Currently reading: Swedes now sleeker than ever

Volvo’s S60, V70 and XC70 are being tweaked for 2005. All three models get facelifts – the XC70’s to make it more similar to the XC90 – including bolder and more dominant grilles, body-coloured bumpers and mouldings, and chrome bumper inserts.

Inside there is new trim and a redesigned centre console. Sound insulation has been worked on, and there’s a new softer ‘Sovereign Hide’ leather upholstery option.

Out of sight, Volvo has made its BLIS safety system available, which monitors blind-spot activity using door mirror-mounted cameras. Its Four-C Active Chassis system becomes an option, allowing drivers to specify a comfortable or sporting ride, and the range-topping T5 unit grows from 2.3-litres to 2.4, with output rising to 260bhp.Volvo’s tinkering doesn’t come for free, though. While prices for the basic £19,995 S60 2.0T and £22,278 V70 2.4 remain unchanged when the revised models arrive early next year, most will cost more in 2005 form. The S60 2.5T rises by £965 to £24,028.

The XC70 will be the only model to get a more favourable tag – in SE Lux trim, it falls by £415 against this year’s version.

Add a comment…