Volvo Cars News

Volvo Designer Peter Horbury Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Peter Horbury, Volvo's new "Volvo Design Vice President" has given a great interview with CAR Magazine, it's a fascinating read an one well worth spending a bit of time on. Thankfully you can see it all online at Car Magazines website. We've got a few snippets for you here, but if you'd like to spend some time reading the whole thing (highly recommended) then just follow the link at the bottom of this article.

Peter has been head of North American design for Ford for over 5 years and has replaced recently departed head of Design Steve Mattin at the top job in Volvo. He goes on to talk about returning to Volvo, and the significance of the current Geely takeover as ford looks to sell the company, and how he feels it may affect forthcoming products.

He also mentions how he would like to evolve the look, giving an instantly recognisable face to all new Volvos and his future design plans.

to read the interview with Peter Horbury in full, just follow this link to the Car Magazine website: Peter Horbury Interview.

Volvo XC90 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Volvo XC90 Review

The XC90 is Volvo's Flagship model, and a semi-premium 4x4 offering to compete against the likes of the BMW X5 and Mercedes M Class off roaders. Available with a range of 3 engines, a 3.2 litre 6 cylinder petrol thats powerful and smooth, likes to rev but is thirsty with it, an even more powerful 4.4 petrol V8, primarily built for the American market, and the ever popular 2.4 D5 diesel with 185 bhp, which is available in all Volvo Cars on sale in the UK today. In this application, the performance of the motor is gruff, and only just enough to pull the weight of the rather heavy XC90, but compared to the other powerplants, is vastly more frugal, averaging low 30's mpg.

Styling wise the Volvo XC90 comes across as graceful, without some of the overdone aggression built in to many 4x4's, suggesting rightly, along with the 7 seats that this is to be a family car, with a high proportion of female drivers. The cabin is built solidly and to a high quality, if maybe lacking a little of the style of some of its German rivals. It's spacious, with plenty of head and legroom in the first two rows of seats, however the back two seats are best left for kids, with limited legroom. These seats can fold flat into the floor to turn the otherwise limited boot into a cavernous one. Even the middle row of seats can fold flat if required.

The dashboard has quite a few buttons but they are well placed and fall easily to hand, and along with every other Volvo, the seats are incredibly comfortable and very supportive. The ride is on the soft side, with the steering a little numb, but this isn't a sports car and the XC90 doesn't take the corners quite as well as the BMW X5, but settles in to an easy cruise on the motorways. Off road ability is pretty good, not quite a match for the Discovery, although with the vast amount of buyers will never need this anyway, and a set of specialist off road tyres can be ordered if this is your thing.

Spec wise the XC90 has a great deal of standard kit, climate control, CD player, cruise control and alloys are all in there, everything from the mid spec SE upwards gets leather electric seats, CD changer and powerfold mirrors. Executive trim gives the sat nav as standard, and even a fridge. Pricing undercuts key rivals, and the strong image will hep keep residual values high when sale time comes - but only if you've chosen the diesel; automatic is a plus come sale time too. Safety wise the XC90 comes in as you would expect from a Volvo with a full 5 star NCAP rating, with airbags everywhere and a whole host of electronic driver aids and passenger protection systems.

Overall the XC90 is a strong buy, our favourite being the D5 SE Geartronic with the best combination of spec and value for money and the best come resale time. The whole car is set up for the family from the styling to ease of use along with the 7 seats, and Volvo's reputation for safety and practicality make it a winner. Don't expect class leading performance or handling, but a great all round package.

Volvo XC70 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:03:00 +0000

Volvo XC70 Review

The Volvo XC70 is the go-anywhere toughened up version of the V70, with all the V70's practicalities, married to a slightly raised ground clearance, four wheel drive, hill descent control and a meaty looking off road body kit. Despite these additions the car is not a full 4x4 off roader, so don't expect mountain climbing ability, but a rugged farm track, or towing a trailer through a muddy field should be all in a days work.

The XC70 sells in limited numbers, but has a cult following, and very few natural competitors - only the Audi Allroad (based on the A6) and the Subaru Forester can count themselves as true rivals, with most customers either opting for a traditional estate or a 'proper' 4x4. To match the limited numbers, Volvo only produces the XC70 with 2 different engines - either the evergreen 2.4 D5 diesel with 185bhp or the new 3.2 litre 6 cylinder petrol model. The D5 is a solid engine with decent power, but is starting to show its age, and can be a little gruff, but will still be the most popular choice due to the 40 mpg+ fuel consumption.

