06/07/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY JULY 6, 2025

All-time No. 1 XC60 benchmark for premium SUV and best-selling model

VOLVO CARS has marked a major milestone as the XC60 officially becomes the brand’s all-time best-selling model, with over 2.7 million units sold globally. This achievement sees the premium mid-size SUV overtaking the iconic Volvo 240, which had long been regarded as the brand’s most beloved and recognisable vehicle. First introduced in 2008, the XC60 quickly resonated with drivers looking for a safe, stylish, and versatile SUV. It combined Volvo’s reputation for safety with a more modern design and premium features, appealing to families and individuals alike. Originally manufactured in Europe, the XC60 later expanded its production

footprint to include China, where it sup ported growing local demand. Its global popularity was further cemented when it won the coveted World Car of the Year award in 2018. The current generation of the XC60 also helped accelerate Volvo’s electrifica tion ambitions, bringing plug-in hybrid technology to a wider audience. It became Europe’s best-selling plug-in hybrid last year, making it not only a sym bol of the brand’s past success but also a key part of its sustainable future. As the modern family SUV, the XC60 continues to blend practicality, refined Scandinavian aesthetics, and advanced safety technologies. It embodies the core values that made

the Volvo 240 such a success decades ago – reliability, comfort, and above all, safety. Where the 240 once defined the stan dard for estate cars, the XC60 now sets the benchmark for premium family SUVs. Generational loyalty plays a big part in the XC60’s appeal. Many who grew up in Volvo 240s are now returning to the brand, choosing the XC60 for their own families. Safety has long been a defining trait of Volvo, and the XC60 has pioneered numerous safety features in the modern era. It was the first car to come with City Safety as standard – an automatic emer gency braking system designed to help

prevent collisions at lower speeds. It also introduced Oncoming Lane Mitigation, a system capable of gently steering the vehicle back into its lane to avoid head-on crashes. These innovations have earned the XC60 several top safety awards, Looking ahead, the XC60 is also play ing a critical role in Volvo’s transition to electrification. In many ways, the XC60 is more than just a sales leder – it’s a symbol of how Volvo Cars has evolved. It bridges the brand’s storied past with its ambitious electric future, all while delivering the comfort, innovation, and safety that have always defined the Volvo name. refined touch. A colour-coordinated cross-car beam, finished with laser etched Trophy badging on the end caps, reinforces the edition’s bespoke character. For those seeking even greater expedition capability, the Trophy Kit option pack enhances the vehicle’s utility. This upgrade includes a genuine Expedition roof pack, a black deployable roof ladder, gloss black side-mounted gear carrier, classic mud flaps on both axles, and a raised air intake to ensure engine breathability in extreme environ ments. Land Rover has stated that this edition pays homage to the classic Trophy and Challenge events of its heritage, but is also poised to forge its own legacy. To that end, the launch of the 2026 Trophy Edition coincides with a newly established Defender Trophy competition, created in col laboration with conservation charity Tusk – a long-time partner of the brand. Set against the rugged land scapes of Africa, the competition will serve as both a celebration of adventure and a demonstration of environmental responsibility. Finalists will have the opportunity to contribute to a conservation mis sion facilitated by Tusk, allowing the competition to leave a lasting impact on the regions it touches.

New era of adventure LAND ROVER has introduced a new chapter in its legacy of explora tion with the debut of the 2026 Defender Trophy Edition, an expedi tion-ready variant of the Defender 110 SUV that celebrates the British marque’s historic ties to global off road challenges. Designed to meet the demands of serious adventurers, the latest Trophy Edition is inspired by the brand’s storied past while looking firmly to the future of purposeful travel and environmental steward ship. Available in two classic colour fin ishes – Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green – the Defender Trophy Edition evokes the aesthet ics of vintage Land Rover expedi tions. This distinctive model comes equipped with a suite of expedition specific enhancements, establishing it as a formidable companion for off road exploration. Under the bonnet lies the 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel engine, pro ducing 346hp and incorporating mild-hybrid technology. Subtle but telling design flourishes mark the Trophy Edition’s unique identity. Trophy decals adorn the bonnet and C-pillars, with dedicated rear badging completing the exte rior branding. The interior features illuminated “Trophy” treadplates and Ebony Windsor leather seats, adding a

Road-legal track titan KOENIGSEGG has revealed its latest engineering marvel, Sadair’s Spear – a hypercar that fuses track-focused per formance with global road legality. This limited-production machine pushes the boundaries of performance, featuring upgraded aerodynamics, refined sus pension, increased power output, and significant weight reductions, represent ing a new apex in Koenigsegg’s relent less pursuit of automotive perfection. The name carries a profound connec tion to company founder Christian von Koenigsegg. In a tribute to his father Jesko von Koenigsegg – previously honoured with the Jesko hypercar – Christian reached further into personal history for this creation. Sadair’s Spear was the name of Jesko’s favourite racehorse, which he rode in his final race in 1976. The car that now bears that name is a fierce and focused track weapon, paying homage to a legacy of perseverance, elegance, and power. Engineered with a clear vision of supremacy, Sadair’s Spear incorporates a series of aerodynamic advancements,

including a newly designed, top mounted double-blade active rear wing for maximum downforce and stability at high speeds. Sadair’s Spear not only raises the bar in raw power, but also in lightweight engineering. The car sheds approxi mately 35kg compared to its predeces sors through extensive use of new car bon fibre processes, reduced sound insulation, and simplified interior compo nents. Handling has also seen major improvements. The car rides on exclu sive 7-spoke Aircore carbon fibre wheels with directional turbine-blade design and wider, track-optimised tyres. A bespoke suspension system, com plete with lightweight springs and Koenigsegg’s proprietary Triplex damp ers, delivers razor-sharp control, while an upgraded multi-layer carbon-ceramic brake package enhances stopping power and fade resistance. With just 30 units built, all of which were sold before the public unveiling, Sadair’s Spear is not only a technical tri umph but a rare and highly sought-after chapter in Koenigsegg’s legacy.

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