2011 Volvo V50

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Volvo V50
The S40 is Volvo's entry-level sedan based on the P1 platform. It fills a near-luxury niche below the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. The S40 has many similarities to the Mazda3 and European Ford Focus, due to a shared platform. However, the S40 is more expensive and better equipped than both those vehicles.

Now in its second generation, the the current S40 was first introduced for the 2004 model year, and updated for 2008.
In the U.S., the car can be ordered with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. What's more, customers have a choice of two engines and two transmissions -- a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic with Geartronic manual shifting.

 INTERIOR

The standard upholstery in the five-occupant interior has a slightly coarse, woven feel said to be inspired by sportswear. Leather upholstery is available. The R-Design comes with unique premium leather seating surfaces. Aluminum trim is standard. Interior features include:

• Power driver seat
• Leather gearshift knob and steering wheel
• Eight-speaker sound system with in-dash CD player and USB/iPod compatibility
• Optional Dolby Pro-Logic II surround-sound stereo
• Optional automatic climate control
• Optional power glass moonroof
• Optional heated front seats
• Optional navigation system
• Optional power passenger seat
• R-Design versions include unique floormats, aluminum accents, steering wheel, upholstery and gauges

 

EXTERIOR

The V50's looks are similar to its S40 sibling. A V-shaped hood bulge runs down into a sculpted nose, and there's a broad lower air intake. The grille receives a larger logo this year. Exterior features include:

• Standard mirror-integrated turn signals
• Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels
• Optional 18-inch aluminum wheels
• Standard fog lights
• R-Design features aluminum roof rails, silver grille frame, rear spoiler, ground effects and unique tailpipes
• Optional power moonroof
• Optional bi-xenon headlights with articulating headlamps

 

 ENGINE
All 2011 Volvo V50s are powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 good for 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic with manual-shift capability. Volvo predicts a 0-60 sprint of 6.8 seconds, and estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.

SAFETY
The 2011 Volvo V50 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing front head restraints. Optional features include integrated rear booster seats and a blind-spot warning system.

Driving Impressions

The turbocharged engine is a good performer, and it makes this car a kind of Mazdaspeed 3, only with a more refined chassis and powertrain. When the road is winding, the 2011 V50 is stable and confidence-inspiring, and it doesn't give up much to the more expensive Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series. Sadly, the discontinued all-wheel-drive option makes this car less attractive for those who live where weather is a serious issue, but the added cost had limited its appeal. Altogether, the Volvo V50 Wagon is often overlooked, yet it delivers the experience of a European-tuned wagon in a very compelling way.
source:www.edmunds.com,www.cars.com,www.leftlanenews.com

2011 Volvo S40

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Volvo S40
There used to be a distinct gap between premium and non-premium sedans. In recent years, that gap has been filling up with attractively priced four-doors with luxury aspirations. The 2011 Volvo S40 is such a sedan, with more prestige than your run-of-the-mill domestic model, but not quite as much sophistication as the established European competitors. The niche positioning, however, presents some problems.
On the positive side, the Volvo S40 certainly looks the part of a European sport sedan. Even though this latest generation has been in production for seven years now, the S40 manages to still look fresh. This is especially true on the inside, where the sleek "floating waterfall" center stack and available two-tone upholstery continue to set this car apart from its more conservative rivals. Under the hood you'll find a standard 227-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine that provides livelier acceleration than you'll find in the typical four-cylinder sedan.
Beyond this, the S40 just doesn't do much else to distinguish itself. Whether you're looking for the latest technology features, sportier performance, higher fuel economy or just a more prestigious image, you'll likely find a better choice. In the S40's price range, models like the sporty Acura TSX V6, the stylish Buick Regal and the well-equipped Volkswagen CC are more appealing. Similarly, the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G Sedan justify their higher costs through added performance and prestige. Overall, the S40 is a fine car on its own merits, but you'll definitely want to shop around.

