Volkswagen Routan Volkswagen Tiguan Volvo XC60 PDF Car Manual

Impressions:
It’s interesting that Volkswagen, the creator of the original minivan, has teamed up with Chrysler, the creator of the modern minivan, to build the new Routan. But why has VW joined the minivan parade at this late date? Haven’t these seven-pas- senger rigs seen their best days? Perhaps, but while minivan sales have declined of late and their are fewer players in the game (both Ford and General Motors have folded their cards), there are still plenty of dedicated category customers out there who would never consider driving anything else.

Despite the all-Chrysler platform, the Routan’s nose has the familiar grille design that can also be spotted on VW’s Touareg and Tiguan sport utes. As well, Routan-specific wheel designs are a bit sportier than the rims employed on the Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan. Inside, VW has selected its own premium seat coverings and cabin trim that further differen- tiates its bus from that of Chrysler. Not included, however is Chrysler’s second-row Swivel ’n Go (with folding table) and Stow ’n Go second-row seats (that fold into the floor). Entry-level S and SE trim levels are fitted with a Chrysler 197-horse- power 3.8-liter V6, while the top-flight SEL gets a 253-horsepower 4.0-liter V6.

Both engines direct power to the front wheels by way of six-speed automatic transmissions. Base Routans are equipped with the expected air/cruise/tilt content plus power locks and heated outside power mir- rors and a basic sound system. The mid-range SE adds tri-zone air conditioning second-row cap- tain’s chairs, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, steering-wheel audio controls and overhead console. Also part of the SE package are power- sliding side doors, premium instrument cluster and a six-speaker audio system. Top-end SEL customers will further enjoy tri-zone climate control, power liftgate, leather seat coverings, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated first- and second-row seats and power adjustable pedals. On the option block are very bright xenon headlights with fog lamps, remote starting system, backup warning, dual nine-inch roof-mounted video screens and touch-screen navigation.

Impressions Volvo XC60:
Thinking and acting smaller is all the rage these days and Volvo’s new XC60 is the right vehicle at the right time, although it won’t arrive here until early in calendar 2009. Volvo is tout-ing the XC60’s compact dimensions, to be sure: it’s nearly eight inches shorter than its mid-size XC70 sibling. However, with plenty of standard and avail- able technological wizardry, the big story, according to the company, is the vehicle’s outstanding safety content. Creating a shorter-but-taller wagon with plenty of distance between the front and rear wheels and minimal body overhang has the effect of making the XC60 appear solid and imposing.

The interior also reconfirms yet another Volvo tradition of providing well-bolstered front seats that deliver style as well as safety. The angled control panel that blends into the floor console is no-nonsense Swedish modern in its execution. The XC gets its ame on with a 281-horsepower 3.0-liter tur- bocharged in-line six-cylinder engine. Volvo claims the 3.0 will push the XC60 to 60 mph from a stand- ing start in less than 7.5 seconds, solid performance for a vehicle that weighs close to 4,400 pounds. The positioning of the XC60 is that of a fully vested member of the “small premium utility” group that includes the Acura RDX, Lincoln MKX, BMW X3 and the Audi Q5. As such, Volvo has topped up the standard equipment to include dual-zone climate control, leather-trimmed interior with extra aluminum bits and pieces, eight-way adjustable power front seats and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with built-in audio controls. Also included is what Volvo calls City Safety, a laser-based monitoring system…

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