Unprecedented crash-avoidance technology
I was recently in Sausalito, Calif., just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, covering the national media launch of this crash-saving crossover. Volvo’s unprecedented crash-avoidance technology can eliminate or drastically reduce the number of serious injuries from the thousands of costly rear-end crashes that occur each year.
Volvo calls its ground-breaking system “City Safety”. It is aimed at preventing or substantially lowering the number of collisions that occur at speeds of 19 mph or less. Why 19 mph? Volvo says that accident surveys indicate that 75 percent of all reported rear-end collisions take place at speeds of up to 19 mph. In half of these collisions, the driver has not braked at all before the crash, mainly due to some sort of distraction from within the car – like texting on a cell phone or trying to keep an eye out on the kids in the backseat. If this happens in the XC60 at the low speeds associated with moving crawl of typical traffic jams, the brakes will automatically activate to bring the SUV to an abrupt panic stop before it can hit the car stopped in front.
Lower insurance premiums possible
In cases where an accident cannot be avoided, the system helps reduce the force of the crash. And that means that occupants in the vehicle in front will receive a less serious impact and may, in fact, escape serious injuries such as whiplash. It also means that crash damage to both vehicles can be reduced. Volvo reports that it has already held discussions with several insurance companies regarding lower premiums for cars equipped with its City Safety system.
Out in California, when it was my turn to test the system, I drove toward a barrier at 10 mph that was designed to simulate a stopped car. Just before impact the system activated, bringing the XC60 I was driving to a very sudden and very jarring stop. “It is important to understand that the City Safety system does not relieve the driver of the responsibility from maintaining a safe distance to avoid a crash,” says Thomas Broberg who is a spokesperson for Volvo’s Safety Center located in Gothenburg, Sweden. “While braking is quite harsh under this scenario, it greatly enhances our objective that no one should die or be severely injured in a Volvo. With the XC60, we have built the safest car on the road -- before, during or after an accident,” says Broberg.
Driving historic change up the California Coast
Now only is this wunderkind crossover really safe, it features sharp looks, dynamic performance and has great road manners -- as my day-long drive up the Pacific Coast Highway through some of Northern California’s most spectacular oceanfront venues aptly demonstrated. While driving, I was listening to some classical sounds the XC60’s ample sound system. Along the way, I pulled off onto a scenic turnout high above the Pacific Ocean. Under a glorious bright blue sky, I watched with awe as wispy, windswept waves crashed onto the rocky coastline below sending enormous plumes of white-sea spray high into the air before cascading down onto sandy white beaches that were deserted for as far as the eye could see. From my little perch high above the Pacific, I took a moment to reflect on this country’s bountiful beauty -- from my usual home-base on the Chesapeake Bay to the magnificent view of the Pacific that was now unfolding in front of me -- indeed, unparalleled majesty from sea to shinning sea.
When it came time to resume my journey and head back south to Sausalito, the return route required driving for many miles on the rugged and winding roads that transverse Northern California’s mountainous terrain to reach the 101 Freeway. Here the all-wheel-drive compact SUV performed flawlessly with its 281-hp inline T6 engine providing power for plenty of spirited driving performance. “We designed it for drivers who impose high demands on the driving experience – whether the car is used in the city, on the highway, or to negotiate tight curves in country lanes,” said Lars Blenwall, XC60 project director.
“On this drive, you’ve experienced the VC60’s sweet spots: safety, design and performance,” Michael Cottone, U.S. brand manager for the XC60 told me. He predicts that the well equipped XC60 will win a 15-18 percent share of the growing premium crossover segment that now includes the Audi Q5, BMW X5, Infiniti EX35, Lexus RX350 and Mercedes Benz GLK. The XC60 is scheduled to arrive in Charm City Volvo showrooms in two weeks with an estimated EPA mileage of 16 city/22 highway.
Bottom line: On a day when I took a little time out to appreciate the impact of America’s natural beauty, the good news is that I believe Volvo’s revolutionary XC60 crossover is a man-made beauty that will have a big impact with drivers not wanting to have a big impact.
By John Peige
MyCarData
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