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VOLVO’S PRIME MOVER
The S80 is back but this time it has a little more firepower to fall back on. By Andy Enright

Free beer! Complimentary iPods! Halve your income tax rate! No matter how hard I try to grab your attention, I just seem to be coming across as some sort of second rate spam emailer. The trouble is, I need some sort of tactic to draw your interest to Volvo’s latest S80 because, to be blunt, I don’t think any picture of this vehicle is going to do the trick. It’s not that the S80 is an unattractive looking car, far from it. Merely that it looks disturbingly similar to the model it replaced.

Most will see this vehicle as a facelift instead of the all-new car it actually is. They’ll spot the reassuringly familiar proportions, the solid, dependable Volvo design cues and the emphasis on safety and assume that all is pretty much as before. No amount of free beer or consumer durables is going to change this perception. Their loss. For those who are either easily attracted by my cheap attention seeking or who are a little more curious about this latest big Volvo, priced from £23,495, there’s plenty worth looking at. Let’s start with that styling. It’s only when you get the old S80 next to the latest car that you’ll see quite how far it has evolved. Yes, many of the primary design cues are still much the same. The car retains the distinctive shoulders that run all the way back to the tail lights that look like a piece of ornate marquetry. The roofline is still arched in an almost coupe-like manner and there’s still a rather bluff grille up front. Where the biggest changes have been made is in the vehicle’s stance and its fine detailing. Compared to the latest model, the old car looks notably less athletic. It seems to ride higher and the front and rear overhangs are longer.

"The all new S80 is about evolutionary design," said the Volvo Cars Design Director on the occasion of the vehicle’s launch. "All the shapes and materials it uses represent a continuous development of the Volvo design language. We have given the all new S80 a more youthful and dynamic stance, and created an even more inviting atmosphere by using refined materials and colours that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology," he continued. Today’s S80 is packaged better than its predecessor and is far better finished. Just take a look at the headlights, a small feature I know, but indicative of the attention to detail that Volvo have put into this model. The bi-xenon lamps are integrated beautifully with the grille and bumper assemblies, giving the front of the S80 the same dynamic look as the smaller S40.

