This Swedish multinational has been in the car making business for over 90 years and is still synonymous with style, safety, and innovation. They introduced the permanent high-beam headlights in 2013 that can adjust the headlights automatically, a feature that has now been copied by many other competitors.
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Try not to stare. This hot hatch making your heart race is a Volvo. The C30 is a sexy compact with attitude. It’s also fun to drive thanks to the standard turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that puts out a delightful 227 bhp. While the C30 T5 remains the most affordable Volvo, the R-Design appeals to extroverts with a full body kit, leather seating and alloy pedals. It also ups the fun factor with sport chassis tuning and 18-in. wheels. New this year, both models can be enhanced with Premier Plus and Platinum trim levels that include goodies like LED daytime running lights, 650-watt premium sound, a sunroof and navigation. While the 6-speed manual is our gearbox of choice, an available 5-speed automatic lets drivers shift for themselves whenever the urge strikes. Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System, xenon headlights and Keyless Drive remain optional.
What can C70 drivers do in 30 seconds? Press a button and have their ride transform itself from an all-weather coupe into a wind-in-the-hair convertible. A luxurious four-place cabin is swathed in leather and bedazzled with aluminum accents. The new Premier Plus trim level adds HomeLink, Keyless Drive, a digital compass and rear park assist. Step up to the Platinum and be rewarded with Volvo premium sound and a handy navigation system. Motivation is supplied by a 227-bhp 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder teamed with a 5-speed Geartronic transmission. Safety features include stability control, double-locking doors, a rollover protection system and door-mounted inflatable side curtains to protect heads when the chips are down—and so is the top.
Volvo has simplified the lineup of its compact sedan and sport wagon. Base models, now designated S40/V50 T5, are fitted with the 227-bhp 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. Former normally aspirated 2.4i models are discontinued. The top-line T5 R-Design returns, but loses its all-wheel drive variants and manual gearboxes. Standard features increase across the board with a power driver’s seat and auto-dimming mirror for the T5s. R-Designs receive standard power moonroofs and 17-in. alloys along with carryover cues such as a full body kit, leather/Flextech upholstery, sport pedals, unique aluminum inlays and dynamic sport suspension. A navigation system has been added to the optional Multimedia Package.
All-new last year, the S60 line has been expanded with the spicy R-Design. Targeting enthusiasts, its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 puts out 325 bhp and 354 lb.-ft., versus the now midrange T6 AWD’s 300 bhp and 325 lb.-ft. A sport chassis with front strut brace, lower ride height and monotube rear dampers enhance handling. Unique exterior and interior styling cues are also part of the deal. Budget shoppers smitten with the S60’s gorgeous styling should take note of the front-drive T5. A 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo with 250 bhp mates with a 6-speed Geartronic to deliver up to 30 mpg on the highway. Safety innovations include Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, part of the optional Technology Package. Luxury abounds inside the cabin. All models are fitted with the Volvo Sensus, which manages infotainment features.
How can one quickly identify the 2012 S80 versus last year’s model? Just look for the Volvo Sensus housed in the center of the redesigned instrument panel. This color monitor is the command center for the S80’s audio and available navigation systems. It also enables drivers to customize certain vehicle functions to suit their tastes. But first, choose the S80 3.2 with its 240-bhp normally aspirated I-6 or step up to the turbocharged T6 AWD that generates 300 bhp. Next, equip either with new Premier Plus or Platinum trim levels that group options for convenience. A Dynamic Package, offered on the T6, adds sport seats, xenon headlights and a sport chassis. City Safety is now standard. Using a closing-velocity sensor, it pre-charges the brakes or automatically applies them if it senses a low-speed collision is imminent with a car in front.
Volvo has simplified the lineup of its compact sedan and sport wagon. Base models, now designated S40/V50 T5, are fitted with the 227-bhp 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. Former normally aspirated 2.4i models are discontinued. The top-line T5 R-Design returns, but loses its all-wheel drive variants and manual gearboxes. Standard features increase across the board with a power driver’s seat and auto-dimming mirror for the T5s. R-Designs receive standard power moonroofs and 17-in. alloys along with carryover cues such as a full body kit, leather/Flextech upholstery, sport pedals, unique aluminum inlays and dynamic sport suspension. A navigation system has been added to the optional Multimedia Package.
With the S60 sedan not in the 2010 lineup, the midsize Volvo car offerings are the V70 and XC70 wagons, the latter a bit more at home on dirt roads thanks to a higher ride height and awd. Joining the engine lineup this year is a clean-burning PZEV 3.2-liter inline-6, which puts out 225 bhp, 10 less than the standard 3.2, itself a ULEV engine. A new 3.2 R-Design V70 model joins the lineup for 2010, fitted with a sport chassis, a spoiler and side window trim in black aluminium. As for the XC70, it gets a new grille, and the fleet T6 awd model—powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 281 bhp—is now fitted with new 18-in. wheels, leather seating, wood trim, improved navigation and chrome trim around its side windows.
Volvo continues to enhance the performance of its delightful midsize XC60. The flagship R-Design boosts its turbocharged inline-6 to 325 bhp (up 25) and 354 lb.-ft. (up 29). Thus, it now tops the midrange T6 AWD turbo that returns with 300 bhp. Then there’s the naturally aspirated XC60 3.2 with 240 bhp and front- or awd. Volvo’s new trim level strategy offers a choice of Premier, Premier Plus and Platinum grades. A new Dynamic Package for the T6 AWD includes Four-C active suspension, speed-sensing steering and xenon headlights. The XC60 was the first Volvo to offer City Safety. Additional advanced safety features come with the Technology Package such as Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist.
In addition to pioneering a wealth of automotive safety features, Volvo built its reputation with wagons. For 2012, the XC70 carries on this proud tradition alone as the V50 and V70 are no more. Volvo positions the XC70 as a crossover with its increased ride height and rugged SUV-inspired styling. There’s a choice of front- or all-wheel drive for the XC70 3.2 equipped with its 240-bhp inline-6. The T6 AWD packs a punch thanks to a turbocharged 300-bhp engine. Like the S80 sedan, the XC70 gains standard City Safety and the dash-mounted Volvo Sensus 7-in. color monitor. Other changes include new Premier, Premier Plus and Platinum trim levels, standard Bluetooth audio streaming and voice-control functionality for the optional navigation system.
Those searching for a 7-passenger crossover wearing a Volvo badge have come to the right place. In Volvo’s triad of XC models, only the XC90 is fitted with a third-row seat. It also offers the largest cargo compartment, a boon for weekend warriors. This luxuriously appointed chariot comes in 3.2 and R-Design versions. There’s a choice of front- or all-wheel drive along with new Premier Plus and Platinum trim levels. Motivation is supplied by a 240-bhp 3.2-liter normally aspirated inline-6. The optional V-8 engine has been discontinued. Active dual xenon headlights and 20-in. alloys are added to the roster of R-Design standards that also include sport-tuned suspension and steering, plus special leather upholstery and watch-dial instrumentation. Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System, is optional.
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