 INTERIOR
The S40 sedan and V50 wagon share essentially that same interior, and it looks great. It's also intuitive, everything works the way you'd expect, and it's easy to get comfortable. When Volvo updated these cars back in 2008, it addressed the few niggling shortcomings in what was otherwise a first-rate cabin. Re-designed dash vents move more air, and storage for small items was improved.
The S40 and V50 are surprisingly roomy given their exterior dimensions, which are very close to a Honda Civic or Ford Focus. Volvo should be credited for creating efficient, intelligent ways to use space. Everything in the S40/V50 cabin is carefully compact, including the strong stubby door handles. They're easy to grab and pull.
The materials and finish are very good. The expanses of plastic and vinyl have a soft, leathery look. The standard trim in base 2.4i models, as well as T5s, is brushed aluminum, not too much and in all the right places, including the whole center stack. Genuine Nordic Light Oak is optional in the 2.4i, and it looks like the finish on fine furniture. T5s come standard with Volvo's R-Design motif, meaning light (Crème) leather seating surfaces strikingly bracketed by black Flextech fabric. Full, monotone leather is optional in all models, in black or off-white (Volvo calls it Quartz) in the 2.4i, but in black only in T5s. In either color the leather is smooth and thick, stretched taut over the seats rather than draped.
The seats are excellent. It's hard to find a better mix of comfort and support for typical driving. The optional sport seats in some luxury brands might ultimately be better, but they are much harder to settle into not to mention they are usually expensive. The fabric that comes standard in the 2.4i resists stains. Dog owners may be better served by the leather, however, because dog hair can get imbedded in the fabric upholstery.
The fold-flat front passenger seat is a valuable feature. Standard on the wagons, the front seatback can fold forward to roughly the same level as the folded rear seat and cargo floor. This adds three feet to the length of items that can be carried within the car. And as far as we could tell, this feature does nothing to diminish the seat's comfort.
Volvo's WHIPS whiplash-limiting seat is designed to reduce the chance of a neck injury in a rear-end collision: During a rear-end impact, the seatbacks move rearward to reduce acceleration forces on the occupant's back and neck, while the headrest pushes forward and upward slightly to meet the neck and head as they are thrust backward. For 2010, the headrests now adjust vertically as well.
The S40/V50 instrument panel is clean, simple and workmanlike, with a big speedometer and tachometer featuring white numbers on a black background with red needles or, keeping with the R-Design theme in the T5, white numbers on blue faces with red needles. Both replicate the look a fine watch. The overall effect of the dashboard is very Scandinavian, yet the coolest part may be the thin-panel center stack.
The S40 and V50 were the first Volvos to use the thin panel in front of the center console. The center stack is barely more than an inch thick, like a flat-screen computer monitor, with open space behind it. It curves gracefully upward from the minimalist shift lever to link the center console with the rest of the instrument panel.
Most controls are located in the thin panel, with audio above climate and a text display at the top, arranged in a neat, symmetrical pattern. The four primary knobs are placed at the corners, big and raised substantially from the surface so they're easy to find. One of those knobs is a menu control that easily accesses more detailed functions displayed on the information screen. The airflow buttons are fashioned in an icon shaped like a seated person, so there's absolutely no confusion about directing air toward the face, feet or windshield.
It's all quite clean, effective and pleasing. Most significantly, measured by function and ease of operation, various controls in the S40 and V50 are simpler, better, than most other luxury brands. Particularly German brands, which still insist on layering more menus (and buttons) in their interfaces. One problem we had with the thin panel, however, is that during hard cornering, of which these cars are eminently capable, our right knee rode hard against the panel edge, and it hurt. But we'll deal with the rubbing and take the thin-panel center stack. Behind the thin panel is a small storage bin, though you have to reach around the back to gain access.
Our biggest complaint about these cars is their lack of interior cubby storage for small items. It was expanded slightly for 2008, but there's still little room for stuff. The latest versions offer some room in the center console, perhaps enough for a small handbag, and have a rack that holds 10 CDs.
Trunk space in the sedan is good. The chopped-off rear end makes the trunk opening smaller than that on some comparably sized cars, but it leads into a deep forward well, with 12.6 cubic feet of luggage space. That's average in this size class, but it's only the beginning, The rear seat splits 60/40, and the seatbacks open up to the trunk when dropped. Fold both sides of the rear seat and the S40 offers an impressively large open floor, with 38.4 cubic feet of space to carry cargo inside the car. That's a lot for a small sedan, and it can be reached through the side doors as well as the trunk lid.
Cargo space in the V50 wagon expands storage further. We think it's a great choice for people who routinely transport their dogs. It offers 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats upright, and a substantial 62.6 cubic feet with the rear seats and the front passenger seat folded down. That compares favorably to the cargo space in compact SUVs.
The premium audio system in the T5 Dynaudio Package delivers superb sound and it costs less than the high-end upgrades offered by many luxury brands, with dual amplifiers, subwoofers and advanced Dolby processing. The standard stereo is a 160-watt system that includes an in-dash CD/MP3 player, HD radio technology, and a USB port.
The navigation system is easy to operate and we liked it. The screen pops up vertically from the center of the dash, though it's canted forward at an angle that can make it harder to see from some driving positions. The driver surfs through menus and makes choices with buttons on the back of the right steering wheel spoke, almost where you'd expect paddle shifters for an automatic transmission. The menus are no more difficult to learn than those on other navigation systems, and they're managed without taking hands from the steering wheel and fishing for the controls. Passengers can control the system with a remote. It was upgraded for 2009.

EXTERIOR

Little has changed on the outside since the 2009 redesign, but Volvo says the 2011 models will get a larger Volvo logo on the grille. Exterior features include:

• Standard integrated turn signals
• Standard fog lights
• Standard power-operated and heated side mirrors
• Standard 17-inch wheels
• Optional power glass moonroof
• Optional 18-inch wheels
• Optional bi-xenon headlights with articulating headlamps

 

 ENGINE
With the cancellation of last year's base engine, the S40 is now offered solely with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 that pumps out 227 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque. A standard five-speed automatic routes power to the front wheels -- all-wheel drive is no longer available. Zero to 60 mph is reached in 6.7 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg in combined driving.

Summary

The Volvo S40 sedan and V50 wagon are premium, safe cars in a small package. They offer essential active safety systems, such as advanced ABS and skid-control electronics, and a high level of impact protection. Their interiors are nice.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses filed this report from California; with Mitch McCullough reporting from Charlottesville, Virginia, and J.P. Vettraino in Detroit.
source:www.edmunds.com,www.cars.com,autos.aol.com

