2011 Volvo XC90 Reviews

Volvo's XC90 is the Swedish automaker's first ever SUV offering.
The inline-six cylinder model offers 235 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. In addition to an immensely strong body structure, the Volvo XC90 has a number of other safety features, including Volvo's WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and IC (Inflatable Curtain) airbag. All seven seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, belt pre-tensioners and head restraints.

Volvo also developed various information systems designed to help the driver while on the move. Active bi-xenon headlamps are offered with the Volvo XC90, providing increased visibility on dark, windy roads.

The 2011 Volvo XC90 ranks 9 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The Volvo XC90 is an affordable family hauler with great seating and excellent crash test scores. While other SUVs may have nice interiors and better performance, the Volvo XC90 has a very low starting price for the class.

Most reviewers say there are more luxurious interiors in the luxury midsize SUV class, as well as SUVs that drive better than the Volvo XC90 does. It’s an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick,” comes with excellent standard safety features, as well as standard seating for seven and has plenty of cargo space. Reviewers say that it’s one of the best driving SUVs in the class and though its base price is higher than the Volvo XC90, you do get standard all-wheel drive on the MDX.

There are few changes for 2011 on the Volvo XC90. The 2011 Volvo XC90 comes in several trims -- the base 3.2, 3.2 R-Design and V8 AWD. V8 trims are all-wheel drive only.

The Volvo XC90 offers classic Volvo attributes in a midsize SUV. The 311-hp 4.4-liter V8 engine is available with all-wheel drive. Safety features include electronic stability control, side-impact and side curtain airbags, Roll Stability Control, Blind Spot Information System, and all-disc anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.

READ MORE - 2011 Volvo XC90 Reviews

Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric New technology

Backed by the Swedish Energy Agency, Volvo will build two fuel cell range extender prototype chassis based on the Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric, to be ready for testing in everyday traffic in 2012.

Battery cost and size means that all-electric cars still have a relatively limited operating range. The firm is working with Powercell Sweden to build a hydrogen range extender with a reformer, which breaks down petrol to create hydrogen gas. This range extender is expected to increase the electric car’s operating range by up to 155 miles, giving a total of around 250 miles.

The Swedish automobile manufacturer Volvo Cars just announced its next step towards creating a next-generation electric car technology.

This technology is expected to increase the electric car’s operating range by up to 250 kilometers, in addition to the range provided by the car’s battery pack.

In the next phase, Volvo Cars and Powercell plans to produce two test cars based on the current Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric. Battery cost and size means that all-electric cars still have a relatively limited operating range. Fuel cells may be one way of extending the distance these cars can cover before they need to be recharged. What is more, the project gives us increased knowledge about fuel cells and hydrogen gas,”
Volvo Cars has started development of a fuel cell which can act as a range extender for its electric car.

The fuel cell range extension is targeted at "up to 250 km."
The fuel cell will run on petrol, and have a reformer to convert the petrol to hydrogen.

"Battery cost and size means that all-electric cars still have a relatively limited operating range.

READ MORE - Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric New technology

2010 volvo c30 review

The 2010 Volvo C30 is compelling evidence that Ford's stewardship of Volvo has been beneficial to the small Swedish automaker. Ford wisely left the styling to Volvo, yielding a unique-looking two-door hatch that's half S40 sedan, half classic Volvo hatchback and all Swedish chic on the inside.

The 2010 Volvo C30 is a four-seat, two-door hatchback offered in two trim levels. The base T5 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable seats, a trip computer, cruise control, a 50/50-split-folding rear seat, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. The T5 R-Design trim level adds 18-inch wheels, foglights, a sport-tuned suspension, sporty exterior trim, partial leather upholstery, blue-face gauges and metallic interior trim.

The Climate package includes heated front seats, headlamp washers, automatic climate control and rain-sensing wipers. The front-wheel-drive 2010 Volvo C30 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 that produces 227 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

The 2010 Volvo C30 comes standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front seats with whiplash protection. Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is optional.

The 2010 Volvo C30 possesses plenty of grip and accurate steering. The turbocharged five-cylinder matches up well to either the six-speed manual transmission or the five-speed auto
There, in a nutshell, lies the kernel of truth behind Volvo’s C30 R-Design.

To be a player, Volvo needed something a little different and, viewed from the rear, the C30 certainly nails that design parameter. And while the base model might look somewhat strange, the R-Design model, with its fully-painted body kit and rear wing is surprisingly appealing. Our test model was nicely outfitted with both the $900 Climate Package that includes things like heated seats and electronic climate control, as well as the $1,950 Preferred Package with power front seats, keyless drive, dual xenon headlights, aluminum trim and fog lights.

Definitely try the rear seats before buying one. It comes with the elimination of body length so we’re not faulting Volvo.
The blue-face R-Design gauges are a sporty touch.
Volvo rates the C30 at 6.5 seconds to 60 mph.
Volvo rates the car at an official 19/28 mpg.

READ MORE - 2010 volvo c30 review

Volvo S40 overview

German car companies have long been the dominant players in the compact sport sedan market.