The interior is lifted straight from the V70 (and S80) which is no bad thing. Solid and expensive looking, if lacking a little of the flair of rivals like Audi, the XC70's interior is a great place to be. The seats are simply the most comfortable on the market today, all the controls are beautifully and ergonomically positioned, and feel like they would last a lifetime of abuse. Room in the boot is cavernous, enough for a few dogs or a small wardrobe, and is very well built and thought out with simple folding levers and cargo nets and storage everywhere.

Equipment levels are good, with every car having climate control, electric leather seats, airbags, Cd, cruise control and a full compliment of electronic safety aids as standard, and the list of optional extras is equally as comprehensive.

Dynamically the XC70 suffers a little from the higher set suspension, with a fair bit of body roll, and the odd thump from the chassis when round town. At higher speeds the Volvo settles down into a comfortable and relaxing cruiser, and is at its best when not rushed, as steering feedback is a little vague.

Overall the Volvo XC70 is not for everyone, but the brand positioning is just so, allowing you to look good whether towing a horsebox covered in mud, or cleaned up going to the races - the car wears a bit of mud well, and fits straight into the country set. This image helps keep residual values high, whilst avoiding the unwanted stares of the 4x4 hating green parade.

Volvo XC60 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:44:00 +0000

Volvo XC60 Review

We're still waiting for the press launch of the Volvo XC60 to take it for the first drive, although full prices and spec have been announced now.

The XC60 will be available with 3 different engines, all 3 already seen in different applications in the Volvo range. Starting with the evergreen 2.4 diesel in 160bhp form, moving on to the more powerful 2.4 D5 diesel unit with 185bhp, and topping out with the 3.0 litre T6 turbocharged petrol version with 285 bhp. Diesel versions will be available with either manual or Volvo's 'geartonic' automatic gearbox, T6 petrol versions will be auto only.

The Volvo XC60 will retail from £24,750 for the entry level 2.4D S version, rising up to the top spec T6 SE lux at £34,495 and although a premium spec car, it looks a little pricey next to rivals such as the Land Rover Freelander and Volkswagen Tiguan, and although equipment levels are good, it's priced more alongside the premium BMW X3. Expect a smaller 2.0 Diesel to be brought out later in the production cycle if the high price becomes an issue, although this car should sell on looks alone.

We'll have to wait for the full UK road test against these rivals to see if the price difference is worth it - stay tuned for the full report.

Volvo V70 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:40:00 +0000

Volvo V70 Review

The V70 is Volvo's better known sister car for the S80, and is the most well known and recognisable Volvo. This is for good reason - generations of the V70 and the 850 before it, have been the quintessential (and best selling) premium estate car, honed over years of experience to be everything required from this type of car without any of the overcomplicated frills, making it the sensible choice, and rightly the choice of most of the police forces around the country.

The V70 comes with a wide range of engines, ther are 4 petrol units, starting with a free revving but slightly underpowered 2.0, followed by the 2.5 litre turbo, a 235bhp 3.2 litre 6 cylinder motor and the 282bhp twin turbocharged 3.0 T6 which has four wheel drive as standard. The diesels make up the line up wth a new 2.0 unit that's smooth but not overly powerful if the boots fully loaded, and the venerable and ever popular 2.4 litre units with either 160 or 185 bhp in the D5 version. These last two have plenty of go, but are a little gruff compared to some of the more advanced offerings now on the market with the competition, but still manage 40 mpg plus.

The Car itself feels bombproof, both on the outside with tight shut lines and a great thunk when you shut the door, but also in the simplicity and down right common sense operation of every part, from the levers and handles used for seat folding storage down to the most minor of controls - everything feels solid and built to last a lifetime.

Inside the cabin, the V70 has some of the most comfortable, supportive seats ever seen, and the driving position and steering wheel have enough adjustment for the most oddly shaped driver. The dashboard, taken from the S80 is neat, and well laid out, with every button falling easily to hand. Space inside is cavernous, both for front and rear passengers, and the load bay in particular is very well thought out with folding seats, hooks and luggage nets for every eventuality.

