With Volvo’s legacy of producing safe, solid cars for the market, it’s really no surpise that the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) gave the Volvo XC60 top marks.

Volvo XC60

Euro NCAP recently started using a new test that determines how much whiplash protection passenger vehicles provide during rear-end collisions. The initial testing in Europe included 25 cars. The evaluation process involved various tests, with different degrees of impact severity. A testing rig is used to simulate a rear-end collision on the car, from a standstill. After the test, the car is given a score of poor, marginal, or good.

The Volvo XC60, along with 5 other cars, received the highest ratings. The XC60’s Whiplash Protection System probably helped the car make its way to the top.

Source: 4Wheels News

As per its usual vehicle testing rounds, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) tested a handful of two-door coupes. And it doesn’t really come as a surprise that an import car was rated as a Top Safety Pick.

2009 Volvo C30

The honor goes to the 2009 Volvo C30, a mid-sized coupe. The C30 got a “Good” rating on frontal offset, side impact, and rear crash protection tests. The C30 includes an anti-lock braking system, anti-skid systems, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags as standard safety features. The coupe also comes equipped with a whiplash protection seating system.

“Overall the results for 2-door cars are good news,” David Zuby, IIHS’ Senior VP for vehicle research, says. “All but one earn good ratings in our frontal offset test. Only 2 of the 5 earn this rating for protection in side crashes, but none of the 5 earns anything less than an acceptable rating. This is pretty good, considering how demanding the side test is. It simulates being struck by a pickup or SUV.”

Source: IIHS

Today I share with you my favorite four-wheeled debutante at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS): the 2009 Volvo S60 concept.

Look at that beauty. Who knew a Volvo could look so sexy? Aside from sporting a sleek, curvy exterior, the 2009 Volvo S60 concept also features a modern-themed, “floating” interior. I still can’t get over the crystal center console.

What I like most about this concept car, however, isn’t very aesthetic at all. The 2009 Volvo S60 Concept is equipped with a pedestrian sensor that can fully activate the brakes. Not only will unknowing pedestrians be out of harm’s way; low-speed collisions will also be prevented. How cool is that?

And though this model’s not hitting the market until 2010, I’m already sure of one thing - I can’t wait to get behind the 2009 Volvo S60’s wheel.

(Photos from: www.conceptcarz.com, www.automobilemag.com)