2011 Volvo C30

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Volvo C30
The 2011 Volvo C30 isn't your typical "hot hatch." Sure, it's got a powerful turbocharged engine and an available sport-tuned suspension, but this Swede is about a lot more than just speed. Don't get us wrong -- the C30 actually drives nicely and has more dynamic capabilities than most drivers will care to exploit. But with its chic interior and a classic hatchback design that evokes Volvos of yore, the C30 is also the closest thing in this segment to automotive art.
A product of the Ford era at Volvo, the C30 (like the related S40 sport sedan) shares its basic platform design with the Mazda 3 and the latest Ford Focus. That's a good thing, as we've applauded these underpinnings in virtually every application. Power comes from Volvo's familiar turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which cranks out a healthy 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The C30 ultimately gives up a bit of sportiness to the competition, but it compensates with superior sophistication and refinement.
And then there's its unique aesthetic appeal, which is particularly evident in the distinctive sloping rear end's oversized window and trademark vertical taillights. Inside you'll find the "floating" center stack familiar from the S40 and other Volvos. Debuting for 2011 is a new front fascia inspired by the XC60 crossover. We like the idea -- the C30 previously shared the S40's rather plain front end -- but we're not sure about the execution, as the C30 now appears a bit nose-heavy. Still, there's no disputing that Volvo's little hatch has maintained its distinctive looks.
Compared to hot hatches like the Mini Cooper S or Subaru WRX, the 2011 Volvo C30 is a different kettle of Swedish fish. It certainly goes fast and handles well, but Volvo has refused to sacrifice comfort for performance, even in sport-tuned R-Design trim. The result is something refreshing in this segment: a capable hatchback that remains perfectly pleasant to drive on a daily basis. Other than the Volkswagen GTI, no rival can match the C30's refinement -- and aesthetically speaking, the C30 is in a class of one.

 INTERIOR

Volvo says four adults can fit inside the C30. Rear bucket seats are positioned slightly inward of the front seats, allowing more forward visibility. In front, the dashboard looks much like the S40's, with an ultra-thin center panel that incorporates climate and audio controls.

• Fabric seating standard, leather seating available
• Standard dual-zone climate control
• Standard CD audio system with an MP3 jack
• Standard trip computer
• Upgraded audio system optional
• Optional navigation system with real-time traffic data
• Backseat folds forward

 

 EXTERIOR
The Volvo C30 design is striking, particularly from the side. The roofline starts out high and slopes gradually down, pinching the rear windows. Those windows are drawn in, leaving room for another Volvo characteristic, pronounced shoulders.
The C30 is a two-door hatchback, also called a three-door. Sporty design cues include short front and rear overhangs, an integrated body kit, and big wheels on wide tires. The ground-effects-type body kit outlines the bottom of the T5 in black from front to rear and includes wheel flares at all four corners. On R-Design models the entire kit is body-color, for a more subtle look that we like much better.
The story isn't the C30's front or sides, though. It's at the rear. Volvo is putting more emphasis on the rear aspect of the C30, choosing to show that angle in promotional materials. The most prominent feature is the dark-tinted rear glass, an attractive frameless trapezoidal shape that recalls the rear of the 1971-73 Volvo 1800 ES wagon. The glass dips down low and is flanked by unique taillights that rise up to the roof and jut out at the bottom to match the shape of the car's shoulders. The Volvo name is spelled out across the bottom of the glass in bold, bright letters. The look is different from anything out there and is strong enough to give the car a distinct character.
For 2011, T5 R-Design models come with 18-inch wheels Volvo calls Midir. C30s come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Volvo C30 is based on the same platform as the S40 and V50, and all share the same 103.9-inch wheelbase. But the C30 is nearly 9 inches shorter than the S40, all sliced from behind the rear wheels.
The Volvo C30 competes with the Audi A3, Mini Cooper S, and Volkswagen GTI. The C30 has a longer wheelbase than all three. The Mini is two feet shorter than all three of these cars. From the rear, the C30 has the most character of these cars. From the front, it would be easy to mistake the C30 for a Volvo S40 or V50.

 ENGINE
The front-wheel-drive 2011 Volvo C30 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 that produces 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a five-speed automatic is optional.
In performance testing, we hustled a manual-equipped C30 to 60 mph in a fleet 6.4 seconds. Fuel economy checks in at 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined for the manual; the automatic has a 21/30/24 mpg rating.

Summary

The Volvo C30 is practical, easy to maneuver, fun to drive and is loaded with safety engineering. The engine is powerful, handling is responsive, and ride is reasonably comfortable. The hatchback body style offers useful cargo room, and inside there is plenty of room for four. The C30 is a nice looking car and its styling has been freshened for 2011. If you're looking for a quality compact that makes a personal statement, the Volvo C30 is worth a look.
source:www.edmunds.com,www.cars.com,autos.aol.com

2012 Volvo XC90

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2012 Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is big on safety, comfort and functionality. It was launched in 2003 and its appearance freshened in 2007. The sporty R-Design models joined the lineup in 2009. The 2011 Volvo XC90 benefits from a slight increase in power but carries over largely unchanged.
The Volvo XC90 seats seven passengers. Leather seating, power glass sunroof, rear park assist and third-row climate control are standard equipment. It swallows more cargo than its competitors, and it comes with features that allow quick, easy tailoring for cargo, gear or people. An integrated center booster cushion adds versatility to the second-row seat and eliminates the challenges associated with installing a separate child seat.
The all-wheel-drive works smoothly, without penalty in fuel economy, and it's truly welcome when the weather gets foul. Buyers who don't need all-wheel drive can choose an XC90 with front-wheel drive.
The XC90 is not the sportiest vehicle among luxury-class SUVs, but it handles well on city streets and highways. It rides very comfortably and it's easy to park. The XC90 3.2 is rated to tow trailers up to 3,970 pounds, which describes light boat trailers, personal watercraft, snowmobiles.
The 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine is up to all the demands of daily driving and delivers a good value, in our view.
The 2011 Volvo XC90 3.2 gets a 5-horsepower increase, to 240 hp, with 236 pound-feet of torque. The 2011 XC90 gets an EPA-estimated 16/22 City/Highway miles per gallon, an increase of 1 mpg over the 2010 model.
2011 XC90 models come standard with Bluetooth and Sirius satellite radio, along with watch dial instrumentation and silver roof rails.
Technically, the 311-hp V8 is in the 2011 lineup, but alas there are no more. Sold out. The 4.4-liter V8 was developed to Volvo specifications by Yamaha, the Japanese motorcycle builder and auto engine specialist, and it was wonderful. Still is, if you can find a pre-owned one.

