The long awaited Volvo XC60 has been revealed at Geneva - and about time too !

Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, today revealed the long-awaited new XC60 premium SUV at the Geneva Motor Show.

The new car replaces Volvo’s highly successful original XC60, which in the nine years since its launch became the best-selling premium mid-sized SUV in Europe, with nearly a million units sold globally. The XC60 today represents around 30 per cent of Volvo’s total global sales.

“We have a strong heritage in designing stylish and dynamic SUVs that offer the latest in technology. The new XC60 will be no exception. It’s the perfect car for an active lifestyle, and it represents the next step in our transformation plan,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive, Volvo Car Group. 

New comfort and safety technology

The new XC60, one of the safest cars ever made, is fully loaded with new technology. Steer Assist has been added to the ground-breaking City Safety system. A new safety system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation uses Steer Assist to help mitigate head-on collisions, while Volvo’s Blind Spot Indication System (BLIS) now uses Steer Assist functionality to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.

“We have focused on building a car that can deliver pleasure to all of your senses – from a commanding view of the road ahead in a beautifully appointed and calm cabin, to a safe, inspired and confident ride,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Product & Quality at Volvo Car Group. “We’ve paid particular attention to making life easier for our customers by providing them with the creature comforts and services that take the hassle out of everyday life.”

Pilot Assist, Volvo’s advanced semi-autonomous driver-assistance system, which takes care of steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 130 km/h, is available in the new XC60 as an option.

Performance

The new XC60 offers Volvo’s award-winning T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid at the top of the powertrain range, delivering 407 hp and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.

“We have a wide range of powertrains. The new XC60 will be launched with the diesel D4 engine at 190 hp and the D5 with PowerPulse technology delivering 235 hp. We also have the petrol-powered T5 delivering 254 hp and the T6 which, with both turbo and superchargers attached, delivers 320 hp and 400 Nm of torque,” added Henrik Green.

But it is not just under the bonnet that the new XC60 delivers healthy performance. The new CleanZone four-zone climate control system removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin to deliver Scandinavian-fresh air on the inside.

Volvo Cars’ driver infotainment and connected services offer, Sensus, and the Volvo On Call app both receive a graphical update with improved usability. As in the 90 series cars, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also available.

Sculpted feel

“The XC60 is an SUV not designed to look down on others but to drive. The exterior has an athletic sculpture with a subtle, timeless quality. The interior is a masterful composition of well-resolved architecture, beautiful materials and the very latest technology – all perfectly blended together. The XC60 provides a true Scandinavian experience, which will make our customers feel special,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design at Volvo Car Group.

Volvo Cars’ new XC60 is set to go into production in mid-April at the Torslanda Plant in Sweden.

Note to editors:

There are no plans to offer the T6 powertrain in the UK.

Official performance and fuel consumption data is preliminary.

Citroën to unveil a new concept at the Geneva Motor Show The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept

Citroën will unveil a new concept vehicle at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show – SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept. The new design is inspired by the brand’s own “Ë” lifestyle product range, which was presented at last year's Paris Motor Show. 

The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept embodies Citroën’s unique spirit and features a 4x4 drivetrain, enhanced body protection and new external graphics. 

Its unique interior is true to the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme and promotes well-being. SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is a stylish, practical and contemporary mode of transport for the modern day adventurer.

With only a few weeks to go until the Geneva Motor Show, Citroën has revealed the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept, a contemporary vehicle with an uncompromising combination of off-road ability, versatility and comfort. 

The new concept is an up-to-date take on the SpaceTourer, uniquely inspired by Citroën’s "Ë" collection of limited edition lifestyle products.

Enhancing the existing strengths of the production model, the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept offers elegant styling and a unique design, with class-leading technologies for all types of terrain – including an all-wheel-drive transmission developed by Automobiles Dangel.

Citroën SpaceTourer 4x4 Ë Concept is designed for well-being, with adventurous styling that evokes vitality, making it ideal for families or groups of friends looking to enjoy leisure activities in style.

AN ENERGETIC DESIGN WITH NEW GRAPHICS

Exterior look

Aesthetically, the Citroën SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept introduces a dynamic combination of colours and materials, both inside and out, with a striking graphic design for an energetic new look.

