| In the past nine years Volvo has totally | | | | C70 comes with all the expected Volvo |
| reinvented itself. From being a brand known for | | | | virtues-deformable nose, high level of occupants |
| making ... | | | | safety and high build quality-but adds into the |
| In the past nine years Volvo has totally | | | | equation a fully automatic power roof with glasses |
| reinvented itself. From being a brand known for | | | | rear screen, and a range of engines that go from |
| making solid, reliable, safe cars-all metaphors for | | | | a 2.0 litre turbocharged four through the |
| boring, in the automotive world-it today makes | | | | brainstorming T5. handling is better than might be |
| cars that raise the pulse; to those core values it | | | | expected of an open car; Volvo worked hard to |
| has added stylish body designs and exciting | | | | maintain the body integrity despite the lack of the |
| mechanical packages. The result is that there is | | | | roof. With the model easing towards the end of |
| now a high desirability factor right across the | | | | its life there are a number of special trim editions |
| range. The newest entrant in the line-up replaces | | | | available with luxury trim and special paint scheme. |
| the one last worthy-but-dull survivor of the old | | | | S60 Volvo's response to such cars as the |
| regime, the S40. This joins character- filled | | | | Mercedes-Benz, C-Class and Audi A6 is a |
| machines such as the V70 r, the xc-90, and the | | | | smoothly-styled four door sedan which comes |
| slick S60, all of which are contenders for best in | | | | with a choice of engines-all turbocharged |
| the class. Volvo's executive express S80 has also | | | | —able to deliver speeds of up to 250kph; |
| been face lifted recently. Volvo has to keep | | | | even the 2.5 turbo diesel variant can hit over |
| broadening its range without dissipating core | | | | 200kph. Build quality and sense of integrity are |
| values-but that shouldn't be a problem to the | | | | beyond reproach, and handling and road holding |
| Swedish teams behind the brand. S40 Volvo's | | | | from the front-drive package make for more |
| entry-level model is in the enviable position of not | | | | entertainment than the urbane looks suggest it will |
| having any direct rival; no other manufacturer in | | | | provide. As might be expected the safety |
| Europe produces a comparable four door sedan | | | | features are there in abundance, and the price |
| with such a combination of enjoyment, comfort | | | | point is pitched perfectly to provide a realistic |
| and safety. Handling and ride of the newly-arrived | | | | alternative to the car's main competitors. S80 |
| car is excellent in all variants, and the build values | | | | Revised to provide additional safety to |
| are exceptionally high, the car feeling like a true | | | | pedestrians, Volvo's executive car is being bought |
| executive model despite its modest price point. | | | | by people who want a European car but don't |
| Engines run from a smooth 1.8 litre four with | | | | want to look to Germany to provide it. Despite its |
| 125PS through to the excellent turbocharged five | | | | bulk the car handles with agility and comfort levels |
| cylinder pumping out 200PS, and there is also an | | | | are high as might be expected of a contender in |
| excellent-if raucous-diesel engine. A sports variant | | | | this market sector. The T6, which has a 3.0 litre |
| with harder suspension and extra body detailing, | | | | twin turbo engine pumping out close on 300PS, is |
| and a pair of 1.6 litre models (one petrol other | | | | a serious high speed salon; limited to 155mph |
| diesel) is creating craze in the market. C70 Now | | | | (250kph) it sprints from standstill with the |
| available only as a convertible, Volvo's sleek styled | | | | expected level of controllable hurriedness. |