Volvo’s new small SUV, the XC60, looks set to take on German rivals with aggressive pricing when it goes on sale this October. The new model will cost from £24,750, potentially undercutting rivals like BMW’s X3 by almost £5000. Three engines will be available in the XC60: the 281bhp, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged T6 petrol and the turbodiesel D5 unit, which comes with either 182bhp or 161bhp. All models come with Volvo’s all-wheel drive system as standard.Volvo is billing the XC60 as the “safest Volvo ever”; its specification can include a low-speed crash avoidance system, lane-departure warning and an auto-brake system.Three trim levels are available: S, SE and SE Lux. The base S spec is only available with the two diesel engines, priced at £24,750 for the 161bhp unit and £25,750 for the 182bhp D5. This model comes with 17-inch alloys, roll-stability control, climate control, cruise control, an auxiliary input on the stereo and remote audio controls.SE spec starts at £26,250 for the 161bhp D5, £27,250 for the more powerful diesel and £31,995 for the turbocharged petrol. In addition to the S spec you get hill-descent control, an electric driver’s seat, folding electric mirrors, textile upholstery and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. The full-house SE spec adds chronographic dials, leather interior, oak-wood trim, electric heated front seats, 18-inch alloys, rear park assist and ‘active’ bending headlamps. Prices for the range-toppers start at £28,750 for the lowly diesel, £29,750 for the 183bhp D5 and £34,495 for the T6. Click here to read more about the new XC60.
