Valencia, Spain  - The new Volvo XC60 crossover model is ready for European showrooms by November 2008 with the basic model to sell at 33,900 euros (49,416 dollars), the Swedish car maker announced at a presentation in Spain.

First unveiled as a concept at the Detroit Motor Show in 2006, the XC60 is lauded by the manufacturer as "the safest Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the world".

It features six airbags, electronic stability programme (ESP) and the so-called City-Safety-System.

Laser sensors monitor the area in front of the vehicle at a speed of under 30 km/h automatically causing the car to brake, if the driver does not respond to an obstacle. Extras are an assistant to monitor the blind spot, a lane-assist and an alarm warning the driver if he falls asleep behind the wheel.

The basic model is fitted with a 2.4-litre diesel motor with an output of 120 kW/163 hp. The more powerful 136 kW/185 hp engine is available for an extra 1,900 euros. Both engines are listed with a consumption of 7.5 litres with a carbon dioxide emission figure of 199 grammes per kilometre.

Topping the range is the six-cylinder petrol-engined version with an output of 210 kW/285 hp that sells for 43,500 euros (63,425 dollars). Fuel consumption is at 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres with C02 emission figure of 284 g/km.

According to Volvo, a full hybrid version based on the petrol engine is planned for a later stage. It would be able to drive on full electric with zero emissions for short distances. (dpa)