Currently reading: Major revamp for Volvo range
Six of Volvo’s eight current models get an overhaul, with revised looks, more kit and lower emissions

Volvo has overhauled the majority of its range in what it describes as “the most extensive development of existing models” in the firm’s history.

The Volvo S60 saloon, Volvo V60 estate, Volvo XC60 SUV, V70 estate, XC70 4x4 estate and S80 saloon all get a new family look, improved equipment levels and fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions without sacrificing performance.

Volvo's updates aren't limited to just exterior changes, however. S60 models benefit from new interior trim, which is claimed to give the revised car's cabin the feel of a Swedish house, while adaptive cornering lights are now available. 

The S80 saloon is available with a new luxury "Executive" interior package that provides bespoke trim options. The XC60, Volvo's best-selling model, is now devoid of black trim of a "more urban look" and torque vectoring is standard fit.

Only the recently introduced V40 hatchback and the Volvo XC90 SUV, which is due to be replaced next year, continue unchanged. Production of the S40 saloon, V50 wagon, C30 hatch and C70 convertible ended last year.

The look of the new models incorporates styling references from the Volvo Concept You, a big saloon concept revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.

The more rounded and dynamic family look of the previous models is replaced by a visually widened front end, more prominent horizontal lines and slimmer lights.

A key addition to the firm’s BMW 3-series-rivalling S60 and V60 models is the option of a lowered sports chassis for all variants, something previously offered on R-Design versions only.

The reduction in CO2 emissions for the S60 peaks on the 113bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel D2 version, which now stands at just 106g/km. The economy of this model is claimed by Volvo to be 70.6mpg on the EU combined cycle. 

S80 versions also benefit from efficiency improvements; D2 specification cars emit 108g/km of CO2 and offer a combined 68.9mpg. The V70, in D2 form, emits a reduced 112g/km of CO2. XC70 models emit 139g/km of CO2 in D4 and D5 trim. 

A new multimedia system has been introduced across the six revised models. Called Sensus Connected Touch, the system includes full internet access, internet radio, Google maps and search and internet music streaming. Internet access is obtained through 3G/4G from the driver’s mobile phone. The seven-inch touchscreen can also be used while wearing gloves. 

The TFT instrument panel from the latest V40 has been rolled out across the revised Volvo range. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters have also been added to automatic models, while a heated steering wheel can be specified on the S80, V70 and XC70. Additionally, a fast-clearing heated front windscreen has been added to Volvos that are equipped with a rain sensor.  

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The overhauled Volvo range will be available in the UK from May.

Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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Cavalier 18 February 2013

Volvo's business model seems crazy

A 52-plate V70, if you polished it up all spick and span, would look hardly any different to today's. And Volvo can't bleat about 'evolutionary styling' - on the face of it they once had a half-decent load-lugger that they haven't properly updated for 10+ years. Ditto XC70, of course, and I can't remember when they first started selling them but on motorway the other day I saw a 54-plate S80, which barring a bit of chrome and probably lights is no different at all. And, whilst it may enjoy reasonable sales still, the XC90 is a dinosaur. Volvo need to buck up surely, and improve model life-cycle; they've neglected the larger-car market for far too long. Or is their business model just smarter than everyone else's? (sales figures would suggest 'no')

Volvophile 18 February 2013

Cavalier wrote:A 52-plate

Cavalier wrote:

A 52-plate V70, if you polished it up all spick and span, would look hardly any different to today's. And Volvo can't bleat about 'evolutionary styling' - on the face of it they once had a half-decent load-lugger that they haven't properly updated for 10+ years. Ditto XC70, of course, and I can't remember when they first started selling them but on motorway the other day I saw a 54-plate S80, which barring a bit of chrome and probably lights is no different at all. And, whilst it may enjoy reasonable sales still, the XC90 is a dinosaur. Volvo need to buck up surely, and improve model life-cycle; they've neglected the larger-car market for far too long. Or is their business model just smarter than everyone else's? (sales figures would suggest 'no')

The current S80 and V70 are based on totally different platforms to the 1998 and 2000 models.  Not a thing in common with their predecessors but the badge.

Agreed, the S80 needs a radical replacement.  The only problem is it will probably receive negative reviews from magazines again just because it's not German.

Granturismo 19 February 2013

Volvophile wrote: Cavalier

Volvophile wrote:

Cavalier wrote:

A 52-plate V70, if you polished it up all spick and span, would look hardly any different to today's. And Volvo can't bleat about 'evolutionary styling' - on the face of it they once had a half-decent load-lugger that they haven't properly updated for 10+ years. Ditto XC70, of course, and I can't remember when they first started selling them but on motorway the other day I saw a 54-plate S80, which barring a bit of chrome and probably lights is no different at all. And, whilst it may enjoy reasonable sales still, the XC90 is a dinosaur. Volvo need to buck up surely, and improve model life-cycle; they've neglected the larger-car market for far too long. Or is their business model just smarter than everyone else's? (sales figures would suggest 'no')

The current S80 and V70 are based on totally different platforms to the 1998 and 2000 models.  Not a thing in common with their predecessors but the badge.

Agreed, the S80 needs a radical replacement.  The only problem is it will probably receive negative reviews from magazines again just because it's not German.

 

Given your username, I dont expect you to agree, but it will probably get negative reviews becasue its ONLY USP is that its not German. Whats "special" about a modern Volvo? 

Volvophile 19 February 2013

Granturismo wrote:Given

Granturismo wrote:

Given your username, I dont expect you to agree, but it will probably get negative reviews becasue its ONLY USP is that its not German. Whats "special" about a modern Volvo? 

There are many things.  The clean Scandinavian style and bright interior colours available, the comfortable seats, the high quality hi-fi systems, the superior 'real world' safety.  Volvo's are not designed just to get past the magic five star mark in Euro NCAP, as a recent American IIHS 40 mph front overlap crash test will testify.  Many manufacturers got caught out in this, particularly Mercedes, whereas Volvo with the S60 came out on top.

I by no means think Volvo's are perfect.  I just find that the lukewarm reviews they receive from the usually pro German UK motoring press are not always justified.

ThwartedEfforts 18 February 2013

as Citytiger says these

as Citytiger says these actually look like they'll only cause a few bruises when you drive them into a bus queue. How utterly sandblastedly boring.

Citytiger 18 February 2013

I suspect the new front end

I suspect the new front end will provide greater pedestrian protection, I also have a feeling they might have added the bonnet airbag from the V40.