Boasting all the best features of large MPVs and SUVs, the design emphasises the concept car's all-terrain abilities. The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is equipped with special front and rear protective skid plates and roof bars with a satin aluminium finish.

Recognisable with its "4X4" logo under the door mirrors and on the tailgate, the 4x4 concept also features tyres with snow chains.

To visually boost its personality, the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is cloaked in a special white paint and a striking grey camouflage design with red decals. Touches of the same red colour can also be seen on the snow chains.

Available in several body sizes (XS, M and XL) to meet the needs of families and professionals alike, the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is presented as a compact XS version, designed for top-level functionality and versatility. With its short wheelbase, the XS model is a first in its segment with a body length of just 4.60m and a height of 1.90m. 

Despite its raised body, the 4x4 version remains under 2m tall, ensuring access to most height-restricted car parks.

The "Ë" signature is inseparable from the name and history of the Citroën brand, and is positioned proudly on the dark-tinted rear quarter lights.

Interior feel

The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept’s sliding side doors open to reveal an impressively spacious interior, upholstered in soft and warm materials, with large windows providing plenty of natural light. 

The broad glass sunroof has two separate and coverable sections. The level of personalisation inside is most evident on the dashboard and upholstery. The red, white and blue colours are inspired by the "Ë" lifestyle product range and subtly celebrate the brands French heritage to forge a new interior aesthetic. 

Inspired by the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, the seats in the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept are remarkably comfortable. The generous cabin can accommodate up to nine people, although in this five-seat configuration the concept has two individual front seats fitted with armrests.

With an uncompromising combination of comfort, practicality and aesthetics, this concept car has a unique interior look with a top-quality two-tone treatment. White leather graces the upper part of the seat backs and headrests. On the lower two-thirds of each seat, mottled grey Alcantara and leather combine to create a stunning visual contrast.

The headrests on the front seats feature an embossed “Ë” logo and there are white leather straps on the front doors for use as door handles. 

This type of design was first seen on the C4 Cactus and is inspired by the world of travel and leather goods. As with the seatbelts, these door straps feature the same red and blue detailing as the brand’s "Ë" lifestyle product collection. 

Other references to the “Ë” collection can be seen on the dashboard, which is decorated in a mottled grey, soft-to-the-touch fabric. This is similar to the iPad cover in the "Ë" collection. The aluminium-coloured trim in the cabin is a reference to the “Ë” branded jackets within the collection.

ENGINEERED FOR LEISURE AND ADVENTURE

The SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept's adventurous spirit and raised ground clearance (60mm higher than the production model), make it the ideal companion for outdoor pursuits.

Designed for most driving conditions, and powered by the BlueHDi 150 S&S diesel engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept boasts top-level all-terrain abilities and ride comfort, whatever the weather. 

The concept is equipped with a selectable 4x4 transmission from Automobiles Dangel, a well-known French all-terrain specialist. Offering even greater motoring freedom, the drivetrain offers 4x4 traction, with Auto 4WD and R. Lock settings via a control wheel on the dashboard. 

The Citroën SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept has a high-set driving position and boot access is enhanced by the opening rear window in the tailgate. Cabin access is via two foot operated hands-free sliding side doors. 

Occupants are treated to 74-litres of storage space located around the cabin, including the glove box and door bins. There is also sufficient space in the back to house a snowboard, leisure accessories or other items from the "Ë" collection. 

The concept car has a load volume of up to two cubic metres in this five-seat layout.

COMFORT AND MODERN TECHNOLOGIES

Created with all of Citroën's expertise in ride comfort and practicality, the SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is also fitted with a new-generation telematics system, including;

• Citroën Connect Nav: a new 3D navigation system that can be controlled with the voice recognition function or via the 7-inch touchscreen.
• Mirror Screen: replicating smartphone apps on the same 7-inch screen.

For even more peace-of-mind at the wheel, the Citroën SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept places the following features conveniently in the driver's line of sight:

• Head-up Display: the driver can keep their eyes on the road, while checking essential driving information.
• Top Rear Vision: the rear camera sends an image to the 7-inch touchscreen, covering the area behind the vehicle with a 180° ‘seen-from-above’ field of view.
• Blind-spot Monitoring System: informs the driver when a vehicle is in their blind spot.

