The Volvo XC60 was originally slated for launch next month. But with the buying fever brought on by the COE crash last week, Volvo agent SM Motors sped things up a little to cash in on the suddenly buoyant buying mood.

It is a good thing, too, because the XC60 is simply brilliant.

The car has arrived in Singapore, just five weeks after its international test-drive programme in Spain. Life! got hold of it on Wednesday, half an hour after it passed the mandatory Land Transport Authority inspection for new imports.

The car has an imposing stature, softened by contemporary curves and stylish lights arrangement. It looks really good, far less fuddy-duddy than the Volvo's first SUV, the XC90, and more approachable than its Teutonic rivals.

Bigger than the BMW X3, smaller than the X5, it is not as long or tall as the XC90, but it is nearly as wide. Hence, the car has a more stable stance, appearing more like a huge hunkered down hatchback than an SUV.

Only one version is available now: a full turbo 3-litre producing 285bhp. With 400Nm of torque available from just 1,500rpm, the car moves with an incredible lightness.

Overtaking at any speed is virtually on demand - the car feels faster than its 7.5-second 0-100kmh timing suggests.

It certainly has none of the baggage of old-school four-wheel-drives. On straight roads, over 90 per cent of the power drives the front wheels to conserve fuel.

Entering a corner, some power is channelled to the rear wheels, then back to the front when the car is exiting the bend. This makes for a very neutral cornering experience, a comforting trait in a big and beefy car indeed.

To boot, the steering is super sharp. You can choose from three weight settings: Light, Medium and Heavy. But even at Heavy (recommended for high- speed runs), the steering feels pretty effortless around town and in carparks.

Besides its adaptive all-wheel-drive, the XC60 has Volvo's usual suite of electronic nannies, dynamic stability and traction control as well as a rollover control as standard features.

What is really impressive about this SUV is how refined it is. Its ride quality is amazing and would match the standards towkays in limos are accustomed to. It betrays none of the springiness that SUVs are known for.

While sprung firmly enough for fast flings through winding roads, it is not the least jittery. Put your head against the headrest and you won't be bouncing back and forth like a paddle ball.

The cabin is crib quiet, even at 90kmh. You can carry on decent conversations, enjoy the car's superb sound system and maybe even cut an album in it.

It all adds up to a car you can drive hard and fast, and still turn up at the office as fresh as a well-rested babe.

If space is a measure of luxury, then the XC60 measures up well against some of the best executive sedans in town. Even if you are built like a Viking, you will still get decent head- and elbow- room. The second row offers much legroom, too.

And the boot is humongous. With the exception of dog owners with two or more pooches and furniture deliverymen, the stowage is bigger than what most of us know what to do with it. Golf bags are not an issue. Heck, it may be big enough for a couple of Wonder Golf holes.

The XC60 comes with a new low- speed crash avoidance feature. At 15kmh or less, a laser-guided system applies hard braking to prevent bumper crunchers.

This is useful in city traffic, especially in peak-hour tailbacks on expressways. Think of the savings from repairs and insurance premium loadings.

At speeds above 15kmh, the system mitigates the severity of the crash. Like I said, the car is brilliant.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 29, 2008.

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