Driving the car reveals the V70 prefers to be out on the open road, with the long wheelbase and wide turning circle not the best in town, and the low speed ride isn't as cossetting as it should be, and the car can wallow in the corners a little. however, once us to cruising speed, the Volvo excels, making an effortless motorway touring car.

Standard equipment is good, with all models coming with Alloys, electric drivers seat, cruise control, and dual zone climate control. Satellite navigation is now standard on all models over 2.0 litres, and everything SE spec r greater gets electric leather seats.

Overall you know what to expect with the Volvo V70 - a fine estate car built to cross continents (with a wardrobe in the boot if necessary). Solid and practical, well built and with an air of class, but without the snobbery that would make you worry about getting it dirty - THE estate car.

Volvo V50 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:08:00 +0000

Volvo V50 Review

There are 3 petrol engines in the range - Starting with a 1.6, then to a 2.0 litre, and a firebreathing 2.5-litre turbo T5 (taken from the Focus ST) which produces 220bhp. There are also 3 different diesel units, a slightly underpowered but well priced 1.6, the mid range 2.0 unit taken from Peugeot, and Volvos evergreen 2.4 D5 unit, which feels very strong in the V50 due to the light weight compared to the larger applications. The new twin-clutch Powershift gearboxes are great additions, and similar to the Volkswagen DSG design, but are currently only available on the 2.0 diesel models. These engines are generally seen across the Volvo range, and are well proven, so there shouldn't be any reliability issues here.

The Volvo doesn't carry a budget price tag, but the solid build and quality materials along with decent standard equipment levels make up for it. The 'semi premium' Volvo badge also helps giving a little more exclusivity than more mainstream rivals, and meaning a better residual value come sale time. Special offers on the servicing are also well worth investigating.

The V50 is well equipped, starting with the Base 'S' variant which, although the entry into the range, still comes with electric windows, climate control, 16" alloys and central locking with deadlocks. Next up is the R Design Sport which adds a stylish and aggressive body kit, 1/2 leather sports seats, firmer sports suspension and 17" alloys with low profile tyres. SE and SE sport trims give full leather, auto headlights and wipers, an upgraded sound system, and electric memory seats.

Volvo based the V50 on the Focus platform, and this shows in the handling. body control is excellent in the corners, and the car remains composed at all speeds. suspension may seem a little firm compared to some of the larger Volvo offerings, so those trading down should try first. The Focus underpinnings also show in the wheelbase, as the V50 isn't that big a car, and while passenger head and legroom is more than comfortable, the boot size is acceptable rather than spacious, and those looking to lug larger loads would be better suited with the bigger V70.

Inside the car the seats are, like any Volvo - particularly comfy, and have plenty of shoulder and thigh support, and the steering wheel and driving position have a good deal of adjustment. The cabin shares the S40's design with the great looking 'floating' centre console, although some of the controls on this are a little fiddly compared to the usual large and chunky Volvo Fare.

Overall the Volvo V50 is a good ownership proposition, priced neatly between the mass market offerings, and the premium cars from Germany. Not the biggest inside or in the boot, but built to last, decent equipment levels and good handling.

Volvo S80 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:38:00 +0000

Volvo S80 Review

There's a great range of engines for the S80, petrols include a 2.0 litre, a 2.5 Turbo, a 3.2 six cylinder and for those of larger wallets a 4.4 V8. More popular will be the diesel variants, starting with a newly introduced 2.0 diesel, and the evergreen 2.4 Diesel in either standard 16o bhp trim or the more powerful 185 bhp D5 unit. All except the 2.0 litre units pull the car strongly, with the 2.0 diesel being popular as a company car choice but slightly underpowered. The 3.2 6 cylinder has a very sporty character and does like to be revved, whilst the D5 will be the popular choice among private buyers.

The S80 is competitively priced, and its main disadvantage comes when customers think of an executive car with a premium badge, thoughts naturally drift towards the German manufacturers, so the S80 might not be the first that comes to mind. Depreciation will be slightly heavier on the S80 because of the lack of a more prestigious logo on the Bonnet - if you're badge sensitive, look elsewhere.