"The all new S80 is about evolutionary design," said the Volvo Cars Design Director on the occasion of the vehicle’s launch. "All the shapes and materials it uses represent a continuous development of the Volvo design language. We have given the all new S80 a more youthful and dynamic stance, and created an even more inviting atmosphere by using refined materials and colours that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology," he continued. Today’s S80 is packaged better than its predecessor and is far better finished. Just take a look at the headlights, a small feature I know, but indicative of the attention to detail that Volvo have put into this model. The bi-xenon lamps are integrated beautifully with the grille and bumper assemblies, giving the front of the S80 the same dynamic look as the smaller S40. The interior pursues a different set of design goals than many of the S80’s direct rivals. It’s refreshing that a premium manufacturer has the nous to go its own way in terms of design and the S80’s ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ take differs from the increasingly prevalent Teutonic themes offered by the majority of the other premium brands. Volvo claim their ‘design language’ radiates a simpler, more stylish and modern feel by combining aesthetics and technology in a more inviting and intelligent way. The interior design offers a blend of no-nonsense Scandinavian style with a slim 'floating' centre stack, quality materials for upholsteries and a choice of inlays and colour schemes that blend smoothly together. As ever, Volvo is highly committed to providing safety leadership in its class. Safety technology for the S80 includes a unique Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and new active safety systems – Collision Warning and Brake Support – with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), active Bi-Xenon headlights and a patented body structure developed at the Volvo Safety Centre. The S80 includes an optional key fob offering 'keyless drive' and incorporating a world first innovation – the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) which features intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not, alert you if the alarm has been activated, and a heartbeat sensor which warns if there is anyone in the car. Another interesting technology is the Collision Warning system which alerts the driver, via a 'heads-up' warning display on the windscreen plus audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely, while the Brake Support system boosts the braking force to ensure braking is as effective as possible. The active Bi-Xenon headlights turn the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned, allowing better visibility deeper into corners at night and also helping to highlight the immediate verge where a pedestrian, cyclist or parked vehicle could be obscured. Volvo have, to date, been rather hamstrung in their upmarket aspirations for the S80 by the fact that only a certain amount of power will happily be transmitted to the road through the car’s front wheels. The 272bhp deployed by the old S80 T6 really was straining at the limits of what the chassis could reasonably handle and Volvo could only look on helplessly as very powerful versions of the rear wheel drive BMW 5 Series, Jaguar S-TYPE, Lexus GS, and Mercedes E Class proved highly profitable for their respective makers. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system fitted to its A6 seems to have prompted Volvo’s engineers to greater things and they’ve responded in quite some manner with the latest model. With a 315bhp V8 four-wheel drive flagship model on offer, Volvo have really upped the ante but elsewhere there are more accessible attractions that also catch the eye. Take the 3.2-litre 235bhp six-cylinder powerplant for example, a unit designed by Volvo that is built at the Ford group engine plant in Bridgend, Wales alongside six and eight-cylinder units for other Premier Automotive Group brands such as Jaguar and Land Rover. Despite being a six-cylinder engine, it has been designed to be more compact than Volvo’s five-cylinder engines thanks to the camshaft drive mechanism and ancillaries being relocated and integrated into the engine block itself. In addition, two of Volvo’s five-cylinder engines have been carried over from the old S80 – the 200bhp 2.5T petrol unit with 320Nm of torque and the D5 (185bhp) turbo diesel with 400Nm of torque and the option of all-wheel-drive. Other engines include two diesels (a 136bhp 2.0-litre unit and a 163bhp 2.4D) and an entry-level 145bhp petrol 2.0-litre. Trim levels run from SE through SE Lux to SE Sport and Executive. Is it enough? Those three words may well be playing on loop replay in Volvo executives’ minds for the next few months. It faces a tough task but the thoroughness of Volvo’s engineering could well see it prevail.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Volvo S80 range PRICES: £23,495-£48,335 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 15-18 CO2 EMISSIONS: 151-284g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.5T] 0-60mph 7.2s / Max Speed 148mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.4D] (Urban) 32.8mpg (Extra Urban) 57.6mpg (combined) 44.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, side airbags, side impact curtains WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4820/1830/1450

EXECUTIVE DECISION
The S80 2.5T Is In The Vanguard Of Volvo’s Attempt To Muscle Its Way Into The Big Time. Steve Ghosley Sees If It Has The Necessary Fire-Power…

Volvo’s S80 is designed to appeal to buyers who have not driven a Volvo before. With seventy per cent of new S80 customers predicted to be new to Volvo, the manufacturers are hoping to significantly dent the sales figures of the rival premium brands. The model most likely to be at the forefront of this noble quest is the S80 2.5T that we look at here.

It will be easy to mistake this vehicle as a facelift instead of the all-new car it actually is. There are the reassuringly familiar proportions, the solid, dependable Volvo design cues and the emphasis on safety that comes very much as standard with Volvo. There is, however, plenty more worth looking at. Let’s start with that styling. It’s only when you get the old S80 next to the latest car that you’ll see quite how far it has evolved. Yes, many of the primary design cues are still much the same. The car retains the distinctive shoulders that run all the way back to the tail lights that look like a piece of ornate marquetry. The roofline is still arched in an almost coupe-like manner and there’s still a rather bluff grille up front. Where the biggest changes have been made is in the vehicle’s stance and its fine detailing. Compared to the latest model, the old car looks notably less athletic. It seems to ride higher and the front and rear overhangs are longer. According to Volvo, the S80 is all about ‘evolutionary design’, with all the shapes and materials it uses representing ‘a continuous development of the Volvo design language’. The idea, they say, was to give the car a more youthful and dynamic stance, while creating an even more inviting atmosphere by using refined materials and colours that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology. Today’s S80 is certainly packaged better than its predecessor and is far better finished. Just take a look at the headlights, a small feature I know, but indicative of the attention to detail that Volvo have put into this model. The bi-xenon lamps are integrated beautifully with the grille and bumper assemblies, giving the front of the S80 the same dynamic look as the smaller S40.

