Volvo's new premium saloonVOLVO HAS released more details about its new S60 saloon (below right), set to rival the likes of BMW's 3 Series, the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.
It will make its international debut at next week’s Geneva motor show. The new S60 will initially feature two diesel engines: a 2-litre 163bhp D3 unit that puts out just 138g/km (in tax band B, annual road tax of €156); and a 2.4-litre D5 unit with 205bhp (tax band C, annual road tax of €302). These versions will arrive this autumn. It has also confirmed a 1.6-litre diesel with 115g/km (€104 road tax) for next year.
The new S60 features four-door coupé-styling and Volvo’s innovative pedestrian detection with full auto brake system. This uses a radar in the grille and camera behind the rearview mirror to scan the road, detect objects in front of the car and estimate if it’s at risk of collision.
In an emergency, the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light. At the same time, the cars brakes are pre-charged. If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 35 km/h (21mph) if the driver does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on reducing the cars speed as much as possible prior to the impact. The speed reduction is up to 35 km/h.
Rocky start to F1 season
FERRARI HAS launched a new attack on former FIA president Max Mosley, ahead of the Formula One season.
The team has criticised motorsport’s world governing body, and in particular Mosley, as two of the new teams for 2010 struggle to make next month’s opening grand prix in Bahrain. The marque claims the problems faced by USF1 and Campos Meta are a result of a “holy war” it says Mosley waged against manufacturers last year, culminating in the departures of Toyota, BMW, and with Renault operating almost in name only this year. Only 11 of the 13 teams have so far tested.
Listen Up
This week's Irish TimesMotors podcast features more details on the problems some motorists are facing in accessing scrappage deals. One reader outlines his experience of buying a new car under the scheme only to discover that because he is only a named driver on the insurance policy, Revenue officials say he doesn't qualify.
The show also features a report from the launch of Audi’s new flagship A8 and our latest in-car road test - this week on the new Opel Astra.
Listen in at irishtimes.com/ motors/podcast
"Toyota and NHTSA have a lot of explaining to do to the American people, to consumers and dealers"– US Representative Bart Stupak, Michigan Democrat, at the first congressional hearing looking at Toyota's recalls