UPRATED SUSPENSION AND SHARPER STEERING

+ Click to Enlarge SEXED UP: The sporty R-Design trim package on the Volvo XC60 includes body-colour trim where the "standard" XC60 has matt black plastic, making it look as if its ride height has been lowered.

August 26, 2009

Volvo has revved up its XC60 SUV with an R-Design sports package featuring uprated suspension, sharper steering and distinctive trim – and it'll be released in South Africa in the first quarter of 2010.

It'll be shown for the first time at the Frankfurt auto show in September.

The R-Design's ride and handling have been sharpened by giving it a stiffer chassis and firmer damping – but without lowering ride height so ground clearance is retained for off-road adventures.

A more direct steering gear ratio makes the car feel more nimble and give the driver more accurate feedback.

The R-Design styling package follows the lead by the sports versions of the C30 coupé, S40 sedan, V50 and V70 station wagons and XC90 SUV, with door mirror housings and trim mouldings in matte silk metal finish, rear skid-plate, side scuff plates and dual chromed tailpipes.

Special 18" five-spoked aluminium rims are fitted and 20" alloys are an option for the first time on an XC60.

The lower panels are body colour instead of the matte black trim found on the standard XC60 models, to create the impression that the car is sitting closer to the ground - even though ground clearance is unchanged.

A metallic finish is also the dominant theme inside the car with aluminium inserts in the steering wheel, door mouldings and centre stack. The sports pedals are made of brushed aluminium, with rubber inserts for precise grip, feel and control.

The dark centre stack has a circular pattern that extends to the pattern on the sports seats, which are trimmed in leather in either beige with black accents or black with beige insets. The seats have two firmness levels in the squabs and backrests for body-hugging support and comfort.

Also available for the first time on an XC60 model is Volvo's rear-seat entertainment package, comprising 180mm LCD screens - each with its own DVD player - in the backs of the front head restraints. The screens can be tilted to minimise dazzle and reflections in bright conditions.

Discs are inserted from underneath, making them easier for children to use and preventing small objects from falling down the DVD slot. The system also has auxiliary inputs for iPods, MP3 players and games consoles, two wireless headsets and a wireless remote control.