2012 Volvo XC60 announced

Volvo this week revealed that its 2012 model year upgrade of the XC60 SUV has scored a raft of technology and safety changes to keep it at the leading edge of its market segment.

And in addition, last year's R-Design and Teknik option packs are treated as distinct trim levels in this model year's XC60 range. As an example, instead of ordering a car with the Teknik pack, there is now a Teknik variant. The XC60 T6 R-Design model is now the flagship of the range and all R-Design variants now incorporate the Teknik features as part of the specification.

All Teknik and R-Design models gain Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), satellite navigation, voice control and active bending headlamps as standard fit.

The XC60 range now comprises 10 model variants and four engine choices, the price leader of which is the XC60 T5, now priced at $54,990.

The front-wheel drive entry model adds a power-operated tailgate, DVD-compatible multimedia system with 7.0-inch screen and a reversing camera; highlights that are now standard across the range.

XC60 T5's recently-released Euro 5 emissions compliant engine remains unchanged from the preceding model's. The 2.0-litre GTDi (turbo petrol) four-cylinder is mated to a six-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission and develops 177kW/320Nm to deliver a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.7L/100km. CO2 emissions are 207g/km while acceleration from 0-100km/h is achieved in 8.1 seconds.

Sitting above the T5 is the similarly specified XC60 3.2. Powered by a normally aspirated 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine, again a carryover from the MY11 range, the unit produces 179kW/320Nm. Combined fuel economy is rated at 10.5L/100km and CO2 emissions 236g/km. The first of the all-wheel drive XC60s, 3.2 reaches triple figures in 9.9 seconds.

Again similarly specified, but with the advantage of turbodiesel power and all-wheel drive, the XC60 D5 is the lone diesel offering in the MY12 range.

Seeing significant upgrades against its forebear, the XC60 D5's engine receives an increase in output to 158kW/440Nm while at the same time achieving a ten per cent reduction in its combined fuel economy figure, now 6.9L/100km. CO2 emissions have dropped from 201g/km to 183.

Importantly, this upgrade means that XC60 D5 now qualifies as a low-emission vehicle and benefits from the recent changes to the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) ruling.

Topping out the range is the XC60 T6. It is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder boasting 224kW/440Nm, and like its MY11 predecessor consumes 10.5L/100km while emitting 251g/km of CO2. The top-spec all-wheel drive model accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

XC60 T6 also gains a premium sound system with 12 speakers and Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound. Bluetooth functionality has been updated to include audio streaming.

All R-Design models continue with the cosmetic and chassis features of the MY11 models.

XC60 D5 and T6 models receive "distinctive exterior body enhancements" including 18-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome plated 90mm tail pipes, silver finish mirrors, body coloured front and rear bumpers, silk finish accents on the front skid plate, bumper and side scuff plates and R Design exterior badging.

Inside, the sporty model adds sports leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, sports leather gearshift lever, sports pedals, R-Design floor mats, trim inlays and watch-dial instrumentation.

R-Design models feature (-15mm) lowered suspension, firmer springs and anti-roll bars, monotube shock absorbers (rear only) and uprated bushings.

"The XC60 continues to be our top-selling model and with the MY12 versions we had the opportunity to make it even better value for money so we did," said Volvo Car Australia's managing director, Matt Braid.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site