"This S80 is packaged better than its predecessor and is far better finished"

The interior pursues a different set of design goals than many of the S80’s direct rivals. It’s refreshing that a premium manufacturer has the nous to go its own way in terms of design and the S80’s ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ take differs from the increasingly prevalent Teutonic themes offered by the majority of the other premium brands. Volvo claim their ‘design language’ radiates a simpler, more stylish and modern feel by combining aesthetics and technology in a more inviting and intelligent way. The interior design offers a blend of no-nonsense Scandinavian style with a slim 'floating' centre stack, quality materials for upholsteries and a choice of inlays and colour schemes that blend smoothly together. As ever, Volvo is highly committed to providing safety leadership in its class. This entry-level S80 is powered by the five-cylinder 200bhp 2.5-litre turbo petrol unit carried over from the previous model. This is not surprising as it’s a robust and tested powerplant that develops a healthy 320Nm of torque. The turbocharger unit has been cleverly integrated into the exhaust manifold to give the engine a very compact design. The 0-60mph sprint is achieved in a very sprightly 7.2 seconds, going on to a maximum top speed of 148mph. Safety technology for the S80 includes a unique Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and new active safety systems – Collision Warning and Brake Support – with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), active Bi-Xenon headlights and a patented body structure developed at the Volvo Safety Centre. The S80 includes an optional key fob offering 'keyless drive' and incorporating a world first innovation – the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) which features intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not. It can also alert you if the alarm has been activated and it features a heartbeat sensor which warns if there is anyone in the car. Another interesting technology is the Collision Warning system which alerts the driver, via a 'heads-up' warning display on the windscreen plus an audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely. At the same time, the Brake Support system boosts the braking force to ensure braking is as effective as possible. The active Bi-Xenon headlights turn the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned, allowing better visibility deeper into corners at night and also helping to highlight the immediate verge where a pedestrian, cyclist or parked vehicle could be obscured. Volvo have, to date, been rather hamstrung in their upmarket aspirations for the S80 by the fact that only a certain amount of power will happily be transmitted to the road through the car’s front wheels. The 272bhp deployed by the old S80 T6 really was straining at the limits of what the chassis could reasonably handle and Volvo could only look on helplessly as very powerful versions of the rear wheel drive BMW 5 Series, Jaguar S-TYPE, Lexus GS, and Mercedes E Class proved highly profitable for their respective makers. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system fitted to its A6 seems to have prompted Volvo’s engineers to greater things and they’ve responded in quite some manner with the latest model which itself has four driven wheels. The Volvo S80 is a beautifully-engineered car and with the 2.5-litre turbo likely to be the best seller in the range, Volvo will be expecting great things from this model. It has some clever innovations and is stylishly finished. Whether or not it has enough to seriously dent the sales figures of the established premium brands, only time will tell.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Volvo S80 2.5T PRICES: £24,995-£27,845 – on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 16E CO2 EMISSIONS: 219g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.2s / Max Speed 148mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 21.1mpg / (extra urban) 42.2mpg / (combined) 30.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, side airbags, side impact curtains WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4820/1830/1450

ALL TORQUE AND ACTION
Volvo’s S80 D5 Has Long Been A Smart Choice Both On The Blacktop And On The Balance Sheet. Andy Enright Takes A Look At The Latest Car…

Are you the sort of person who chooses a new car with your heart or your head? If you’re the former, I’m not going to waste any more of your time here. Best be on your way, making sure you steer well clear of any potentially costly traps such as Alfa Romeo dealers as you go about your business. If, on the other hand, you prefer a car that makes all sorts of financial sense without skimping on the finer things, chances are you’re going to quite like Volvo’s latest take on the S80, and especially so when it’s fitted with the D5 diesel engine.

Volvo offer two diesels for the latest S80. There’s a 2.4-litre model that serves up 163bhp and 340Nm of torque or there’s the engine we’re interested in here, the D5, which is good for 185bhp and 400Nm of torque. If you’re at all up to date with current diesel engine development, you’ll know that the 2.4-litre engine could be categorised as ‘Barely Adequate’ and the D5 as ‘Getting Warm’. Neither of these five-cylinder engines are going to pin you to your seat in the way that some BMW, Audi or Mercedes diesels will but then, the Volvo doesn’t command those sorts of prices. In fact, the Swedish company have played their cards rather smartly in slotting the S80 in considerably cheaper than an equivalent 5 Series, A6 or E-Class. As a point of reference, you’d need over £32,000 to buy a Mercedes E-Class with a broadly similar power output which is around £6,000 more than the Volvo and will come with a far meaner roster of standard equipment. If we’re realistic, specifying the Mercedes to match the Volvo will add another £2,500 onto that differential. Given the fact that the S80 is the newer, more technically advanced product, it’s not hard to see why Volvo are so bullish.

"The S80 D5 must walk a tightrope between the mainstream and the true premium brands. That doesn’t give it a whole lot of scope for expression"

The engine isn’t merely an old lump in new clothes either. It has recently been revised with an electronically-controlled turbocharger, refined multi-throttle injection technology and an optimised engine management system to provide higher performance, improved flexibility and a reduction in emissions. Volvo are acutely aware that the S80 D5 will sell in big numbers to corporate buyers who could plump for a 5 Series but would like something that not every other suit in the car park is stepping out of. Therefore, the S80 needs to be competitive on carbon dioxide emissions in order to reduce the benefit-in-kind taxation. Buyers get the choice of front or all wheel drive with the latter coming at a £1,200 premium. Most will see this vehicle as a facelift instead of the all-new car it actually is. They’ll spot the reassuringly familiar proportions, the solid, dependable Volvo design cues and the emphasis on safety and assume that all is pretty much as before. No amount of free beer or consumer durables is going to change this perception. Their loss. For those who are either easily attracted by my cheap attention seeking or who are a little more curious about this latest big Volvo, there’s plenty worth looking at. Let’s start with that styling. It’s only when you get the old S80 next to the latest car that you’ll see quite how far it has evolved. Yes, many of the primary design cues are still much the same. The car retains the distinctive shoulders that run all the way back to the tail lights that look like a piece of ornate marquetry. The roofline is still arched in an almost coupe-like manner and there’s still a rather bluff grille up front. Where the biggest changes have been made is in the vehicle’s stance and its fine detailing. Compared to the latest model, the old car looks notably less athletic. It seems to ride higher and the front and rear overhangs are longer. Break out the tape measure and you’ll realise that the current S80 is exactly the same length as its predecessor, significantly longer in the wheelbase, and a smidgeon wider and higher. The interior pursues a different set of design goals than many of the S80’s direct rivals. It’s refreshing that a premium manufacturer has the nous to go its own way in terms of design and the S80’s ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ take differs from the increasingly prevalent Teutonic themes offered by the majority of the other premium brands. Volvo claim their ‘design language’ radiates a simpler, more stylish and modern feel by combining aesthetics and technology in a more inviting and intelligent way. The interior design offers a blend of no-nonsense Scandinavian style with a slim 'floating' centre stack, quality materials for upholsteries and a choice of inlays and colour schemes that blend smoothly together. As ever, Volvo is highly committed to providing safety leadership in its class. Safety technology for the S80 includes a unique Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and new active safety systems – Collision Warning and Brake Support – with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), active Bi-Xenon headlights and a patented body structure developed at the Volvo Safety Centre. The S80 includes an optional key fob offering 'keyless drive' and incorporating a world first innovation – the Personal Car Communicator (PCC). This features intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not, then alert you if the alarm has been activated, and a heartbeat sensor which warns if there is anyone in the car. Another interesting technology is the Collision Warning system which alerts the driver, via a 'heads-up' warning display on the windscreen and an audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely. Meanwhile, the Brake Support system boosts the braking force to ensure braking is as effective as possible. The active Bi-Xenon headlights turn the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned, allowing better visibility deeper into corners at night and also helping to highlight the immediate verge where a pedestrian, cyclist or parked vehicle could be obscured. The S80’s low key introduction masks the fact that a whole host of changes have been made. The D5 engine remains probably the most appealing powerplant in the entire line up but buyers in this class are developing a taste for 200bhp+ diesel engines. If you’re a pragmatist, you may well surmise that 185bhp is just about enough.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Volvo S80 D5 PRICES: £26,495-£39,650 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 15-16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 169g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8s / Max Speed 143mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Urban) 32.8mpg (Extra Urban) 57.6mpg (combined) 44.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, side airbags, side impact curtains WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4850/1860/1488

TORQUE IS CHEAP
Looking for an affordably priced, diesel-powered Executive car? Here’s one you have to try. Jonathan Crouch checks out Volvo’s S80 2.0D

Want a prestigiously-badged diesel-powered Executive saloon on a £25,000 budget? Many business buyers do. For that kind of money, they can forget BMW or Mercedes alternatives. Only Audi and Volvo can help, the former with the rather dull A6 2.0 TDI and the latter with the S80 2.0D we’re looking at here.

Normally, Audi tends to win its head-to-head battles with Volvo but in this case, it’s the more modern S80 that comes across as the more appealing product. It helps that the £23,995 asking price gives it a £1,500 advantage over the German car, money you can useful put towards the extra equipment items you may not need since the Swedish model is actually better equipped. The S80’s 2.0-litre diesel develops 136PS but it’s the 320Nm torque figure that’s more significant. It gives this car enough pulling power to negate the need for many to pay more for either the 163 or 185bhp diesel S80 models. A CO2 emissions figure of 151g/km is also impressive – and 8g/km better than the comparable Audi. Your Fleet Manager will want to know that it sits in VED band D and return 46.9mpg on the Combined cycle, which if you’re interested is 5% better than the A6. And the S80 itself? Well I think the Swedish company have played their cards rather smartly in slotting it in considerably cheaper than its equivalent German rivals. Given the fact that it’s a newer, more technically advanced product, it’s not hard to see why Volvo are so bullish. Most will see this vehicle as a facelift instead of the all-new car it actually is. They’ll spot the reassuringly familiar proportions, the solid, dependable Volvo design cues and the emphasis on safety and assume that all is pretty much as before. No amount of free beer or consumer durables is going to change this perception. Their loss. For those who are either easily attracted by my cheap attention seeking or who are a little more curious about this latest big Volvo, there’s plenty worth looking at.

"The S80 D5 must walk a tightrope between the mainstream and the true premium brands. That doesn’t give it a whole lot of scope for expression"

Let’s start with that styling. It’s only when you get the old S80 next to the latest generation car that you’ll see quite how far it has evolved. Yes, many of the primary design cues are still much the same. The car retains the distinctive shoulders that run all the way back to the tail lights that look like a piece of ornate marquetry. The roofline is still arched in an almost coupe-like manner and there’s still a rather bluff grille up front. Where the biggest changes have been made is in the vehicle’s stance and its fine detailing. Compared to the latest model, the old car looks notably less athletic. It seems to ride higher and the front and rear overhangs are longer. Break out the tape measure and you’ll realise that the current S80 is exactly the same length as its predecessor, significantly longer in the wheelbase, and a smidgeon wider and higher. The interior pursues a different set of design goals than many of the S80’s direct rivals. It’s refreshing that a premium manufacturer has the nous to go its own way in terms of design and the S80’s ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ take differs from the increasingly prevalent Teutonic themes offered by the majority of the other premium brands. Volvo claim their ‘design language’ radiates a simpler, more stylish and modern feel by combining aesthetics and technology in a more inviting and intelligent way. The interior design offers a blend of no-nonsense Scandinavian style with a slim 'floating' centre stack, quality materials for upholsteries and a choice of inlays and colour schemes that blend smoothly together. As ever, Volvo is highly committed to providing safety leadership in its class. Safety technology for the S80 includes a unique Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and new active safety systems – Collision Warning and Brake Support – with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), active Bi-Xenon headlights and a patented body structure developed at the Volvo Safety Centre. The S80 includes an optional key fob offering 'keyless drive' and incorporating a world first innovation – the Personal Car Communicator (PCC). This features intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not, then alert you if the alarm has been activated, and a heartbeat sensor which warns if there is anyone in the car. Another interesting technology is the Collision Warning system which alerts the driver, via a 'heads-up' warning display on the windscreen and an audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely. Meanwhile, the Brake Support system boosts the braking force to ensure braking is as effective as possible. The active Bi-Xenon headlights turn the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned, allowing better visibility deeper into corners at night and also helping to highlight the immediate verge where a pedestrian, cyclist or parked vehicle could be obscured. In an age when executive car makers are falling over themselves to produce diesels developing 200bhp-plus, the S80 2.0D is a car that strikes a welcome note of pragmatism. The fact that it’s thousands less than a comparable Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series and less even than an equivalent Audi A6, yet as a product is just as good, makes this Swede an alternative you shouldn’t ignore.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Volvo S80 2.0D PRICE: £23,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 15 [est] CO2 EMISSIONS: 151g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10.0s / Max Speed 130mph [est] FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 49.6mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, side airbags, side impact curtains WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4820/1830/1450

EIGHT TO THE POINT
Top End Volvo S80s Were Always Punchy Performers. With A V8 Engine, The Latest Model Really Has Wings. Andy Enright Reports

Of all the ways that Volvo could have improved the S80, fitting a big V8 engine wouldn’t necessarily have been the one that most commentators would have come up with. Sharpen the styling, make the suspension and steering a little more involving maybe, even offer a little more in the way of rear legroom, but don’t chase the big boys like Jaguar, Audi and BMW. Yet with the S80 V8 AWD models, that’s exactly what the Swedish company seem to be doing. Hit, miss or maybe?

Volvo have undoubtedly done the right thing in not trying to channel all 311bhp of this V8 engine’s power through the front wheels alone. That would have been a recipe for huge wheelspin and torque steer the like of which had never before been witnessed. Instead, the S80 uses a clever four wheel drive system to deliver power to whichever wheel can best handle it. In normal driving conditions, this means that most of the drive will be directed as usual to the front wheels, but accelerate hard or encounter slippery surfaces and the differential instantaneously directs torque to the rears to share the load. If you really want to test the system, drop Volvo’s six-speed Geartronic into Drive, hold one foot firmly on the brake and then gently rev the engine until you feel the car straining against the brakes. When all looks clear, sidestep the brake pedal and drive the accelerator into the carpet. Six seconds later, you’ll have 60mph on the clock with no drama at all, just a smooth surge of acceleration, accompanied by a purposeful roar from the 4.4-litre engine. If you have the right conditions, this car will keep going to an electronically limited 155mph maximum. Drive a little less manically and you may well replicate Volvo’s 23.7mpg combined figure. With emissions of 284g/km, the S80 is thirstier and emits more carbon dioxide than either the Audi A6 4.2 V8 Quattro SE, the BMW 550i SE or the Jaguar S-TYPE 4.2 V8 SE. This outlines the size of this car’s task.

"The S80 V8 AWD swims with some very big fish. It’ll need to work hard not to be gobbled up"

It’s helped by the fact that it offers competitive value for money. The range opens at £37,100 in SE trim, with the SE Sport at £39,950 and the SE LUX occupying the centre ground at £39,850. The range-topping model is the fully-loaded Executive at £48,100. Perhaps its closest rival is the Jaguar, another car that offers keen value for money and appeals to a mature audience. Those of you who keep tabs on the global automotive industry will know that both Volvo and Jaguar are part of Ford’s Premier Auto Group, so these two cars are, in effect, rivals from a common stable. The two cars feel rather different to drive. Whereas the Jaguar will be the enthusiast’s choice, the Volvo focuses on refinement at speed. The Servotronic power steering system allows for three different levels of steering weight in the menu system and there are likewise three different suspension settings but the S80 always feels at its most comfortable with the middle setting on the steering assistance and the most comfortable suspension mode. That way it floats nicely over the worst surfaces yet is still easy to place through a corner. Safety technology for the S80 includes a unique Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and new active safety systems – Collision Warning and Brake Support – with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), active Bi-Xenon headlights and a patented body structure developed at the Volvo Safety Centre. The S80 includes an optional key fob offering 'keyless drive' and incorporating a world first innovation – the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) which features intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not, alert you if the alarm has been activated, and a heartbeat sensor which warns if there is anyone in the car. Another interesting technology is the Collision Warning system which alerts the driver, via a 'heads-up' warning display on the windscreen plus audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely, while the Brake Support system boosts the braking force to ensure braking is as effective as possible. The active Bi-Xenon headlights turn the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned, allowing better visibility deeper into corners at night and also helping to highlight the immediate verge where a pedestrian, cyclist or parked vehicle could be obscured. It’s only when you get the old S80 next to the latest car that you’ll see quite how far it has evolved. Yes, many of the primary design cues are still much the same. The car retains the distinctive shoulders that run all the way back to the tail lights that look like a piece of ornate marquetry. The roofline is still arched in an almost coupe-like manner and there’s still a rather bluff grille up front. Where the biggest changes have been made is in the vehicle’s stance and its fine detailing. Compared to the latest model, the old car looks notably less athletic. It seems to ride higher and the front and rear overhangs are longer. The interior design offers a blend of no-nonsense Scandinavian style with a slim 'floating' centre stack, quality materials for upholsteries and a choice of inlays and colour schemes that blend smoothly together. As ever, Volvo is highly committed to providing safety leadership in its class. As engaging as the S80 V8 AWD is, it’s hard to see Volvo shifting too much stock here in the UK. At this price point, there are just too many competing attractions of the Volvo to make its case coherently. In a couple of years this will make a cracking used buy. Those willing to step forward and take the depreciation hit from new will need to be very committed to the cause.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Volvo S80 V8 AWD range PRICES: £37,100-£48,100 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 19 CO2 EMISSIONS: 284g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.0s / Max Speed 155mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 23.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, side airbags, side impact curtains WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4820/1830/1450

VOLVO’S EXECUTIVE ORDER
The Volvo S80 is always at its most appealing when it’s heaving with kit. Andy Enright takes a look at the well-stuffed Executive versions

There can be few more underrated cars on sale than Volvo’s S80. Somehow it’s never quite managed to capture the public’s imagination despite being one of the most technically accomplished cars in its class. Technical accomplishment clearly only gets you so far. Undeterred by this relative apathy, Volvo has hit upon a slightly more overt tactic with the latest S80 Executive models. Load them up with standard equipment until it’s virtually impossible to crowbar anything else in. What’s more, it’s a strategy that might just work.

