VOLVO EX60
Changing The Game
Image © VOLVO SOUTH AFRICA
The world premiere of the new, all-electric Volvo EX60 recently took place via live stream from the Swedish automaker’s headquarters in Gothenburg. On the same day, the EX60 Cross Country version of the mid-size SUV was revealed, according to Volvo Cars, changing the game in the largest electric market segment in terms of range, charging speed, performance, and price.
With a standard-setting, best-in-class range of up to 810 kilometres on a single charge, the five-seater EX60, according to Volvo, ends range anxiety, delivers a leading-edge user experience and represents the next frontier in vehicle safety…and it is set to be introduced in South Africa as well.
The EX60, based on the all-new SPA3 electric vehicle architecture, is Volvo Cars’ first entry into the largest electric vehicle segment globally (allowing the manufacturer to substantially increase its addressable market and electric market share), and it introduces new key technologies, such as mega casting, cell-to-body integration, and HuginCore core computing.
Volvo claims the EX60 has a range of up to 810 kilometres on a single charge in all-wheel-drive configuration – further than any current electric Volvo model and better than that of recently revealed competitors. It also charges incredibly fast, adding up to 340 km of range in just 10 minutes when using a 400 kW fast charger. According to Volvo, this alleviates range anxiety, turning it into range comfort.
Three powertrain variants of the EX60 are available. The P12 AWD Electric variant offers a range of up to 810 km, while the P10 AWD Electric can deliver a range of up to 660 km. The rear-wheel drive P6 Electric variant delivers up to 620 km of range. Seven variants are available (it is not clear whether this includes the Cross Country), and a 10-year battery warranty is standard.
Cell-to-body technology, next-generation in-house-developed e-motors, a new battery cell design, and mega casting help boost the EX60’s energy efficiency and driving range, while reducing weight, and ensure the lowest carbon footprint for a fully electric Volvo car, matching that of the smaller EX30.
DESIGN WITH PURPOSE
The EX60 takes Volvo’s Scandinavian design principles further into the all-electric era, combining a stylish, efficient exterior with natural, high-end materials inside and versatile space with smart storage. Its low frontal area, sloping roofline and tapered body sides give the EX60 a drag coefficient of only 0.26.
The EX60’s long wheelbase and flat floor create more rear legroom and a large luggage compartment with various innovative storage spaces. Also, for the first time in a Volvo car, the 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system includes headrest speakers in all four main seats. It will also be the first Volvo with Apple Music pre-installed with Dolby Atmos.
As Volvo Cars’ most intelligent car yet, the EX60 is packed with state-of-the-art technology powered by the latest iteration of HuginCore, Volvo Cars’ core system. The EX60 is also the first Volvo model to feature Gemini, the new AI assistant from Google, which allows occupants to have natural, personalised conversations with the vehicle without having to remember specific commands.
Being a Volvo, the EX60 is also one of the safest cars on the market. Enabled by HuginCore, the EX60 enhances safety levels by constantly assessing the world around the car through a wide array of sensors, and Volvo’s multi-adaptive safety belt, a world-first and award-winning safety innovation, offers smarter protection in the front row.
Production of the EX60 at Volvo Cars’ factory in Sweden is scheduled to start within two months, with the first customer deliveries of the P6 and P10 variants expected in June, followed by the P12 shortly after. There is no indication yet of when the EX60 will be introduced in South Africa, but one can surmise it will be at the earliest next year.
TATA LINE-UP TO EXPAND
Images © TATA MOTORS SOUTH AFRICA
In stark contrast with the first two attempts by Tata to establish the passenger car division of the Indian automaker in South Africa with limited vehicle line-ups, the brand is now going full tilt to expand its local offering, with another two models to be introduced this year.
Looking to build on the momentum gained with its return to the local market last year, Tata Motors South Africa will launch the Tata Nexon (the best-selling SUV in India) and the Tata Sierra during the year.
The Nexon compact crossover, which falls between the Punch and Harrier in terms of size, will most likely become a top seller for Tata locally, but the attractively styled new Sierra, positioned between the Curvv and flagship Harrier, is undoubtedly the most interesting model in the upcoming range.
TATA SIERRA
The new Sierra offers a fresh and distinctive take on the medium SUV design concept, and it received a Red Dot award for its ground-breaking design – the first vehicle in India to be recognised by Red Dot. As such, the Sierra is a bridge between the past and the future, rekindling an original nameplate with cutting-edge design and technology.
For those who still remember the old Telcoline bakkie available here from 1990 until roughly 2008 (it is still produced in India as the Xenon), the first-generation Sierra SUV was based on the Telcoline. Produced from 1991 to 2003, the Sierra was also known as the Sport, Telcosport, Grand Telcosport and Gurkha, but it never came to South Africa.
The latest Sierra was launched in November last year, and an electric variant is set to be introduced in the latter half of 2026. Based on Tata’s Atlas architecture (like the Curvv), the Sierra is intended to compete with compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Exterior design highlights of the Sierra include Night Saber Bi-LED booster headlights, Light Saber LED daytime running lights with welcome and goodbye functionality, rear lights with distinctive Light Saber LED light signature, flush door handles, and 19″ alloy wheels.
According to Tata, the interior is defined by Persona-themed design, the segment’s largest sunroof, and horizon-view triple screens that stretch across the dashboard. A wide variety of innovative storage areas and a segment-leading boot space of 622 litres ensure inherent practicality.
Although no information on engine details and pricing was supplied, the Sierra is available in India with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder Hyperion T-GDi (88 kW/ Nm) and 1.5-litre Revotron MPI (78 kW/145 Nm) petrol engines, as well as the 1.5-litre Kryojet turbodiesel mill, offered with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Pricing starts at just under R400k.
TATA NEXON
The Tata Nexon subcompact crossover was first introduced in 2017. It was facelifted the second time in 2023 with a redesigned front end inspired by the Tata Curvv concept, a redesigned rear end with a full-width LED light bar, new features such as a larger 10.25” touchscreen, and a two-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo, making it the first car to get an illuminated logo on the steering wheel in India.
Other standout features include sequential LED daylight running lights, bi-function full LED headlamps, a dual-tone roof and a tech-rich interior with a 10.25” full-digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, telematics, wireless charger, ventilated front seats, air purifier, electronic gear shifter and six airbags as standard.
In India, the Nexon is equipped with either a 1.5-litre turbocharged Revotorq diesel engine producing 81 kW or a 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron petrol engine with 85 kW, coupled with a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual, a six-speed AMT, or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters, depending on the variant.
Covered by TataMove, a comprehensive aftersales package including a five-year/125 000 km warranty, five-year corrosion protection and 24/7 roadside assistance, the estimated starting prices for the Nexon will be around R330,000 to R360,000, positioning it competitively against rivals like the Haval Jolion.
Report by FERDI DE VOS