INTERIOR
The dashboard and instrument panel dome employ slanted, angular themes, as does the three-spoke steering wheel with stereo and cruise controls. Various console knobs have chrome coverings, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror is standard.

A standard third-row seat allows for a maximum seating capacity of seven, but it's a tight squeeze in back. (Volvo recommends the third row for occupants 5 feet 3 inches or shorter.) A built-in booster seat in the second row adjusts forward up to 12 inches to keep children closer to adults in the front row. The rear seats fold down, as does the front passenger seat. Interior features include:

• Standard  leather seats
• Available aluminum trim
• Standard automatic dual-zone climate control
• Optional heated front seats
• Optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system
• Available navigation system with real-time traffic

  

 EXTERIOR

The XC90 carries Volvo's familiar face — not the previous boxy angles, but the smoother, more modern look that's been present since the early 2000s. The door handles and side mirrors are body-colored, and the mirrors incorporate turn-signal lights. The roof rails are silver-colored. The R-Design trim changes the look of the grille. Exterior features include:

• Available 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels
• Standard front fog lights
• Standard power-operated heated mirrors
• Standard power moonroof
• Optional headlight washers
• Available bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with swiveling lenses
• Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers

 

 ENGINE

The 2012 XC90 has one engine and transmission offering but is available with front- or all-wheel drive. The R-Design model gets a sport-tuned suspension with thicker front and rear stabilizer bars and firmer springs and struts. Mechanical features include:

• 240-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder with 236 pounds-feet of torque
• Six-speed automatic with clutchless-manual mode

 

 

Summary

The Volvo XC90 packs a lot of space into a good-looking, manageably sized vehicle. It's better than most competitors for hauling children around, with superior cargo and seating flexibility, and it's loaded with Volvo's trademark safety technology. It's available with the mechanical simplicity of front-wheel drive if a buyer doesn't need all-wheel-drive capability. The superior handling of the mid-range R-Design model is fun, but the base XC90 3.2 six-cylinder is better than adequate for nearly all purposes, and it represents a better value.
source:utos.aol.com,www.cars.com

2012 Volvo XC70

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2012 Volvo XC70
The Volvo XC70 is an impressively versatile wagon. It's smooth, stable, secure, fast and very comfortable on the open highway. Most come with all-wheel drive, which makes the XC70 a good choice for foul weather, be it torrential rain, deep snow or glare ice.
But it's on primitive roads where the Volvo XC70 shines. It handles gravel and dirt roads very well, with stable, predictable handling and excellent traction. Indeed, it can dispense with unpaved roads quickly and ably. The XC70 is engineered for serious gear hauling rather than posing at the mall. And of course it's equipped with all the active and passive safety features that form Volvo's well-deserved reputation for safety engineering.
For 2011, XC70 gets a horsepower boost in both engines. The 2011 Volvo XC70 3.2-liter inline-6 gains 5 horsepower to 240 hp, and the 2011 Volvo XC70 T6 gets a 19-hp boost to 300 hp from its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6. The turbocharged T6 engine was named one of Ward's Ten Best engines for 2011, a prestigious award. It's the first Volvo engine to ever win.
For 2011, Volvo XC70 3.2 is available with front-wheel drive for the first time. That should appeal to flatlanders in warm weather, for example Texans and Floridians, although it seems a shame to pass on the all-wheel drive.
For 2011, Sirius satellite radio become standard equipment and comfort and convenience packages have been upgraded. 2011 also brings some amazing price drops, by nearly $4,000 for the 3.2 and more than $6,000 for the T6. All-wheel drive comes standard in those models. The XC70 3.2 comes with a powerful inline-6 rated at 240 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance XC70 T6 boosts the power to 300 turbocharged horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, the latter an increase of 30 lb-ft for 2011. Its maximum cargo capacity of 72.1 cubic feet is on par with mid-size SUVs, and slightly better than the Subaru Outback's 71.3 cubic feet. The seating arrangement is flexible and the cargo compartment has tie-downs and other useful accessories. With the rear seats folded, the XC70's flat floor and low lift-over height make loading bulky cargo easier than with many SUVs. It's rated to tow up to 3,300 pounds, enough for a small boat or camper or a couple of snowmobiles.
The XC70 is prepared for serious travel in unpaved areas. It comes with full-time all-wheel drive, and its suspension is raised to increase both movement range and ground clearance. Dent-resistant lower body cladding and protective skid plates underneath protect it from damage. Standard Hill Descent Control makes ascending steep, slippery trails easier and safer.
We found the handling of the Volvo XC70 on primitive logging roads to be excellent. This would be a good car to drive to the top of Alaska in the middle of the winter. We know, we've done it. More recently, we drove an XC70 over 120 miles of logging roads in the unpaved wilderness of northwestern Montana. The all-wheel drive made driving around corners easy and predictable on gravel, dirt, mud, and snow. The suspension had just the right amount of compliance to keep the tires on the trail yet gave the driver lots of control. Bumps in the middle of turns never upset the handling. The car was comfortable, whether creeping along over rugged trails or hurtling down an unpaved road at rally speeds.
On paved roads, the XC70 is stable and comfortable. It isn't as sporty as the pavement-oriented Volvo V70 wagon, but the XC70 makes a good grand touring car and great daily transportation. It rides smoothly and doesn't float or lean excessively through the curves, and it should deliver better real-world gas mileage than most mid- and full-size truck-based SUVs. We think it's the most compelling car in the Volvo lineup.
Inside is one of Volvo's best interiors: Scandinavian in style and elegantly understated. It's easy to master its multitude of controls, and it's simpler and more efficient than many of its European luxury competitors.