Volvo released the improved second-generation S40 midway through 2004. Current Volvo S40

The Volvo S40 compact sport sedan is available in three trim levels. The front-wheel-drive 2.4i trim comes with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine, while those looking for a sportier drive should take a look at the T5 R-Design or T5 R-Design AWD trim, which is powered by a turbocharged 227-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder. A five-speed automatic is mandatory for all S40 models, and front-wheel drive is standard on all but the T5 R-Design AWD.
Standard features include alloy wheels, a telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, a sunroof, Bluetooth and a six-CD changer with satellite radio. Leather seating, premium Dolby ProLogic audio, a navigation system and a Sport package are just some of the optional luxury features that Volvo offers. In reviews, our editors have found the Volvo S40 to be an entertaining car to drive. The chassis and suspension give the car sharp handling attributes. Used Volvo S40 Models

The present second-generation Volvo S40 was introduced midyear as a 2004.5 model. The first-generation Volvo S40 sport sedan debuted for 2000. A four-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the front wheels, and there was no manual transmission or AWD option. Standard features included ABS, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, and heated mirrors, while features like leather upholstery and a power driver seat were optional. For 2003, power was increased to 170 hp, and a CD player became standard.

Volvo S40
The 2011 Volvo S40 ranks 3 out of 5 Upscale Small Cars. The 2011 Volvo S40 is a classy-looking car with a strong reputation for safety. It starts at $27,750, about $2,000 less than the BMW 1-Series.
Volvo redesigned the S40 in 2008. For 2011, Volvo simplified its trim, engine and transmission options; everything else remains the same.

The BMW 1-Series is one of the best drivers in the class. Starting at $29,150, the BMW 1-Series has two engine and transmission options that shoppers can select to fit their driving needs. The Volkswagen GTI is one of the least expensive cars in the class that offers a complete package: high performance, affordability, great fuel economy and a comfy interior. A diesel engine that enhances fuel economy is also available. The A3 is a good performer that has an upscale feel that tops the BMW 1-Series and Volkswagen GTI.

The 2011 Volvo S40 is available in two trims: T5 and R-Design.
The Volvo S40 is a compact executive sedan built by the Swedish automaker since 1995. In 2001 Volvo gave the car an update by revising its suspension and steering and implementing a minor facelift.

The 2010 Volvo S40 is available in 2.4i, T5 R-Design and T5 AWD R-Design trims, while the V50 only comes in base 2.4i and the range-topping T5 AWD R-Design trims. Two different engines are on offer: a 2.4-liter five-cylinder with 168 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder with 227 horsepower. A six-speed manual and five-speed automatic are available. The R-Design package includes a sports bodykit with color-coordinated side skirts and front and rear spoilers, aluminum sport pedals, a sport steering wheel, premium leather seating surfaces with an embossed R-Design logo, a sport shift knob, R-Design inlays, and a watch dial instrument cluster.

READ MORE - Volvo S40 overview

FAIL No2: Volvo V60 Safety System Flub Ends with a Dead Dummy Named Bob

This is officially the second safety system demonstration in as many "Look at this!" announcements that has gone horribly wrong for Volvo. That's right, two. The first one was back in May and led to a new S60 estate crushing itself into the back of a truck - see the video here. This latest mishap occurred during a media demonstration to Australian journalists in Europe.

Now that the known-as-safe Volvo brand is officially owned by the Chinese, is this a sign of things to come?

The mechanism in question is part of Volvo's pedestrian avoidance technology, which makes use of cameras and radar in the nose of the vehicle to control the brakes and stability control system in order to reduce driver/pedestrian injuries. The object that the system was meant to detect was Bob the Dummy; as you can see in the vids below, it didn't detect a damn thing.

That's not to say the system is terrible; after all is said and done, it worked 75% of the time. Of the twelve runs, only one ended with Bob getting the full force of the Volvo unleashed on him, with the other two still being less than perfect. Some of the blame has been placed on a camera that doesn't work well in low-light conditions (infrared / night vision, guys?).

Volvo's Jonas Tisell, Active Safety Systems manager, told journalists, "The failure of the test was due to the dummy not being set up properly, therefore it did not give an echo enough for the system. So the dummy was not relevant in this situation." So...blame it on the dummy? And "not relevant"? How does being to blame (according to Volvo) translate as irrelevant?

More like Volvo just got caught with its pants down...again.

By Phil Alex

Via: Drive and Autoblog.com

READ MORE - FAIL No2: Volvo V60 Safety System Flub Ends with a Dead Dummy Named Bob

FAIL No2: Volvo V60 Safety System Flub Ends with a Dead Dummy Named Bob

This is officially the second safety system demonstration in as many "Look at this!" announcements that has gone horribly wrong for Volvo. That's right, two. The first one was back in May and led to a new S60 estate crushing itself into the back of a truck - see the video here. This latest mishap occurred during a media demonstration to Australian journalists in Europe.

Now that the known-as-safe Volvo brand is officially owned by the Chinese, is this a sign of things to come?

The mechanism in question is part of Volvo's pedestrian avoidance technology, which makes use of cameras and radar in the nose of the vehicle to control the brakes and stability control system in order to reduce driver/pedestrian injuries. The object that the system was meant to detect was Bob the Dummy; as you can see in the vids below, it didn't detect a damn thing.

