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.

Ssangyong launches yet another concept and a refresh of its Korando Crossover.

• 87^th Geneva International Motor Show 2017
• XAVL concept takes bold styling cues from the brand’s heritage
• Signposts SsangYong’s future design and product development direction
• Blends the ruggedness of an authentic SUV and the practicality of a seven seat MPV
• New look for the ever-popular 2017 Korando crossover

SsangYong Motor Company, (CEO, Johng-sik Choi) has today presented a new vision for the brand’s SUV of the future at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland - concept XAVL.

“As the oldest car brand and only specialist producer of SUV and 4x4 vehicles in Korea, it is incumbent upon us to lead the way in new product development in this sector.  I am delighted to unveil this concept which signposts the future generation of SsangYong cars.

“XAVL is a further iteration of the XAV concept we presented at the Frankfurt motor show in 2015.  This longer bodied car will accommodate seven passengers in comfort, and will be powered by both petrol and new clean-burning diesel engines.

“Of particular note, this concept draws heavily on our heritage, and unashamedly takes its design inspiration from our classic and iconic Korando model of the 1990s,” said Mr. Choi.

The SsangYong XAVL concept - eXciting Authentic Vehicle Long - is based on the product development philosophy of Robust, Specialty and Premium.  

XAVL presents a tough, masculine looking and authentic SUV concept that blends advanced convenience and practicality with a user-friendly interface, and indicates yet another strategic model to drive future growth for the brand.

With seven independent seats and providing wide inner space, XAVL takes on a differentiated role for a mid-size SUV, by combining off-road capability with the versatility and practicality of a multi-purpose MPV.  The three rows of seats are in a two-three-two layout.  

The five seats comprising the second and third rows all fold and slide to maximise comfort and the use of space, while also affording the passenger/load carrying flexibility expected of both an SUV and MPV.

In contrast to the tough, masculine exterior, a comfortable and sensitive ambiance is created for the interior, enhanced by a wide and contemporary space with sophisticated, subtle illumination.  In addition, the smart user interface enables free communication between passengers, the car and home.

The XAVL concept is a mid-size SUV, and takes its inspiration from the second generation classic Korando of the 1990s.  

This contemporary interpretation of the original car is expected to find its way into production as an authentic off-road SUV in the near future.

XAVL offers the choice of a Euro 6d-Temp compliant 1.5 litre petrol or 1.6 litre diesel engine, and matched with the option of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, and with a 2WD system.

The 1.6 litre diesel engine achieves CO₂ emissions of 120~150g/km (2WD, MT/AT, with stop/start), while the 1.5 litre petrol engine gives CO₂ emissions of 150~170g/km (2WD, MT/AT, with stop/start).

Safety is of prime concern to SsangYong, and the XAVL features an external airbag to provide increased protection to pedestrians, while passenger safety is further achieved through a central airbag between the driver and front seat passenger, as well as a driver’s knee airbag to enhance driver safety.

For drivers’ convenience and safety, XAVL is equipped with a suite of new electronic safety aids, including Advanced Emergency Braking System, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assistance, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The car is also equipped with a Smart Parking Assist System, a 10.25 inch full colour LCD display, and a wi-fi hotspot for the second and third row of seats.  In addition, the car’s navigation, heating, ventilation & air conditioning, and the infotainment system located in the head lining, can all be controlled from a smart phone, while Link to Home IOT (Internet of Things) technology allows occupants to connect with their home and manage CCTV, security, domestic equipment and temperature control.

XAVL is 4,630mm long, 1,866mm wide, 1,640mm high, and has a 2,775mm wheelbase.

FRESH NEW-LOOK KORANDO FOR 2017

• Spacious family accommodation and a great off-road performance
• Distinctive grille and headlight treatment adopt the new SsangYong ‘look’
• Front and rear cameras* for improved safety

The Korando SUV has been greatly enhanced for 2017 with a stylish new design, enhanced equipment and additional safety features.

The car sports a new-look front aspect, which has been redesigned to maximise the car’s robust character with a distinctive new shoulder-wing grille and headlight treatment, while safety has also been improved with the addition of a front view camera* - a first in this class of SUV.

European sales are set to commence from the second quarter of the year.

The new Korando SUV is designed for young families seeking an active lifestyle, and will appeal to those requiring a car that can handle the rough and tumble of family life - plenty of interior space for growing children and generous boot space for all their leisure equipment.

The car features daytime running lights using 11 high-luminescent LED lamps with separate lenses to improve visibility, new 18” diamond-cut wheels and a new ergonomically designed steering wheel.

The new car also gets both front and rear view safety cameras* for greatly enhanced safety, allowing the driver to monitor blind spots around the vehicle when parking or moving at low speed.

There is the choice between a 7” colour display offering a mirroring function to connect between a smart phone or an HDMI cable, and TomTom 7” navigation: both support the video camera displays, Bluetooth hands-free and iPod connectivity.

The new Korando is powered by a choice of a turbo-charged, Euro 6 compliant 2.2 litre diesel or 2.0 litre petrol engine*, and is matched with either a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission for smooth, dynamic gear changing, comfortable driving and lively acceleration.  

The car also comes with either front wheel-drive, or a smart, on-demand all-wheel drive system, making it the ultimate leisure vehicle.

* - according to market

WHAT VAN ? - The New Citroen Dispatch takes it's first two UK awards at the Van of the year ceremony.