INTERIOR
The Volvo XC70 cabin is understated, but elegant and nicely polished. Materials and overall finish are high grade. The XC70 interior uses design themes and components from the S80 luxury sedan.
The leather upholstery is smooth and stretched tautly over the front seats, and the seats themselves are excellent. It's hard to find a better mix of comfort and support for typical driving. Visibility outward is good, forward and aft. The rear-most side windows are imbedded with their own electrical grid for defrosting.
The XC70 driver sits before a fat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, looking at big, crisp gauges with bright-white backlighting and number gradients that are easy for the brain to absorb.
The standard trim is called dark fineline. Order the Premium Package and this is replaced with what Volvo calls modern wood, while the T6 is trimmed in classic wood.
The center stack is a thin panel, no more than two inches thick, with open space behind it. Most controls are placed here, with audio above climate and a display at the top, arranged in a neat, symmetrical pattern. The primary knobs are big and raised substantially from the surface, and the airflow controls are fashioned in an icon shaped like a seated person, so there's absolutely no confusion about directing air toward the face, feet or windshield. It's all clean and pleasing. Most significantly, measured by function and simplicity of operation, the XC70's various controls are better than most other luxury brands, particularly German brands.
The navigation system is well worth the price of the Multimedia Package. The screen pops up vertically from the center of the dash, though it's canted forward at a strange angle. The driver surfs through menus and makes choices with buttons on the back of the steering wheel spokes, almost where you'd expect paddle shifters for an automatic transmission. We think it's better than many other systems. The menus are no more difficult to learn, and they're managed without taking hands from the steering wheel and fishing for the controls. Passengers can control the system with a remote. The system was improved for 2010 with more user-friendly icons and more distinctive menus. For 2011, a rearview camera was added to this package.
Cubby storage is decent, better than other Volvo models. The center console and glovebox hold quite a bit of stuff. The pockets behind the front seatbacks are handy and the cupholders work well.
The rear seat is not the roomiest, given the apparent size of the vehicle it's in. We wouldn't recommend it to six-footers for a cross-country trip. There's enough room that someone 5-feet, 9 inches won't get claustrophobic or cramped riding in the back of the XC70 across town, however. And we think it would be fine for families until the kids are well into their teens. With the stereo upgrade, there are redundant audio controls and headphone jacks for rear passengers.
The cargo area is one of the XC70's strengths. The back seat folds easily, 40/20/40, so the center section can work like a pass-through for skis or hockey sticks. With a maximum cargo capacity of 72.1 cubic feet, the XC70 compares favorably with the larger, heavier Mercedes M-Class (72.4 cubic feet) and BMW X5 (75.2).
The cargo floor is perfectly flat with all the seats folded down, providing a smooth, friendly area for cargo as well as dogs or even people: One or two people could sleep comfortably back there. We tested this. It's a useful feature for camping or for stopping for a nap on long road trips, a potentially important feature not found on many vehicles. A perfectly flat cargo floor can be critically important for some owners so be sure to check this on any wagon or SUV on your shopping list.
A fold-flat front-passenger seat is a valuable feature that should not be underestimated. The XC70 has such a seat and the fold-flat design does not seem to diminish seating comfort. The seatback can be folded forward to the same level as the folded rear seat and cargo floor. This allows the XC70 to carry long narrow items such as ladders, fly rods, two-by-fours securely inside, or maybe a kayak. Under the load floor is a lockable, shallow storage area, no more than six inches deep.
The cargo floor itself features aluminum rails with movable anchorage points for securing loads. The anchors can be tucked down into the rails when not used, to keep the floor perfectly smooth, and there are more anchorage points in the side panels. Accessories are available to secure your cargo: hooks, nets, space dividers, and a cargo cover. A steel cargo barrier is available that flips down from the ceiling behind the back seats and a safety net that pulls from behind the back seats; marketed as protection from flying cargo, they could also help corral pets, though a harness is still recommended. Or favorite is a drawer, a sliding floor that locks into the rails and pulls out beyond the bumper for easier loading. It will easily support 50 pounds. One disadvantage of the XC70 compared to the typical SUV is a lower ceiling; an SUV will accommodate taller items, or items in an upright position. In practice, we've seldom found this an issue but it does occur. The XC70 has a lower liftover height than most SUVs do, which makes it easier to load cargo, lower height for dogs jumping in and especially out.
The seats are designed to help reduce whiplash injuries. During a rear-end impact, the WHIPS seatbacks move rearward to reduce acceleration forces on the occupant's back and neck, while the headrest pushes forward and upward slightly to meet the neck and head as they are thrust backward. Power rear headrests are available.

