The swoopy, English-designed C70 coupe is the car that started the new design direction at Volvo. C70 has excellent handling and plenty of power from the 236-hp, 2.3-liter, high-pressure turbo (HPT) inline five-cylinder engine. The engine has a unique sound and character, and turbo lag isn't as bad as would be expected from a high-pressure turbo. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but the optional five-speed automatic gives performance that's nearly as good because it keeps the turbo spooled up. C70s can be equipped quite luxuriously, with wood trim and leather heated seats.
S40/V40
The compact S40 sedan and V40 sport wagon come only with a 160-hp, 1.9-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Side impact airbags and inflatable curtain side airbags are standard on both models, as is Volvo's WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System). A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, and no manual transmission is available. The V40 is especially roomy and practical, with its cavernous cargo area. S40 and V40 models are competent, but they don't have the rugged personality of other Volvo models, and road and engine noise is higher than expected.
2001 Volvo S60 |
S60
The all-new S60 sedan bows in for 2001 with a curvy appearance that imitates those introduced last year on the larger S80. Three models are available: A standard 2.4 model with a 168-hp, 2.4-liter inline five-cylinder engine, a 2.4T model with a turbocharged 197-hp version of the 2.4-liter, and a performance-oriented T-5 model, with a high-boost-turbocharged 247-hp version of the 2.4-liter inline five. The T-5 model offers special appearance cues, including a trick ball-shaped gearshift knob, aluminum and leather trim, and a firmer suspension tuning. A sport package is also available on the lower two models. Of course, there are many high-tech safety features including Volvo's WHIPS whiplash protection system, and side airbags. The S60 also breaks tradition by being very entertaining to drive.
2001 Volvo V70 XC |
V70/Cross Country
The V70 is a roomy, somewhat boxy station wagon that has some newfound curves that follow from the S80s introduction last year. The Cross Country is essentially an "outbacked" version of the V70, with higher ground clearance, heavy duty suspension components, rugged appearance cues, and rubber protective fascias at the front and rear. The Cross Country, otherwise known as XC, has a standard 197-hp, 2.4-liter inline five-cylinder engine, five-speed automatic transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system that works in conjunction with the traction control system. Side curtain and regular side airbags are both standard. The sporty T-5 model adds a high-pressure-turbo version of the engine, with 247 hp, along with a stiffer, lowered suspension and choice of a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic.
S80
The S80 is Volvo's curvaceous new-generation large luxury sedan model, with a 201-hp, 2.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine or a 268-hp, twin-turbocharged version of the same engine, and front-wheel drive. High-end luxury items such as a navigation system or stability control system are options. Volvo has been careful with making the car more curvaceous while at the same time not sacrificing any of Volvo's utilitarian nature. The top-line, performance-oriented T-6 adds the 247-hp engine and other chassis upgrades. The base 2.9 has a four-speed automatic transmission, while the sporty T-6 has an additional Geartronic version of the automatic that lets you control the shifting. S80 is roomy, refined, sexy, is shedding the image of Volvos of the past.
;)
;)