The interior of the S80 is shared with the V70 and XC70 estates, which means its stylish and solid, if lacking a little of the class of some of the rivals from Audi or Mercedes. comfort is a given, with Volvo being known as masters of the comfortable seat and great when it comes to positioning of all the major controls, everything falls within easy reach and is well laid out. controls feel like they would last years of abuse from clumsy fingers too. Being such a big car it can easily seat 5 in comfort, and there are plenty of cubby holes scattered around the cabin for storing oddments in, and boot space is generous, although if you need something larger, look at the V70 estate sister car.

Volvo's standard equipment eclipses anything rival manufacturers offer, with the SE giving dual zone climate, electric seats and a good sound system, Lux models get soft leather as standard. SE Sport brings 18" alloys and the active-four chassis, which adjusts the firmness of the suspension depending on the type of road you're on, making it feel agile and composed on the twisty stuff, along with heated ventilated leather sports seats. top spec Executive models even give you an inbuilt fridge!
Volvo is now also offering Free RTI satellite navigation on all models built from July 2008 onwards.

Overall the Volvo S80 is a great alternative to some of the more predictable German manufacturers, with plenty of standard equipment and a good ride, although lacking a little in flair. It may lose a little more come resale time, but you can make up for this with a healthy chunk of discount up front with just a little bartering, and that's the price you pay for individuality.

Volvo S60 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:56:00 +0000

Volvo S60 Review

The S60 now comes with a choice of 3 different engines - a 2.0 litre turbo petrol with 180bhp, (the 2.5T engine has recently been deleted from the range) and 2 different powered versions of a 2.4 Turbodiesel engine, either with 163 or 185 bhp in the D5 variant, all have plenty of go, but the D5 is easily the most popular, and our pick of the range. The Petrol engine is pretty thirsty, whereas the diesel gives a pretty decent 42-44 mpg on average despite its size.

The chassis on the S60 has recently been revised for a sportier feel, but doesn't put the car on a level with something line a BMW 3 series dynamically - as this isn't something the average Volvo buyer looks for in a car anyway. The still retains a good degree of comfort, and its wonderful on motorways - one of the reasons the car was chosen by so many Police forces. Wind noise is very well suppressed, and road noise depends on your choice of alloys, go for the sport versions on the lower profile tyres and firmer suspension, and you will notice a bit of a rumble. Engines are relatively quiet too, with the diesel giving off a satisfying growl if you push harder.

Safety equipment levels are as you would expect from a Volvo - very good indeed ,with excellent crash protection, a host of electronic driving aids, and airbags everywhere should the worst happen, as backed up by the high Ncap score.

Once inside the car, the quality of fit and finish is excellent, and the materials used for surfaces are all top grade plastics, and the overall layout and design is very functional, if lacking somewhat in flair. Drivers can choose between the comfort seats on the SE or Dynamic seats on the sportier versions, either way the driving position is spot on.

Cabn size is huge, highlighting one of the S60's traditional issues - exactly where does it fit in to the marketplace - it's the size of a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E Class, but pitched closer to the much smaller 3 Series in price, which has led to a little confusion both within the motoring press and public as to which cars they should be comparing it to.

Equipment levels are good too, all cars have alloys, climate control, cruise control, electric windows, CD player etc, and a huge options list is available. Most popular in the range are the D5 SE Geartronic (automatic) models.

Overall the S60 is a good solid car, not as capable dynamically as some competition, but good value nonetheless, if showing its age a little now. It is unlikely to be directly replaced in the range, with the new XC60 off roader likely to fill the slot the S60 leaves.

Volvo Owners Useful Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:23:00 +0000

Welcome to the Volvo Cars Blog resources section. Here we publish a list of interesting and/or useful links to other websites that contain information that is relevant to Volvo car owners, or generally Volvo related. If you have a site that you think may be of interest to our Volvo readership, please drop us a line and we'll take a look. Happy browsing!

Our Friends and Great Volvo Services:

Autobookworld Sydney - Car Books, Workshop Manuals, Motoring Books.

Autobookworld Sydney - Car Books, Workshop Manuals, Motoring Books.

Miscellaneous

Motivational Speakers - Three-time Olympian, award-winning speaker, and bestselling author Ruben Gonzalez uses his Olympic experience to help people become unstoppable. Don't miss the video of his incredible story:
Motivational Speakers - Video Link.