EXTERIOR

The front of the XC70 features a grille that looks similar to the one on Volvo's XC90 crossover. The nose of the wagon is distinguished by bright fog-light surrounds and dark bumper cladding. The wagon's cladding extends around the lower edge of the XC70's sides and back to the rear bumper, where the XC70 has a flat-black treatment. Ground clearance is 8.3 inches. Exterior features include:

• Available 16-, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
• Standard aluminum roof rails
• Standard power-operated and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Optional power liftgate
• Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Optional bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with swiveling lenses

  

ENGINE

The 3.2 and T6 models use different engines: a 3.2-liter inline-six-cylinder for the former and a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder for the latter. The T6 includes hill descent control, which is designed to keep the XC70's speed at 6 mph when traversing challenging terrain. Mechanical features include: 

• 240-horsepower, 3.2-liter six-cylinder with 236 pounds-feet of torque (3.2)
• 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 325 pounds-feet of torque (T6)
• Six-speed automatic transmission with clutchless-manual mode

Summary

The Volvo XC70 is an excellent choice for outdoor adventurers. It offers genuine off-pavement capability and it's very good on unpaved roads. It has lots of room for gear and the cargo compartment is perfectly flat. It offers many advantages over truck-based SUVs, including better fuel economy, better handling, better ride. Yet it's quiet, maneuverable and pleasant for the sort of driving most of us do most of the time.
source:www.cars.com,autos.aol.com

2012 Volvo XC60

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2012 Volvo XC60
Despite the company's storied rally history, Volvo seems to have eschewed building its line of R-Design vehicles into street-legal racers in favor of simply creating design packages that give the company's sedans, crossovers and hatches some much-needed attitude. In the case of the 2011 XC60 R-Design, that means the vehicle evolves from a mild-mannered high-rider into a machine begging to be seen delivering a load of equally well-dressed ladies to an exclusive night spot. It may not be able to reduce its tires to a cloud of carcinogens or successfully execute a Scandinavian flick, but this CUV is a much more attractive offering than its straight-laced siblings.

INTERIOR

Whereas the larger Volvo XC90 can seat up to seven people with its optional third row, the XC60 is designed to carry five people in two rows. The seats can have some rather startling two-tone color combinations, including black and yellow leather. The XC60 also has a slim dashboard control panel that gives the cabin aesthetic appeal. The second-row bench seat folds flat to expand the cargo area. Interior features include:

• Power driver’s seat
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• CD stereo with USB input
• Optional premium stereo
• Optional heated front and rear seats
• Available leather upholstery
• R-Design models include unique instruments, steering wheel and sport seats

  

 EXTERIOR

Throw in new color-matched cladding along the lower realms of the bodywork and you've more or less got the full story on the styling tweaks outside. Jump indoors and you'll see that Volvo has coated the vehicle's beautiful center stack in a new, darker material and that the excellent seats now boast contrasting leather panels for an added dash of style. Take the time to look close, and you just might notice the R-Design logo embossed in the leather, too.

ut out of all the kit that comes along with the R-Design package, the new steering wheel takes the cake. Thanks to heaps of perforated leather and plenty of contours laid out just for the ball of your hand and each finger, the wheel feels like it was sculpted for something low, mean and rear-wheel drive. How it wound up on an all-wheel-drive family cruiser is a tale that Volvo isn't telling.

 

 ENGINE

 

The XC60 3.2 is powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, and T6 models use a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder. Mechanical features include:

• 3.2-liter inline-six makes 240 hp and 236 pounds-feet of torque; low-emissions version sold in some states makes 230 hp and 221 pounds-feet of torque
• Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder makes 300 hp and 325 pounds-feet of torque (T6)
• New turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder generates 325 hp and 354 pounds-feet of torque (T6 R-Design)
• Six-speed automatic transmission for all engines
• Front- or all-wheel drive
• Optional Four-C adaptive suspension (T6)

DRIVING IMPRESSION
The vehicle is operated by a key fob about the size of a box of matches, though it doesn't rely on the same radio-frequency technology that most luxury manufacturers employ. To start the XC60, the driver must insert the fob, wait for a small electric motor to suck it into the dash, and then press the start button. Do any one of these things out of sequence or in a hurry, and the dash will simply regurgitate the fob and you'll be stuck doing the whole dance again, this time with feeling.

If you can get past the hurdle of starting the XC60 R-Design, you'll find one very beautiful, but pricey crossover. Our tester sat a little north of the XC60 R-Design T6 AWD base MSRP of $41,550 thanks to its optional wheels, putting the Volvo in the same arena as the BMW X3 xDrive35i. While we'd likely take the BMW for its more sorted suspension, there's no denying how right the Volvo design team got the XC60 R-Design inside and out. Give us a little more power, a set of adjusted dampers and a reworked starting sequence and we'd be whistling Du Gamla, Du Fria all the way home.
source:cars.com,auto.aol.com

2012 Volvo S80

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2012 Volvo S80
Big and luxurious, the Volvo S80 is roomy and comfortable. It rides smoothly around town. And it's fast. Stand on the gas and it accelerates with authority and tracks straight as an arrow at high speeds. Volvo's flagship luxury sedan is a worthy competitor to comparably sized luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Acura, and Cadillac.
The 2011 Volvo S80 models are more powerful than last year's versions. Both use six-cylinder engines.
The 2011 S80 3.2 delivers 240 horsepower, a slight increase over last year, while meeting stricter ULEV emissions standards. The S80 3.2 comes with a 3.2-liter six-cylinder and front-wheel drive. Volvo says it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.4 seconds while the federal government says it gets 19/27 mpg City/Highway.
The 2011 S80 T6 AWD has been boosted to 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, a substantial increase over last year. The T6 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 and all-wheel drive, which can propel it from 0-60 in a very quick 6.3 seconds. The S80 T6 is EPA-rated at 18/26 mpg. The T6 Dynamic Package delivers crisper response with the sport chassis with shorter and firmer springs, modified shock damping, firmer anti-roll bars and stiffer subframe bushings.
The S80 is at its best hurtling down the highway where it's a stable, comfortable platform. It's quite fast. It handles winding roads well for a large luxury car.
Inside is a sumptuous cabin with comfortable seats, sophisticated audio, and an available navigation system. Optional adaptive cruise control allows the driver to maintain set following distances with the cars ahead: the system will accelerate or slow the car as needed. The S80 is loaded with safety equipment, from its protective structure to its state-of-the-art active and passive safety features.
The current-generation version was launched as a 2007 model. For 2011, Sirius Satellite Radio comes standard. The V8 model has been discontinued.

