The Volvo received acclaim for its Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) as well as the Distance Alert and City Safety systems, when various automatic speed and distance control systems were thoroughly assessed and compared by German ADAC - the largest automotive organisation in the world with some 16 million members, recently.
The XC60 faced stiff competition from the Audi A4, Volkswagen Passat CC, Honda Accord, Lexus IS, and the Ford Mondeo.
The ADAC test report states: "The Volvo system scores above all due to the fact that it consistently puts its emphasis on accident avoidance. The driver is informed about any danger by a red flashing warning lamp, which is projected onto the windscreen. At low speeds, below 30 km/h, the additional, integrated laser technology called City Safety also recognises stationary vehicles and in a potential accident situation, brakes in time to stop the car."
Said a beaming Jonas Ekmark, Active Safety Hub Leader at Volvo Cars: "It feels good that ADAC pays attention to the fact that we have a system that consistently avoids accidents. That is our promise to the customer; to offer the best possible safety."
Locally, Adaptive Cruise Control is available as an optional feature on the Volvo XC60, Volvo XC70, and Volvo S80. It will also be offered in the all-new Volvo S60,which is to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this year.
The new S60 will also incorporate new technologies in addition to ACC and City Safety. Navigating through those crowded streets of Jozi will certainly be made easier with the Volvo's Pedestrian Detection feature, a system that brakes automatically for pedestrians and can avoid a collision at speeds up to 35km/h.
The XC60 30.T is one of eight finalists vying for the title of South African Car of The Year.
With its innovative approach to automotive safety and a stable of technology-laden vehicles, it seems the road ahead could be bright for the Swedish automaker.
The trophy cabinet of the XC60 is envied by rival manufacturers-here are just a few of its credentials:
*In 2009 it was awarded the title of 'SUV of the year' by Belgian mgazine 4X4 Plus.
*Russian automotive magazine Klaxon selected the Volvo as the 'Golden Klaxon' in the compact crossover segment in 2009.
*The XC60 grabbed the title of 'SUV of the year' in Chile, 2009.
*Centro Zaragoza, a Spanish motoring magazine voted the XC60 as the Best Saftey Choice in
"small off-road 4X4" category.
*It isn't what you would call dainty and effeminate, but in 2009 the Autosalon Jury in Brno, Czech Republic voted it the "Lady Car of The Year".
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