Volvo Auto India launches face-lifted S60 and XC60

New Delhi, October 23, 2013: Swedish luxury carmaker Volvo Auto India has rolled out its face-lifted S60 sporty saloon and the XC60 SUV diesels that will replace the existing models.

The face-lifted S60 saloon and XC60 SUV get the new family look, improved equipment levels and a minor mechanical update. The more rounded and dynamic family look of the S60 saloon and the XC60 SUV has been replaced by a visually widened front end, more prominent horizontal lines and slimmer lights. Both vehicles also get new interior trim.

Priced at Rs 29.90 lakh for the S60 D4 KIN and Rs 35.50 lakh for the top-end S60D5 SUM, the XC60 D4 KIN will cost Rs 40.50 lakh and Rs 46.55 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the XC60D5 SUM models.

Shipped to India as completely built unit (CBU) kits, Tomas Ernberg, managing director, Volvo Auto India, told Autocar Professional that three Indian suppliers are currently supplying components including the horn to Volvo Sweden for various Volvo models.

“Volvo Cars India will close the current calendar year with sales of 1,000 units of which 75-80 percent will be contributed by the S60 and XC60 models. The V40 Cross Country model that was launched earlier in the year has proved to be a very successful model and will account for sales of 160-170 units out of the total sales,” said Ernberg.

City Safety feature

Among the key enhancements in the new models is City Safety, Volvo Cars' in-house developed unique technology for avoiding low-speed collisions in city traffic and tailbacks. The feature has been upgraded to be active at speeds upto 50kph for preventing collisions. If the vehicle in front brakes suddenly and City Safety determines that a collision is likely, the brakes are pre-charged. If the driver remains inactive, the car applies the brakes automatically. City Safety keeps an eye on traffic in front with the help of a laser sensor that is integrated into the top of the windscreen at the height of the rearview mirror. It can detect vehicles and other objects up to 10 metres in front of the car's front bumper. Volvo says City Safety is developed to react to vehicles in front that are either at a standstill or are moving in the same direction as the car itself.

Other highlights of the two cars are the digital instrument clusters with active TFT crystal display with 3 graphic themes, new more comfortable sports seats, three-spoke steering wheels accompanied by paddle shifters, LED daytime running lights and new dual exhaust tailpipes.

While the new S60 will be on offer in 4 colours, the XC60 will come in 8 colours.

Ernberg said that Volvo plans to increase the number of its dealerships in India by end-2013 and will have a total of 12 dealers and 15 outlets, up from the current 10 dealers and 13 outlets.

While confirming that the current slowdown has impacted car sales, Ernberg added that the luxury car market is up 10 percent while Volvo has grown by 20 percent. The luxury carmaker is targeting sales of 20,000 units by 2020 with completely new models to be introduced based on demand around the next 3-4 years.

SHOBHA MATHUR