INTERIOR

The S80's center controls sit on a thin metal panel pioneered in the S40 compact sedan. Luxurious touches include optional real wood trim with a wood-accented steering wheel. The back bench has a standard 60/40-split folding function for increased cargo capacity. Interior features include:

• Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter and brake handle
• Standard Bluetooth connectivity
• Optional moonroof
• Optional heated front and rear seats
• Optional ventilated front seats
• Available navigation system with real-time traffic info

EXTERIOR

Volvo says Scandinavian luxury is accessible, elegant and intelligent without being elitist. Volvo has shaken the boxy look it made famous by giving the S80 a curvier, sleeker appearance with a slightly sportier profile, yet still an unmistakably Volvo design. Exterior features include:

• Available 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
• Standard power-operated heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Optional heated windshield-washer nozzles
• Optional headlight washers
• Optional xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with articulating lenses
• Optional leather-covered dashboard

ENGINE

For 2011, Volvo cut back on the number of engine and drivetrain combinations available and is sticking with that plan for 2012. Mechanical features include:

• 240-horsepower, 3.2-liter six-cylinder (3.2)
• 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (T6)
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive for 3.2, all-wheel drive for T6 

  

Driving Impression

The Volvo S80 is a rock-solid sedan, a wonderful steed for covering large swaths of highway quickly and comfortably.
Fuel economy for the base S80 with the 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive is an EPA-rated 19/27 mpg City/Highway.
The turbocharged T6 is rated 18/26 miles per gallon. Maximum torque with the turbo is on tap from just 1500 rpm and remains available all the way up the rev range.
At cruising speeds, we found the cabin quiet, with a bit of wind noise and a bit of tire noise coming in.
The Volvo chassis system underneath the S80 is an evolution of the 4C chassis, with adaptive shock absorbers changing second by second according to inputs from the road and the car itself. The system offers three different settings: Comfort, Sport, and Advanced.
The Dynamic chassis promises crisper response via shorter and firmer springs, modified shock damping, firmer anti-roll bars and stiffer subframe bushings.
We experienced the adaptive cruise control system, which worked as advertised to maintain our preset distance to the car ahead in the fast lane, and we heard and saw the collision warning system in action and preferred to turn it off when on the crowded two-lane roads.
reference:www.cars.com,autos.aol.com

 

2012 Volvo S60

 Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2012 Volvo S60
With the 2012 Volvo S60, you can cast aside any preconceived notions about Volvos being bland, boxy or boring. Volvo's midsize luxury sedan -- curvaceous, modern, coupelike -- is one of the snazziest in its class. No "for a Volvo" qualification is needed; the S60 is a good-looking car bound to attract new folks to the brand.
Volvo redesigned the S60 just last year, giving it new styling, an updated interior and a powerful, 300-horsepower turbocharged engine. There are still some traditional Volvo strengths, though, including a comfortable ride, cosseting front seats and a focus on safety. Although the S60 doesn't lead the way in airbag count, it does have a variety of available driver warning systems designed to mitigate inattention in a world filled with smartphones and misbehaving children. Volvo's City Safety system, for example, is a standard feature that can automatically stop the car if a low-speed collision is imminent.
A subset of traditional Volvo buyers expect turbocharged engines, and the S60 offers two of them for 2011. Joining the 300-hp T6 AWD model is a new base T5 model fitted with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 engine. The T5 is good for 250 hp and boasts class-competitive acceleration and fuel economy. Both engines have the energetic snappiness that turbo Volvos of old were known for, only without the wheel-wrenching torque steer.
We're impressed with the 2012 Volvo S60. It's priced competitively, often thousands less than the competition. And while it isn't a sport sedan like a BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G37, the Volvo S60 fits right in against more comfort-tuned entry-level luxury sedans like the Acura TL, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS and Mercedes-Benz C300. In other words, you no longer have to think outside the box to consider a Volvo.

 INTERIOR

The S60 has room for five on front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding backseat. Fabric upholstery is standard and leather seats are available. The front passenger seat folds flat to make it easier to carry long items. The S60 also features Volvo's floating center control panel that can be finished in aluminum or wood. Interior features include:

• Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
• Standard CD stereo with an auxiliary jack
• Standard Bluetooth with streaming audio
• Standard satellite radio
• Available embossed sport seats and blue instrumentation (R-Design)

EXTERIOR
Volvo's quest to create something unmistakably Swedish begins with the S60's exterior design. So many of the styling attributes found on the Volvo simply wouldn't work on a traditional German sedan – things like the seven-spoke turbine-inspired 18-inch wheels, chunky headlamp design with LED fangs (Volvo's new corporate face) and thin-topped eagle's head taillamps. Even that Blazing Copper paint color ("fluorescent brown," as a friend called it) would seem off on a BMW or Benz, and the end result is a luxury sedan that is sleek and stylish in its own unique way. And it's even better in motion. If this Volvo passes you on the highway, you certainly won't mistake it for anything hailing from Germany or Japan.

