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Volvo XC60 Now Has Pedestrian Detection

Keeping to its traditional image of being the brand to bring the safest cars on the road, Volvo announced that it will introduce the Pedestrian Detection function to its XC60 model. Complete with Full Auto Brake, the system detects an imminent collision with a pedestrian and applies the brakes if the driver does not react in time.

As of the end of November 2010, the XC60 will be available for purchase with the said safety system which was first introduced in the new Volvo S60 and V60. With pedestrian collisions now occurring on a daily basis in the increasingly intensive traffic, the new system helps the driver prevent a nightmare situation.

The safety feature uses radar and camera technology to detect any human body taller than 80 cm (about 30 inches) that could intersect the car's trajectory. It initially emits a warning signal so that the driver can brake or steer clear of the pedestrian. If the driver does not respond, the car automatically applies full braking power before the impact becomes impending. With the auto-braking system, an impact can be avoided at speeds of up to 35 km/h (20 mph).

Volvo estimates that pedestrian kills could be reduced by 20% thanks to its new safety feature. Correspondingly, the number of severe injuries caused by car accidents would be reduced by 30%.

The system can also predict an impact with a vehicle traveling in front at lower speed and prevent it if the difference between the speeds of the two cars is below 35 km/h.

The XC60 also has an Adaptive Cruise Control function which automatically maintains a pre-set gap to the vehicle in front. When driving in slow moving traffic, the car accelerates without human intervention when it senses that traffic gets moving again.

The infotainment system added to the S60 and the V60 will also be available in the XC60, providing information from the audio system, navigation unit, mobile phone and other functions on a five-inch or seven-inch color display in the center console.
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