose from and by 2009, the segment is expected to expand by 75 percent to 443,000 cars. So, what will the XC60 offer that other crossovers can’t?

Well, it’s a Volvo so safety is key. City Safety, a system that enables the car to brake itself in the case of low-speed impacts, comes standard in the XC60. When a car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the brakes will apply themselves. When was the last time you checked your purse, your cell phone or your blackberry while waiting in slow moving traffic? Sad to admit, but City Safety is a great invention even if it’s just there for the placebo effect.

But, aside from that, the Volvo XC60 has guts. It’s powered by a six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 285 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is standard.

And, yes, this may look like another wagon, but check out the lines. This is the prettiest Volvo I’ve seen since the S80 came out.