ENGINE

At launch, the S60 was powered only by a 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder. This year, the new T5 model uses a 250-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder, and the T6 R-Design gets a 325-hp, turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder. Mechanical features include:

• Front- or all-wheel drive
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Optional Four-C adaptive suspension

 SAFETY
Upholding Volvo's sterling reputation for passenger protection, the 2012 S60 comes loaded with standard safety features that include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, whiplash-reducing front head restraints and City Safety. The latter can help the driver avoid rear-ending other vehicles or a stationary object at speeds of up to 19 mph by automatically applying the brakes if he doesn't react in time.
Optional (via the Technology package) is Volvo's new pedestrian detection feature, which can apply full braking force (reducing speed by as much as 22 mph) to help you avoid hitting pedestrians who are at least 31 inches in height. This package also includes electronic warnings for driver inattention, lane departure and impending collision, the last of which includes automatic braking. Other safety options include front and rear parking sensors and a side blind-spot warning system.
reference:www.cars.com,autos.aol.com,www.edmunds.com

2012 Volvo C70

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2012 Volvo C70
Styling revisions give the Volvo C70 a freshened appearance for 2011. The 2011 C70 gets a redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights, and front fenders. The nose of the 2011 Volvo C70 is more wedge-shaped than last year's version, adding dimension. The rear fascia has also been restyled as well, and there are new LED taillights. Inside, the instrument panel has been redesigned for 2011.
The Volvo C70 is a hardtop convertible. The C70 converts from coupe to roadster with the press of a button. Its folding steel roof deploys from the trunk and converts from open car to hard top in just 30 seconds. The top is made of steel, so when the top up is up, it's quiet and feels like a coupe, and it offers the security of a coupe. Press the button, and the joy of top-down motoring is yours.
The sporty C70 is based on the S40 sedan, but it has more luscious lines. The engine, suspension and transmission are proven Volvo components, while the rigid chassis was designed to meet Volvo's industry-leading safety standards.
We found the C70 to be an excellent highway cruiser, smooth and steady at high speeds. The C70 drives like a sports car. It has a solid feel and strikes an appropriate balance of responsive handling with a smooth, well-controlled ride quality and fade-resistant brakes. We found the 5-speed automatic crisp and responsive.
The styling is brilliant, with elegant coupe lines, and the retractable hardtop is an engineering masterpiece. The cabin features comfortable seats, the latest in Volvo interior styling and fabrics, and a clever cubby behind the center dash. The stereo sounds superb. Everything operates as it should, and it's a beautiful piece of work.
The C70 helped launch a trend toward true hard-top convertibles when it debuted as a 2006 model. The 2011 C70 comes as one model, the C70 T5.
The 2011 C70 comes with more standard equipment than before. The 5-speed Geartronic automatic transmission is standard, the 6-speed manual is no longer available. Sovereign Hide leather comes standard with Cranberry leather optional. Sirius Satellite Radio is standard on the 2011 Volvo C70.

INTERIOR

Volvo designed the instrument panel to impart more of a watch-dial design. Leather is standard, and cranberry-colored leather is optional. Other options include heated front seats, black oak inlays, a humidity sensor and an interior air-quality system that catches allergens. Interior features include:

• Leather seats standard
• Standard dual-zone climate control
• Standard CD stereo with an auxiliary jack
• Standard trip computer
• Available navigation system with real-time traffic data

  

EXTERIOR

Thanks to the update last year, the C70's front end bears a family resemblance to the S60 sedan and XC60 crossover. Overall, the nose is more wedge-shaped and has a larger air intake than the previous version. LED taillights give the rear a contemporary appearance. Exterior features include:

• Available headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers
• Available adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
• Standard 17-inch wheels
• Available 18-inch wheels

  

ENGINE

The engines in the Volvo C70 are transversely installed in-line units. Together with large displacement, the five-cylinder configuration provides high torque across a broad rev band and thus also swift acceleration and excellent driveability within a wide speed range. T5 with 230 hp
The Volvo C70 T5 petrol engine features a turbocharger and five-speed automatic transmission. It produces 230 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
2-litre diesel D3
The five-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel introduced in the all-new Volvo S60 is now available throughout Volvo Cars' model range. The five-cylinder D3 is in principle the same engine as the well-established 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. The engine has been optimised for low fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimise consumption with exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This promotes extremely efficient combustion.
In the Volvo C70 the 2-litre turbodiesel is available in two variants:
D4 with 177 hp and 400 Nm of torque and a fuel consumption of 5,9 litre/100 km (Man)
6.4 litre/100 km (Auto)
D3 with 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque and a fuel consumption of 5,9 litre/100 km (Man)
6.4 litre/100 km (Auto)
Both the D3 and D4 meet the Euro 5 emission standards.
All the variants of the two-litre turbodiesel can be specified with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.

 SAFETY
Volvo Cars has developed various support features designed to help the driver while on the move. One such system is IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), which for instance delays incoming phone calls in complex traffic situations that require the driver's undivided attention.
Active Bending Lights (ABL)- swivelling headlamp beams
In order to contribute to the best possible visibility during night-time driving on curving and twisting roads, the car can be equipped with Active Bending Lights - swivelling headlamps that follow the sweeps and bends of the road.
World-leading safety among convertibles
The new Volvo C70 has been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market as regards both preventive and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique in the world of open cars. The lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements and sophisticated technology.
reference:autos.aol.com,www.cars.com,www.autospectator.com