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Giving us the details of which page you have placed our link on, along with your own link details. We will then review your site and if it's of sufficiently high quality and relevance we will then give you a link back to it from this page.

We will only consider links to other good quality automotive or Volvo themed websites that we feel can add benefit for our readers. If you can link to us from a particularly good quality high Google Pagerank automotive site we may be able to provide you with several links back to internal site pages and be of more benefit.

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We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Volvo S40 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Volvo S40 Review

The Volvo S40's seats are particulary comfy for a car in this class, and have plenty of support for your thighs and shoulders, and the steering had a good deal of adjustment. The centre console is Volvo's trademark 'floating' style, which looks great, although the controls on it are a little small, though well laid out.

The S40 is a well equipped car. The basic S variant is the entry to the range, and even that has electric windows all round, climate control, 16" alloys and central locking. going for the sport will give you firmer lowered sport supspension and a 17" wheel upgrade, whilst the SE and SE Sport are full leather, auto headlights and wipers, a better sound system, automatic wipers and elecric memory seats. The R Design version gives a smart looking bodykit as standard.

For front seat passengers the environment is roomy with good levels of head and legroom. For those in the rear, legroom is still good, but the sloping roofline means those over 6 ft can feel a little claustrophobic. Space is more akin to something the size of a Ford Focus rather than a Mondeo. Similarly, The boot is well shaped, and a decent size, but access is rather letterbox shaped.

There are 3 petrol engines in the range - Starting with a 1.6, then to a 2.0 litre, and finally the range topping 2.5-litre turbo T5 from the Focus ST which gives 220bhp and a thumping 236lb ft torque. There are also 3 similar capacity diesel units, a slightly underpowered 1.6, the mid ragne 2.0 which comes from Peugeot and Volvos venerable 2.4 D5 unit. The new twin-clutch Powershift gearboxes are only available on the 2.0 diesel models currently.

You can detect the Focus underpinnings in the S40, which is a good thing. body control is excellent in the corners, and the car remains composed at any speed. steering is responsive and well weighted too, but the ride may seem rather firm to traditional volvo owners more used to the big V70's.

Tyre noise is kept to a minimum in the S40, wind noise is noticeable but only at faster speeds. The petrol engines are pretty civilized, but the 1.6 is underpowered and needs revving. The 1.6 diesel goes well and is smooth for a diesel, but the 2.0 can be a little coarse as you work it, as can the D5.

The Volvo isn't a budget offering, but the high levels of build quality and premium materials and equipment levels make up for it, as does the volvo badge, giving a little more exclusivity than more mainstream rivals. Special offers on the servicing are also well worth investigating.

The cabin is well screwed together from what seem quality soft touch fittings and the engine range is proven across the rest of the Volvo models. volvo traditionally does well in the JD Power surveys, so the car should be reliable, and the dealers provide high levels of back up service.

The S40 might be the entry level saloon in the Volvo range, but it volvo's reputation for safety means this model hasn't been skimped on. The car scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, every S40 has dynamic stability control, airbags all round, deadlocks and an integrated radio CD to help to put off thieves, and optional laminated glass.

Volvo C70 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:06:00 +0000

Volvo C70 Review

The Volvo C70's interior quality is vell communicated, thanks to a cabin that is assembled from high class components and materials. Everything has Volvos usual solidity to it, although owners have reported slight rattles from the hood when in place.

As you'd expect with a Volvo, the C70 is a secure place to be. As standard there's dynamic stability control, 6 airbags and roll over bars that appear if the car senses it's going to flip. Alarm, immobiliser and deadlocks are also standard equipment.

Thanks to the Good looks, and the fact that it's a convertible, the Volvo C70 should loose money at a slow pace and especially as Volvo's production number are low for the UK it shoud be a premium sight on Britains roads, Running costs will vary depending on which engine you choose, with the economical diesels being the shrewdest financial choice.

There is a choice of 2 petrol motors: a 2.4 litre with 168 bhp and a 227bhp 2.5 litre, which feels easily the quicker of the two with very little difference in petrl consumption. The sensible money will go on one of the 2 diesels though, either the 2.0 with the best economy, or the more performance related 2.4 D5 unit with 185 bhp, found across the Volvo range.