New Citroën Dispatch has just picked up its first UK accolades since it was launched earlier this year.

The new mid-size panel van was named joint winner of both the overall Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year prize and the Medium Van of the Year trophy at the 2017 What Van? Awards. 

The honours were presented at the prestigious What Van? Awards luncheon in London earlier today.

What Van?’s panel of experienced judges considered the model to be “an outstanding new van that has come to the market this year”, adding that the New Dispatch “breaks new ground in the largest and most important sector of the market.”

James Dallas, Editor of WhatVan?, commented; “The Citroën Dispatch represents a big step up compared with its predecessor in terms of quality, refinement and practicality. It should propel the brand to the forefront of what is a very competitive market sector. The new Dispatch brings useful innovations to the market and it now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best medium vans on offer.”

The What Van? Awards are voted for by an expert panel of judges who use their combined decades of experience to decide the winners. The awards highlight the best products, companies and services in the industry, and reward those making the biggest difference to van operators and drivers across the UK.

The design of the New Citroën Dispatch was inspired by the world of passenger cars and SUVs. Its styling is fluid and practical, with the all-new modular platform allowing New Citroën Dispatch to be available in three lengths. Its practicality is illustrated by an optional hands-free function for the sliding side doors and numerous improvements in the cabin that make the life of the driver significantly easier.

Besides useful everyday functions like hands-free entry and start, New Citroën Dispatch also features technology such as Mirror Screen smartphone connectivity that brings the van right up to date.

Jeremy Smith, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, said; “We are delighted that the New Citroën Dispatch has been voted as the best new light commercial vehicle on the market by What Van? magazine. To gain industry recognition on such an important new product, in a highly competitive market, is very important to us. We are confident that new and existing customers will be equally impressed when they get behind the wheel to experience the new van for themselves.”

Subaru announced today that Subaru Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek won their segments at the Autopacific Awards.

• Outback wins Best-in-Class for Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV
• Forester wins Best-in-Class Mid-Size Crossover SUV
• Crosstrek wins Best-in-Class Compact Crossover
• Outback and Forester win for second year in a row 

Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that Subaru Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek won their segments in the Crossover SUV categories for the 2016 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards.  These awards, based on customer responses, recognize vehicles that best meet the expectations of their owners.  Both Outback and Forester won their segments for the second year in a row. 

 

The automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. surveyed owners of new model 2015 and 2016 vehicles across all major manufacturers after 90 days of ownership.  This national survey of 15 questions received responses from over 65,000 owners.  Respondents recommended changes to their car or truck in five key areas including ride and handling, interior storage, safety features, power and acceleration, and technology. 

 

“By asking vehicle owners if they would change various aspects of their vehicle if given the opportunity, we not only identify problem areas and opportunities for improvement, but we also find out which manufacturers are truly hitting the mark with owners,” explains George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. 

 

AutoPacific named winners in 24 categories with Outback, Forester and Crosstrek winning their segments and giving Subaru a sweep of Premium Mid-Size, Mid-Size and Small Crossover SUV categories.  These customers indicated that Subaru closely targeted the crossover vehicles to match their wants and needs. 

 

“We are extremely proud to receive these three distinguished 2016 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards because they represent the voice of our customers” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment of providing top quality vehicles with safety, reliability, durability, and comfort in mind.”

New concept explores Infiniti’s vision for a mid-sized SUV, they unveil the QX Sport Inspiration to the world.

• New concept explores Infiniti’s vision for a premium mid-sized SUV
• Inspired by Infiniti’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ form language
• World debut at Beijing Auto Show (25 April)

Infiniti has revealed its daring new QX Sport Inspiration concept car at a design-themed media preview, two days before the car makes its public world premiere at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show.

The QX Sport Inspiration was unveiled at Infiniti’s Design studio in Beijing, one of the company’s four global design studios.

Infiniti President, Roland Krueger, said: “The QX Sport Inspiration Concept is a confident statement of intent from Infiniti, showcasing a daring design philosophy and a demonstration of our capabilities in the mid-size SUV segment”.

Inspired by Infiniti’s acclaimed ‘Powerful Elegance’ design philosophy – characterised by flowing sculptural lines and strong, muscular proportions – the QX Sport Inspiration lays down markers for the brand’s vision of a next-generation, mid-size premium SUV. Featuring the brand’s signature design cues and an array of innovative details, the concept boasts a powerful, purposeful exterior with an elegance that is uniquely Infiniti.

Sophisticated craftsmanship and flowing lines distinguish the concept’s spacious and beautifully appointed interior, which follows Infiniti’s ‘driver-centric, passenger-minded’ approach to advanced cabin architecture.

Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director, added: “The QX Sport Inspiration expresses power and purpose through what we describe as its ‘proportional clarity’, with an elegance that is uniquely Infiniti. The exterior design will appeal to an artistic sensibility. It has a more flowing, natural aesthetic than that evident in traditional premium SUVs.”

The Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration concept – which explores the brand’s vision for the design, layout, and engineering of future Infiniti QX models – will make its public debut on 25 April at the first press day of the 2016 Beijing Auto Show.

The Infiniti Design Night, the second design-focused event from the brand ahead of a major Chinese motor show, took place at the Infiniti Design Studio, following a similar highly successful event in Shanghai in April 2015.