Volvo - The Car Connection

Volvo - The Car Connection Volvo

by Jim Gorzelany

(2004-09-17)

C70

Volvo's slow-selling C70 convertible is due to be replaced sometime during 2005 by an all-new model, the C50, and thus it remains unchanged. The base LT version continues to offer a 196-horsepower 2.4-liter light-pressure turbo engine, while the top HT trim level offers a peppier 236-hp 2.3-liter high-pressure turbo version; both come mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, front side airbags and stability and traction control come standard. Creature comforts include dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a CD audio system, heated mirrors, power seats and sunroof, front and rear fog lights, and leather upholstery.

S40/V50

2005 Volvo V50 |

Debuting at mid-year 2004, all-new versions of Volvo's compact S40 sedan and V50 station wagon are now based on the Mazda3 platform. The cars are a bit shorter, wider, and taller than the versions they replace, and come powered by either a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter five-cylinder powerplant, mated to a five-speed manual transmission, or a 218-horsepower turbocharged version that comes with a six-speed gearbox. A Haldex all-wheel-drive system is available. The vehicles' suspensions deliver sportier handling characteristics than their predecessors, thanks to MacPherson struts up front and a multilink design at the rear. As befits the brand, a slew of safety features are on hand and include a stiffer body with a revised frontal structure and Volvo's Side Impact Protection System. A stylish center stack of controls highlights the vehicles' distinctively styled interiors.

2004.5 Volvo S40 by William L. Sharfman, Ph.D (2/2/2004)
Volvo's latest is a whole lot more than just good value.

S60

2004 Volvo S60R |

The mid-size S60 sedan offers a new Blind Spot Information System for 2005 that can warn of other vehicles in close proximity that the driver not otherwise spot. Two side-mirror-mounted cameras keep an electric eye on the area alongside and to the offset rear of the car, and when another vehicle enters its range the system alerts the driver via a dashboard-mounted warning light. Also newly added is water repellent glass on the door mirrors and front side windows to help prevent rainwater from obstructing the driver's outward visibility. The S60 continues to come powered by a choice of turbocharged engines, including a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter five-cylinder, a 208-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder and a 2.3-liter that generates 247 horses in the sporty T5 edition. A high-performance version - the S60R - offers a speedy 300-hp, 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder engine, along with a Servotronic power-steering system, Brembo brakes, and Haldex all-wheel drive. Both five-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available throughout the line, with four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and front-side airbags standard.

2002 Volvo S60 AWD by Dan Carney (10/8/2001)
Motivating from the front and back.

S80

Volvo's stately S80 sedan was refreshed last year with refined styling and various other improvements, and remains largely unchanged for 2005. Standard is a 2.9-liter in-line five-cylinder engine that produces 194 horsepower, while the top turbocharged 2.9-liter in-line six produces 268 horses; both are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. In addition, a turbocharged 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder engine is available that produces 208 horses and comes with a five-speed automatic. The latter includes a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that's able to operate in conjunction with the car's traction- and stability-control systems. An adjustable ride-control system allows the driver to switch from "comfort" to "sport" ride and handling settings.

2002 Volvo S80 2.9 Sedan by Paul Wiley Cockerham (2/11/2002)
Did someone say safe sex?

V70

For 2005, the V70 station wagon gets Volvo's new Blind Spot Information System, which signals when another vehicle in close proximity that the driver not otherwise spot. Two cameras mounted on the V70's side mirrors monitor traffic around the car and the system alerts the driver when another vehicle approaches it by means of a dashboard-mounted warning light. Also added this year is water repellent glass on the door mirrors and front side windows to help enhance visibility in the rain. A 168-hp 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine comes standard on the base model, while the 2.4T version adds a supercharged version that nets 197 horsepower. Both are mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the sporty V70 R packs a 300-horsepower, 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder under its hood that can be fitted to either a six-speed manual gearbox or the aforementioned automatic. Four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and front side and head-curtain airbags are standard.

XC70

This year Volvo adds its unique Blind Spot Information System to the SUV-like XC70 station wagon that uses a camera to spot other vehicles that are within close proximity and alert the driver of their presence by means of a dashboard-mounted warning light. In addition, water repellent glass is now used on the door mirrors and front side windows to help shed rainwater and maintain the driver's outward visibility. The 2005 XC70 also includes a revised front grille, larger skid plates, brushed aluminum roof rails, clear-lens headlamps, revised interior materials, a new center console, updated seats, and an assortment of new body colors. The V70-based XC70 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter in-line-five-cylinder engine that generates 208-horsepower and drives all four wheels via a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission that can be shifted through the gears manually. Four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability and traction control, and front side and head airbags are standard, along with a considerable number of comfort and convenience features. An optional Versatility Package includes integrated child seats, a folding table, third-row seats and a cargo-area power outlet.

XC90

2003 Volvo XC90 |

Volvo's S80-based all-wheel-drive crossover sport-utility vehicle continues with only minor updates for 2005. The base 2.5T model comes powered by a 208-horsepower five-cylinder that's mated to a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, while the top T6 version offers a 268-horsepower in-line six-cylinder powerplant and a four-speed automatic. The XC90 can seat up to seven passengers via an optional hideaway third-row seat. What's more, the second row seat can be adjusted fore and aft to maximize either cargo space or passenger room. Front-side and side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, dynamic stability and traction control, roll-stability control, and a rollover protection system are all on board for safety's sake. A long list of available options includes a wood-trimmed steering wheel, rear parking assist warnings, an integrated child booster seat, a navigation system, self-leveling rear suspension, rain-sensing wipers, and heated seats.

2003 Volvo XC90 by Marc K. Stengel (8/26/2002)
Late to the party, or bringing the best present?