Volvo launched an all-new entry-level crossover for 2009 called the XC60. The Swedish automaker describes the car as the "safest Volvo ever," which says a lot coming from a company that built is reputation on just that.

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The model is a direct answer to Acura's RDX, BMW's X3 and Infiniti's EX 35. It is based very closely on the popular XC60 concept vehicle.

"This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo. We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume.," said Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. "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."

As a reminder Ford's now-defunct Premier Automotive Group strategy, the XC60 is expected to share the platform with the Land Rover LR2.

The new XC60 is being launched with a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 which produces 285 horsepower, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel -- for Europe -- producing 185 and 163 horsepower respectively. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard.

The big news when it comes to safety is "City Safety" -- a unique feature to prevent low-speed impacts that are common in stop-and-go commuting. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.

"We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. 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 CEO Fredrik Arp.

The XC60 has its sights set on the same design-conscious target group that the C30 caters to. "One might say that this could be the C30 owner's next car. It's as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. With the XC60, we're widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle," explains Arp.

The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China. Equal volumes are expected between Europe and North America. The XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium.