In light of its continued pursuit of younger buyers and perhaps the changing of market minds regarding its brand, Volvo has decided to offer the R-Design signature look to its XC60 SUV. R-Design has been a part of Volvo for two years now, having been launched in 2007. Its main purpose is to enhance the appearance of Volvo vehicles so that their owners don’t feel old and unwanted.
The XC60 then uses components like colour-coded lower body mouldings, door mirror housings finished in silk metal, sill mouldings in aluminium, twin chromed exhaust pipes, 18-inch aluminum wheels (optional 20s available), a sport chassis and seven exterior colours available to choose from. Although the chassis is stiffer and the side skirts make the car look lower, it actually isn’t. Volvo has worked to stiffen the steering wheel system too so that it is more weighted and feels more dynamic when cornering. So the car is a little more fun to drive.
Inside the story is similar in that sportiness is emphasised above the usual Volvo “safe” face. That means R-Design emblems can be seen along with aluminium sport pedals, a gear lever covered in perforated leather, two-tone sports leather seats and an instrument cluster coloured in R-Design blue.
I can’t be certain at the moment if South Africa will get this package for the XC60 but if I recall the XC90 V8 has a similar look about it, but that one comes standard with the car.
