“Scandinavian luxury” is what this new Volvo S80 is all about. Manageable and well-designed, it is about the same length as its previous model, only a bit more spacious and higher. The legroom has also been increased, both in the front and rear seats. Optional ventilated seats which come equipped with heating and cooling capabilities are also offered. Its body structure is all about sophistication, added with high torsional rigidity. This new S80 now has a new option for its engine, which is an efficient and robust turbocharged six-cylinder. This produces a 281 horsepower (hp).

Combined with the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system and Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), it gives a smooth and reliable performance. The All Wheel Drive system provides an excellent grip on the road. On the other hand, its DSTC reduces the hazards of slipping or skidding. When necessary, it cuts down the torque of the engine and applies a braking force which is measured precisely so it would aid in avoiding skidding. There are also other features which add safety for the passengers. There is the new collision warning system which alerts the driver when there is a possible collision. The alert comes in the form of a row of red lights located at the edge of the dashboard, making the lights reflect on the windshield.

The 2008 S80 is brilliant when it comes to safety. It merited the Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It is not surprising that there are optional safety devices available. The cameras mounted on each side mirror are one of them. It alerts the driver when there is a car within a blind spot. This device can be turned off when desired. This vehicle performs well even when under a snowy condition.

Source: The Car Connection

The all-new Volvo V70 is made even more luxurious and has added a sportier feel to it. It has greater performance, with its versatility made much better. Its intelligent design allows more availability of space for both passengers and luggage. Volvo is trusted for being a safe car and that reputation is not risked in the Volvo V70.

It is not only adults who will travel with comfort and protection. Children will also be able to travel without their parents having to worry. The Side Impact protection System (SIPS) improves their safety with its stronger body structure. Combined with the extended inflatable curtains and adjustable child booster seats, the all-new Volvo V70 delivers comfort and safety to children.

Not negating their safety standards for being a stylish car, Volvo V70’s SIPS is redesigned for optimum protection against side impacts. Its strong body structure makes it possible to keep the force of a collision away from the passengers. The side impact airbags help absorb the maximum impact of the body since it is inflated five times as much as the chest chamber.

The all-new Volvo V70 also comes equipped with the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), an option for the drivers. A camera is strategically placed in the outer mirror and detects when the driver is entering a blind spot. A warning light will alert he driver if this happens and will work even when in the dark.

There is also a collision warning together with the auto brake. This alarms the driver of a possible collision, giving the driver enough time to react and avoid the collision. The braking system’s hydraulic pressure is increased, making it possible that a successful braking happens even if the brake pedal is not pressed hard. In case the driver is not able to step on the brakes when a collision is about to happen, the brakes are automatically activated. This automatic braking is intended to slow down the speed of the car, helping make it possible to reduce the risks that might occur should any braking not happen. Although the avoidance of collision is not always completely certain, the automatic braking does help by reducing the car’s speed by up to 25 km/h (15 mph), in approximation.

Not only is Volvo V70 safe and secured but it also has a space that is more than enough. There is an extra load compartment under the floor, giving extra room for keeping things. It is easily accessible via a hatch, which automatically locks when the tailgate closes.

Source: Auto Spectators

Considerably more expensive than most of its contemporaries, the 2008 Volvo XC70 is a new breed of vehicle that is worth its price tag. Deftly combining the looks of a station wagon and the off-road capabilities of a crossover sports utility vehicle, it has everything the previous XC70 revamped: new six-cylinder engine, new platform, structures with better rigidity, and new features, such as the hill descent control.

Hill descent control is a feature that proves the XC70’s off-road mettle – it automatically utilizes the brakes and engine braking to let the vehicle go down steep and treacherous hills in a controlled manner. This is an incredible feat considering that the car weighs more than 4,000 pounds – 400 pounds heavier and 4 inches longer than its predecessor.

The XC70’s new engine is also bigger than that of the previous model. From a five-cylinder, its engine is now a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline six cylinder with 24 valves and dual overhead cams that is 27hp more powerful than before. Nevertheless, the heftiness of the vehicle forces this engine to use much of its might to move it: it takes 8.1 seconds for the XC70 to go from zero to sixty miles an hour. Moreover, according to government testers, its fuel economy is one of the lowest in its class at 15 miles per gallon at normal strides, and 22 miles per gallon in highway cruising.

What the vehicle apparently lacks in speed and power, it more than makes up for in ride stability, comfort, and the secure feeling it gives its passengers. Its brakes are very responsive and do not fade in hard driving. The car feels well-planted on the road; and its tires do not spin on slick pavement. Additionally, its automatic transmission system senses where power needs to be allocated and shifts it there as needed, resulting in a very relaxing ride for the driver. All of these complement the safety features that come standard in every Volvo. Anti-whiplash head restraints, side curtain air bags, and electronic stability control are but some of those features. Other safety features are optional and include children’s booster seats that allow youngsters to be positioned correctly for wearing seatbelts, and the side-view blind spot alert. Everything a safety-minded driver would want and more is in the 2008 Volvo XC70; and now, he can go cross-country with it, too.