The first detail of my sisters new Volvo XC60.
For some back story, my sister placed a deposit for this vehicle back in early February, with the explanation being that the car was built, was on the water and would arrive in the country by early March. When she told me this, I knew that wasn't going to happen. Well, as I expected, the car sat at the dock for 4 months waiting to be decontaminated. From what I have been told, cars are unloaded and then sit in a holding yard until they can be cleaned/decontaminated. I mean, what do the "experts" think is going to happen, that the "bugs" they are attempting to keep out of the country are just going to stay on the car and wait for their turn to die? No, they are not, so aren't we just wasting time with all of this?
Anyway, the car was delivered a few weeks ago and was ceramic coated within the first week of ownership. From my recommendation, the car went to Prime Finish in Oakleigh, Melbourne, which they ended up using Carpro Cquartz Professional.
At that stage, I hadn't seen the car in person, but could tell the clarity and gloss of the paint by the pics she sent me. Apparently, the car looked completely different afterward the coating was installed. This is why you can always improve/enhance a brand-new car.
As mentioned, today was the cars first wash after the coating. I started with the wheels; massive 21-inch machined faced items that look fantastic. I used Brake Buster for the wheels and tyres, at this point I discovered they didn't coat the wheels. I (partially) remedied that with an application of Hydr02.
The car wasn't too dirty, a few bugs from the trip up the highway and some mild road spray. I foamed with Carpro Reset, allowed to dwell, then rinsed. This step was incredible, the bugs just flew off the paint, as did most of the road grime. In fact, even the rinsing off the soap was easier than I'm used to. Following that, I then switched to KCx GSF for a light contact wash.
I get it now! For years, I always said that a ceramic coating was not for me, that a well-cared for wax or sealant was more than sufficient. But this car, the ease of washing was simply stunning. From the pre-rinse to the contact wash, to the final rinse, right through to the blow dry and wipe down, WOW, so easy.
I will also note at this point that they didn't coat the glass either, the water behavior being completely flat and very grabby underneath the towel. I ended up applying Gyeon Quick View to take care of that.
After teaming up, me using the Big Boi and my sister the EGO, we got the car mostly dry, before I went over the car using Carpro EliXir.........keeping it in the family you see. I will note that EliXir was a dream today, playing with the base Quartz underneath without a single streak in sight. I have found EliXir to be a bit of diva sometimes, but not here. I'm also loving the Creature Edgeless as a drying towel, so much nicer to manage without a boarder or extra bulk.
The interior needed nothing more than a quick vac and a wipe down with a damp towel................I wasn't allowed to taint that new-car smell with a scented cleaning product. :wink2 I wiped the door jambs with ONR, the engine bay got a quick wipe over with ECH20.
I also found polish residue on the rear wiper arm and the front number plate plinth. Some Meguair's M39 sorted that quick smart, but..............I guess this is the difference between an obsessed-level hobbyist and a shop that churns out ceramic coatings like a factory. This, the wheels and glass made me question the very premium price paid. The wheels I can understand, the glass could/should have been done, the polish residue is sloppy.
I then dressed the tyres. I think they used Carpro Darkside, but I removed that with two hits with undiluted Brake Buster. Instead, and it took me a while to decide which dressing to use, but settled on Adam's Graphene, and wow, such a great choice.
Love the crystal gear selector, very unique and a nice touch.
Spec wise, this is the XC60 B6 Ultimate Mild Hybrid, finished in Silver Dawn and has the black interior. Being a mild hybrid, the car can't run on electric power alone, even at low speed. But it does offer regenerative braking and very mild assistance from rest. Like all Volvo's, the engine is a 2.0 turbo, in B6 form making 220 kW and 420 Nm.
I actually got to test drive the car on "my" road last week. Without the active air suspension and with 21-inch wheels, the ride is rather firm. Not harsh, but you do get a bit of pitter-patter, which is sort at odds with the luxury focus. I drove the car in the comfort steering setting, which I found too light.
0-100 is rated at 6.2 seconds, who else remembers when those numbers were considered quite fast? For the size and weight, the thing has some grunt, enough for comfortable highway cruising and overtaking. The electric assistance is virtually undetectable, at low or high speed. The regenerative braking is imperceptible.
Interestingly, a quick look at the rear muffler, with two hidden outlets, revealed one side is actually valved. Not that this car has anything resembling exhaust or induction note...........and I guess that's Volvo's MO. Having said that, their older 5-cylinder engines at least had a distinctive character, this engine sounds like it could be from any car company.
Probably the most interesting aspect was the active lane assist. Get up to speed, let go of the steering wheel and then watch the car steer itself.........within reason of course. I see these systems as a buffer or safety net only, not something you would rely on while reading a book or playing on your phone.
Build quality is impressive, as it should be for $100,000. The leather is ultra soft and premium feeling, the glass shifter adding some character to an otherwise austere interior.
What sells these cars is the quality of build and the clean, restrained styling inside and out. This car is not for me, but in fairness, I'm not the target buyer either. If I was shopping in this segment, I would be heading straight to the Jaguar F-Pace. I know the F-Pace is getting old now, but I prefer the styling, rear wheel drive layout, the steering feel, and the engines at least have some character tuned into their exhausts.
Either way, they are very happy with their choice.
️I waited a whole day to wash the EN after applying it and while drying it the slickness was incredible still. Yes, it's only one day but it cured in the sun and I'll be watching this product closely
