After a lot of speculation and hype, Volvo has launched facelift versions of its models, S60 and XC60. The S60 sedan carries an ex-showroom price of Rs. 29.90 lakh in Delhi whereas the XC60 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) has a starting price of Rs. 40.50 lakh. As expected, both vehicles feature various new functions that include laser-assisted automatic braking and a new instrument cluster panel with three different modes. It must be noted that both these models made their global debuts at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that was held in March this year.
Commenting on the launch, Tomas Ernberg, the Managing Director of Volvo India said, “We have focused on quality and attention to details in order to give these models a major boost and sharpen their competitiveness." He later added that the company is listening carefully to its customers so as to make improvements and ensure that these cars are even more attractive.
Like the other facelift versions, Volvo has altered the designs of these vehicles as they now get more rounded appearance. At the front, Volvo has given a wider revamped grille alongside the slimmer daytime running LED lamps. In S60 sedan, the Swedish car maker has given cornering adaptive headlights whereas the XC60 SUV gets torque vectoring technology which comes as standard on all trim levels.
Changes made to the interiors include upgraded infotainment system that gets a 7-inch touchscreen display, which can be controlled even by wearing gloves. This new TFT instrument panel is borrowed from the V40 Cross Country model, launched earlier this year. Both the cars are now equipped with steering mounted paddle shifters that are offered in the automatic variants.
One of the main highlights of S60 and XC60 models include advanced safety features wherein crashes at speeds of about 50 kmph can be averted. The company shall be bringing its newly launched model in India through the Completely Built Unit (CBU) route as uncertainty still looms over the possibility of Volvo setting up its own assembling plant.
In terms of mechanics, nothing has changed as the base trim of S60 gets the same 2.0-litre D4 diesel engine, which produces 163 bhp and 400 Nm of torque while the top-spec trim gets 2.4-litre five-cylinder powertrain that produces 215 bhp and 420 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the XC60 is available in two engine options offered in differently tuned specifications.
Talking about the future course of the company in India, the luxury car manufacturer might be introducing the facelift version of XC90 model at the upcoming 2014 Auto Expo, wherein it is expected to showcase its future line-up of products. In terms of competition, the S60 sedan will compete against the likes of BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 while the updated XC60 SUV would be pitted against BMW X5 and Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