That's not to say the system is terrible; after all is said and done, it worked 75% of the time. Of the twelve runs, only one ended with Bob getting the full force of the Volvo unleashed on him, with the other two still being less than perfect. Some of the blame has been placed on a camera that doesn't work well in low-light conditions (infrared / night vision, guys?).

Volvo's Jonas Tisell, Active Safety Systems manager, told journalists, "The failure of the test was due to the dummy not being set up properly, therefore it did not give an echo enough for the system. So the dummy was not relevant in this situation." So...blame it on the dummy? And "not relevant"? How does being to blame (according to Volvo) translate as irrelevant?

More like Volvo just got caught with its pants down...again.

By Phil Alex

Via: Drive and Autoblog.com

READ MORE - FAIL No2: Volvo V60 Safety System Flub Ends with a Dead Dummy Named Bob

Paris Preshow: New Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design

Volvo is trying to further enhance the appeal of its new 2011 S60 sedan and V60 station wagon models with the presentation of a new R-Design styling and handling package that will be available in autumn 2010. The Swedish firm's take on the BMW M Sport and Audi S-Line kits combines sporty visual upgrades inside and out, and a tweaked chassis for a sharper drive.

"These cars have been specially developed for buyers who want to put their very own stamp on their car," says Magnus Jonsson, head of Product Development at Volvo Cars.

"And with R-Design, we are attracting a younger target group. We expect that 10 percent of all S60 and V60 customers will choose the R-Design option on markets where it is available. We aim to win over one-third of these customers from competing brands."

On the outside, the R-Design treatment adds a front grille painted in glossy piano black, a more aggressive front bumper detailed in a matt black finish, a discreet boot lid spoiler (sedan) or roof spoiler (Estate) and a distinctive rear diffuser that houses twin exhaust tailpipes.

A new set of unique 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels shod in sport tires completes the list of exterior changes.

Moving into the interior, the package includes a pair of body-hugging sport seats up front, special leather/textile upholstery available in off-black and ceramic light, or in an all-black, both with contrasting stitching, plus an R-Design steering wheel, gear selector, sports pedals and floor-mats.

Underneath the sheetmetal, Volvo's engineers have given the S60 and V60 models stiffer springs (+15%) and bushes (+20%), a lowered ride height (-15mm), new monotube dampers at the back, and a strut brace under the bonnet.

Stefan Sällqvist, manager of vehicle dynamics at Volvo Cars says: "The challenge was to boost the dynamics without making the chassis feel raw. If the chassis is too firm, even smooth tarmac can feel bumpy. We wanted a distinct yet plush feel. The car now has a more solid feel to it, which in turn helps make the steering feel even more responsive with a distinctive contact with the road."

The R-Design package can be combined with all available engines, ranging from the 115HP DRIVe 1.6-liter diesel unit to a 3.0-liter turbocharged-six petrol with 304 horsepower.

READ MORE - Paris Preshow: New Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design

Paris Preshow: New Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design

Volvo is trying to further enhance the appeal of its new 2011 S60 sedan and V60 station wagon models with the presentation of a new R-Design styling and handling package that will be available in autumn 2010. The Swedish firm's take on the BMW M Sport and Audi S-Line kits combines sporty visual upgrades inside and out, and a tweaked chassis for a sharper drive.

"These cars have been specially developed for buyers who want to put their very own stamp on their car," says Magnus Jonsson, head of Product Development at Volvo Cars.

"And with R-Design, we are attracting a younger target group. We expect that 10 percent of all S60 and V60 customers will choose the R-Design option on markets where it is available. We aim to win over one-third of these customers from competing brands."

On the outside, the R-Design treatment adds a front grille painted in glossy piano black, a more aggressive front bumper detailed in a matt black finish, a discreet boot lid spoiler (sedan) or roof spoiler (Estate) and a distinctive rear diffuser that houses twin exhaust tailpipes.

A new set of unique 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels shod in sport tires completes the list of exterior changes.

Moving into the interior, the package includes a pair of body-hugging sport seats up front, special leather/textile upholstery available in off-black and ceramic light, or in an all-black, both with contrasting stitching, plus an R-Design steering wheel, gear selector, sports pedals and floor-mats.

Underneath the sheetmetal, Volvo's engineers have given the S60 and V60 models stiffer springs (+15%) and bushes (+20%), a lowered ride height (-15mm), new monotube dampers at the back, and a strut brace under the bonnet.

Stefan Sällqvist, manager of vehicle dynamics at Volvo Cars says: "The challenge was to boost the dynamics without making the chassis feel raw. If the chassis is too firm, even smooth tarmac can feel bumpy. We wanted a distinct yet plush feel. The car now has a more solid feel to it, which in turn helps make the steering feel even more responsive with a distinctive contact with the road."

The R-Design package can be combined with all available engines, ranging from the 115HP DRIVe 1.6-liter diesel unit to a 3.0-liter turbocharged-six petrol with 304 horsepower.

READ MORE - Paris Preshow: New Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design