First look: Volvo's production XC60 for Geneva

VOLVO has revealed the first images of its mould-breaking new XC60, which will make its global public premiere at the Geneva motor show on March 4 before going on sale in Australia in early 2009.

The Ford-owned Swedish maker says its first mid-sized SUV will attract "a whole legion" of new buyers because of its individual styling and "outstanding agility on and off-road".

Few technical details have been revealed for the all-new model, which first appeared in concept form at the 2007 Detroit motor show and will be based on the same platform as Land Rover's new Freelander and is expected to feature a similar AWD system.

"(The XC60 is) charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo," said Volvo Cars design director, Steve Mattin.

"We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from a hundred metres away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance." While engine choices should comprise inline five-cylinder petrol and D5 diesel options, as well as a 3.2-litre straight six, all Volvo is saying so far is that the XC60 will be the first production vehicle to come standard with a low-speed collision-avoidance system that incorporates automatic braking, dubbed City Safety.

"We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision," says Volvo Cars president and CEO, Fredrik Arp.

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