For added comfort and safety, the Citroën SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept is also equipped with;

• Speed Limiter, plus Road Sign Recognition and Recommendation: the driver is informed of the speed limit and can use this information to set the vehicle’s speed limiter.
• Automatic Beam Function: switches between high and low beam settings, depending on oncoming traffic.
• Lane Departure Warning System: alerts the driver if the vehicle crosses into another lane without the driver indicating.

Further technologies for safety include;

• Active Safety Brake: to help avoid collisions or reduce the speed of impact.
• Collision Risk Alert: warns the driver of a risk of imminent collision.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: the vehicle automatically adapts its speed to the car in front.

A bold expression of the brand's “Be Different, Feel Good” promise, the Citroën SpaceTourer 4X4 Ë Concept will make its debut appearance on the Citroën stand at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show (Press days: Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 March, 2017).

Volvo cuts the cost of ownership with City Safety Autonomous Emergency Braking

• Annual premium savings of up to £160 on Volvo Cars fitted with City Safety Autonomous Emergency Braking*
• Insurance ratings of all new Volvo cars** fall by up to four groups
• Tristar Worldwide fleet operating City Safety equipped Volvos saves thousands each year on repairs, hire cars and third party claims

Thanks to Volvo’s City Safety Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system, fitted as standard on all new Volvo models**, drivers could see their insurance premiums fall by more than £100 the next time they renew their car insurance policy.

Volvo car models have had their insurance groupings reduced by up to four levels, saving the consumer up to £161.81 per year in reduced insurance premiums according to figures supplied by Volvo Car Insurance.

The Volvo City Safety system, which has been fitted to more than one million new Volvos worldwide, was applauded for its ability to help drivers avoid low speed crashes by Thatcham, which administers the Association of British Insurers group rating system for private cars and commercials.

Alongside Volvo Car’s Pedestrian Detection with full auto-brake and the newly launched Cyclist Detection system that joins Volvo’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system and Blind Spot Info System (BLIS), Volvo continues to be at the forefront of putting all road users’ safety first.

Comments Volvo Car UK managing director Nick Connor: “With City Safety AEB now fitted as standard across all new production Volvos except the XC90, it’s fantastic to see the technology recognised by Thatcham, ultimately allowing Volvo drivers to enjoy big cost savings on their insurance. The continued introduction of all these lifesaving technologies links back to our Vision 2020 long term objective that by 2020 no one should be killed or injured in a new Volvo.”

Comments Thatcham Group Rating Manager, Howard Barron: “Our Crash & Safety team have conducted rigorous AEB testing on all new Volvos fitted with their City Safety AEB technology, in line with our insurer ratified AEB testing protocol. As a result of the successful testing we have been able to recommend to the ABI’s Group Rating panel an adjustment in these Volvo model’s insurance grouping. For consumers this should mean reduced insurance premiums and safer motoring, not just for themselves but also other road users.”

Thatcham has proven that City Safety reduces accident rates and relevant repair costs since its XC60 launch in 2008. It also prevents expensive personal injury claims for whiplash caused by low speed rear end shunts, and rules out the need to provide a hire vehicle while a driver’s car is in for repair.

Tristar Worldwide, a global chauffeur drive company based in Middlesex, has already seen considerable benefits of upgrading much of its 500-strong fleet to the latest Volvo models equipped with City Safety in September 2011.

• First year repair costs fell 56% to just under £270,000, a saving of almost £350,000.
• Third party insurance costs also fell 71% saving Tristar Worldwide £260,000.
• Hire costs were reduced by £65,000.

“Our drivers work predominantly in urban areas and have suffered from numerous minor cases of causing rear end shunts which generate repair, hire car and potentially expensive personal injury costs,” explained Janusz Kozlowki, Tristar Worldwide’s fleet manager.

The European Commission has suggested widespread adoption of AEB could reduce accidents by up to 27 per cent, potentially saving 8,000 lives a year and reducing insurance claims by up to £6.3 billion.  In the future it could also be “practically impossible” for car models to obtain an NCAP five-star rating without this technology fitted.