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Wannabes. They like attention. They also like their badges. And wannabes would like to be seen in one of these vehicles for sure. The smaller siblings, they also are cheaper and sometimes with lesser seats, but no less luxurious. In terms of numbers, the larger ones sell more, but this segment is just starting to mature.
Now, there’s a new vehicle to enter the segment, probably the most significant since the Audi Q5 in mid-2009. Volvo’s new XC60 has a two-fold agenda. One is to help resuscitate Volvo’s innings in the country, which so far has been less than exciting. The other is to help grow this market enough to sustain leadership position in this segment, until something new comes along. So far, the Audi Q5 has had a pretty decent run, while the Land Rover Freelander 2 has been quietly notching up the numbers. There is more excitement expected when the new X3 lands on Indian shores, and the 2011 Freelander 2 makes its debut as an Indian-assembled Land Rover at some very delicious prices. Wannabes then, should be ready for some nail- biting action.
Looks
If you were to ignore the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG for a wee bit, I’d say that the Volvo XC60 is possibly the best looking car/SUV to go on sale in the country in 2010. Go on, say it, I’ve lost my marbles, but you will agree that you will give this one a double take. All right, so this one was a green number, but unlike the XC90, it looks fresh. The family resemblance hasn’t been lost, but it’s a more ritzy package, and the XC60 makes the Freelander 2 look like a pack of cases stacked one above the other. The manner in which the headlamp is flanked by the prominent waistline on one side and the power bump on the bonnet on the other makes it stand-out among the three. Even the smartly incorporated daytime running lamps, the bold grille and
logo and the air dam make for a very pleasing- looking car. It’s only in the rear-three quarters department that the sense of design gets further heightened. The spoon shaped LED tail lamps go so well with the whole car that Ikea could very well hire some of Volvo’s designers for their future furniture range.
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