When we tested our long-term 2010 Volvo XC60 at our test track (full test numbers will hit this blog next week) it stopped from 60 mph in just 119 ft. Which is excellent. And its four-wheel disc brakes resist heat well and don't fade after repeated hard use.
While the 119 ft. stop was on the first try and the second run was longer at 123 ft., the third and fourth runs were both 124 ft. long, with is still quite respectable.
The problem is the spongy, soft feel of the Volvo's brake pedal. Feels like you're pushing the pedal into a vat of marshmellows and the first inch or so of pedal travel doesn't really do much.
I hate that. And it's a very big scare on an otherwise dynamically competent and likable vehicle.
Maybe the Chinese can fix it.
Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief @ 9,072 miles
hybris says:
06:20 AM, 12/24/09
Time to get some steel braided brake lines.
carguy622 says:
07:06 AM, 12/24/09
What are marshmellows? Sorry, I couldn't resist.
jstandefer says:
10:44 AM, 12/24/09
I like where you're going with this, Scott. Volvo has a lot of nagging, little problems here and there. Maybe the Chinese CAN fix it. Or not. Considering that safety in Chinese cars isn't exactly inspiring, it may be scary to see what they do to Volvo...
At least Volvo is consistent. My S60's brakes never inspired much confidence, until I actually had to make a panic stop earlier this year. Stepping into that vat of marshmallows fast and hard resulted in braking power that was quite surprising. Of course, I practically had to cut myself out of the seatbelt after that because it clamped down hard and wouldn't let go... I actually had to lean the seat back for it to release its death grip.
subytrojan says:
03:05 PM, 12/24/09
I don't think the Chinese will be able to fix it! :o)
rocknroll389 says:
04:15 PM, 12/24/09
Can we all just stop with all these Chinese jokes? As a 2nd generation Chinese American, I'm finding the comments on many articles about Geely's acquisition of Volvo getting a bit out of hand. Of course, there's animosity towards the Chinese gov't and the shoddy quality of some products made in the country. But IMHO there is also an underlying sense of racist attitude (not saying it is prevalent here). I just hope we stop generalizing "the Chinese" as inferior. Sorry for my rant.