July 29, 2009 4:49 PM PDT
Volvo's very safe XC60
In line with its safety focus, Volvo is pioneering some very cool electronic-driver-aid technology. The 2010 Volvo XC60 can be had with lane departure warning, following-distance warning, and blind-spot detection. But while these safety gadgets are optional, Volvo takes the impressive step of making its City Safety feature standard. This feature automatically jams on the brakes when it detects an imminent low-speed collision, which should make insurance companies happy.
BTW, heavier doesn't mean safer. It tends to mean that it has the upper hand in a crash. And it is more likely to get in a crash, compared to a lighter vehicle with better handling. If volvo could do a better job with their engines and shave off some of that excess weight, they could still get more reasonable mileage without sacrificing safety.
I don't know which version is considered "more safer," but AWD probably is safer during snow/rain/mud areas. Seems to me Volvo should kick it into hybrid territory sooner than later.
I think it's about time for a CNetTV CarTech "Late Night" channel where Brian curses out cars and their manufacturers in a glorious stream of expletives. He might even give Clarkson a run for his money if he learns how to powerslide some of these demo cars while he narrates.
Being completely serious for a second - American TV and even American-produced video podcasts rarely dole out hard criticism for cars these days, much less with the flourish Cooley likes to put in. Have you ever watched MotorWeek on PBS? They must have a rule where if their criticism exceeds a slight downward inflection, they can't air it. Most likely it's due to a fear of being blacklisted by manufacturers or sponsors. Regardless, Brian bringing the heat the way he does is refreshing.
So kudos Mr. Cooley. You have won me over as a fan - so what if Volvo doesn't want to send you demo cars anymore.
In contrast, cnet reviews are fun to read, but I feel more like I'm reading anecdotes about the car with an opinion about the car attached as a score (which isn't really consistent across reviesws)
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by frantaylor
August 2, 2009 6:25 PM PDT
- Wow, Volvo is still using the same crummy inline 6 that was in my 1974 wagon, and now it gets even worse mileage than it did back then. This is progress?
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(8 Comments)Their RWD just stinks in the snow, and the AWD adds hundreds of pounds of weight and much more opportunity for mechanical problems.
I consider my Saab 9-5 wagon to be a much safer car because its FWD is much more capable in the snow, and its much lighter weight means I can dodge things that the Volvo tank would just plow right into. Besides, it gets almost twice the mileage of the Volvo.