The Volvo C70 is built more of a cruiser and it set up more for comfort than racing round corners,which means it's not quite as entertaining as some of its competition. There's plenty of grip from the large alloys, but the steering wheel feedback is a muted and dull,and cornering bodyroll is more noticeable than in something like a VW Eos. Big bumps and potholes can send vibrations through the body.

With the lid up, the C70 is no different to a volvo saloon, with wind and raod noise well suppressed. Drop the hood down, and not a great deal changes, occupants aren't bown around at all. The C70's 5 cylinder petrols sound good with the roof down, but the diesels are the cheaper option and dont sound too harsh, even with the roof lowered.

Volvo has created a sensibly laid out comfortable and stylish cabin with the C70. everything looks good, is ergonomically positioned and within easy reach, and the seats, like every Volvo, are supremely comfortable.

Every hard top convertible with a folding roof loses boot space once the roof comes down. Versus other CC's the space is good, but with the hood down, the boot space is reduced compared to a normal coupe.

In terms of equipment, the C70 comes as standard with climate control, alloys, electric windows, cruise, stability control, Cd, steering wheel audio buttons, and fogs. The sport trim is fairly basic, but the SE and SE lux get a fistful of extras such as leather seats as standard.

Volvo C30 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:05:00 +0000

Volvo C30 Review

The C30, designed as a lifestyle car, is cheaper than the direct competitors from Audi and BMW, but seems a little pricey compared to the VW Golf. Fuel economy is pretty good unless you're looking at the T5 model, servicing is about average and the insurance group is sensible too. with the premium image, resale values will also be good.

The C30 may be the entry into the Volvo the range, but the premium feel is stil apparent. Dense, soft-touch plastics make up the fascia, the switches feel like they have the usual Volvo durability and it generally feels built to last. Volvo has a great record for producing reliable cars, and the ford group underpinnings back this up.

Volvo built its reputation on safety, and says that the C30 performs just as well as the larger models in a rear-end collision, despite the hatchback shape. Every model has 6 airbags, active anti-whiplash headrests and DSC, whilst an integrated stereo, deadlocking a VIN number shown under the windscreen for all to see should help to put off the criminals.

The Volvo C30 shares the same stylish dashboard with its floating centre console with the S40 and V50, and very nce it looks too, although the switches on it can be a little awkward to use. Anyone can get comfy by adjusting the seat and steering wheel to a wide range of driving positions.

There is generous head and legroom in the front seats for 2 large adults, and another 2 can slide into the rear, although there isn't the rear space of some of the more conventionally shaped rivals, and the rear seats are seperate, so no room for a little one in the centre. The boot is a decent shape but is on the small side and a little shallow, and the luggage cover can be awkward to use.

All Volvo C30s an MP3 stereo, climate control, alloys and electric windows, while SE models get audio buttons on the steering wheel, cruise control and plusher seat trims. Going to SE Lux trim gives heated leather seats and powerfold door mirrors. The new and popular R-Design Sport and SE Sport models get a stylish bodykit, aluminium dash, half leather sports seats and steering wheel.

The engine choice has a comprehensive amount of petrol units, starting with a 99bhp 1.6-litre, through 1.8 and 2.0 and tops out with the fire reathing 2.5 T5 unit from the Focus ST, which provides massive mid-range muscle. Diesel fans are offered a wide choice of 108bhp 1.6, 134bhp 2.0 and 178bhp 2.4-litre D5 units, with the 2.0 diesel being our choice.

Being loosely based on the Focus platform means the is a tidy handling car, particularly with the R design models and the sports suspension. The downside is a firm ride at lower speeds, but it never becomes uncomfortable. The steering is nicely balanced, but a little short on driver feedback - overall a good match for the character of the car.

The Volvo C30 is a refined car on motorways, cruising along nicely. a little wind noise does can be heard from the door mirrors, and road noise is audible if you have the larger alloys fitted. The petrol engines are quiet and refined, but the 2.0-litre diesel lets you know what sort of engine it is and the D5 can be a little rough if pushed.

Welcome to the Volvo Cars Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Tom Walton) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:31:00 +0000

Welcome to the Volvo Cars Blog! The place to find out everything you need to know about new Volvo cars. Over the coming weeks and months we will be bringing you industry information and press reports on anything Volvo related, we will collate road test reports on all new Volvo models, concept cars, and spy shots, as well as gossip and info from the Volvo dealers themselves - stay tuned!