The trouble with a beautifully-finished chassis member or a half-million euros ploughed into fine tuning an anti-roll bar is that the prospective customer in the car showroom looking at the car rarely actually cares one way or the other. Yes, these factors matter when it comes to buyer retention as it means the owner will value the way the car drives but buyer retention is a moot point if the car lacks the showroom wow factor to turn potentials into punters. That’s where this Executive model scores so highly. Sit in one of these, softly turn the key and you’ll find more toys to play with than Hamleys. There’s the sort of chrome, wood and leather you thought were the preserve of British car manufacturers. It’s all rather agreeable. So let’s take a deep breath and run through the specification of this Executive model. It’s based on the already well-appointed SE Lux variant but adds a Dynaudio premium sound system with Dolby Pro Logic surround sound, a 5x130 watt amplifier, twelve Dynaudio speakers and an auxiliary input to fire mp3s from your iPod down the stereo’s neck. Add to that a DVD-based satellite navigation system and Volvo’s clever Personal Car Communicator with keyless drive and you’ll have more than enough buttons to press to enable you to find new functions months after you think you’ve got these systems taped. In addition, buyers also receive active bi-xenon headlights, heated front and rear seats, heated windscreen washer nozzles, front and rear park assist and a rear seat audio console with a pair of headphone sockets. It’s a spec list that makes any of its comparatively-priced rivals look rather basic.

"The S80 is now set to be judged against a whole set of harsher criteria. That’s the dubious reward for striding upmarket"

If that were the sum total of the Executive’s goodies, it would still raise a few eyebrows but there’s more. A lot more. The Executive is identifiable from the outside by its unique 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome sections on the lower air intake, fog light trims, door mouldings and rear lights. Don’t try to full beam an S80 Executive in other words as it has enough chrome to return the favour. Inside, there’s soft leather upholstery that’s swathed across the door inserts and armrests with contrasting stitching and piping, while rear seat passengers get a very special touch – a refrigerator in the centre armrest with Swedish crystal Kosta Boda tumblers. As you can see, this is no mats’n’flaps lash up. Some serious thought has gone into this model. There’s a walnut wood framed centre console with contrasting aluminium inlays and a walnut and leather gear knob. That’ll do as far as specification goes. Let’s take a look at the engines. Three powerplants are offered, a diesel and two punchy petrols. With a 315bhp V8 four-wheel drive flagship model on offer, Volvo has really upped the ante but elsewhere there are more accessible attractions with the option of all-wheel-drive that also catch the eye. Take the 3.2-litre 235bhp six-cylinder powerplant for example, a unit designed by Volvo that is built at the Ford group engine plant in Bridgend, Wales alongside six and eight-cylinder units for other Premier Automotive Group brands such as Jaguar and Land Rover. Despite being a six-cylinder engine, it has been designed to be more compact than Volvo’s five-cylinder units thanks to the camshaft drive mechanism and ancillaries being relocated and integrated into the engine block itself. In addition, the D5 (185bhp) turbo diesel with 400Nm of torque is also offered. Prices? Expect to pay £38,515 for the D5 Executive and £48,100 for the V8 AWD model. Like the diesel, the 3.2-litre car is offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive form with four driven wheels commanding a premium of around £1,000. My tip would be to stretch to the all-wheel drive models as they really add another dimension in winter traction. Safety technology for the S80 includes active safety systems such as Collision Warning and Brake Support with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and a patented body structure developed at the Volvo Safety Centre. The S80 includes an optional key fob offering 'keyless drive' and incorporating a world first innovation – the Personal Car Communicator (PCC). This system features intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not then alert you if the alarm has been activated along with a heartbeat sensor which warns if there is anyone in the car. Another interesting technology is the Collision Warning system which alerts the driver, via a 'heads-up' warning display on the windscreen plus audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely, while the Brake Support system boosts the braking force to ensure braking is as effective as possible. The active Bi-Xenon headlights turn the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned, allowing better visibility deeper into corners at night and also helping to highlight the immediate verge where a pedestrian, cyclist or parked vehicle could be obscured. The S80 Executive faces a tough task toppling the established favourites in this sector and anybody with an ounce of financial savvy will know that expensive gadgets do very little to prop up a car’s residual values a few years down the line. That said, if you want a car that offers superior comfort and convenience right here, right now, the S80 Executive has very few direct rivals.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Volvo S80 Executive range PRICES: £38,515-£48,100 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-19 CO2 EMISSIONS: 169-284g/km PERFORMANCE: [4.4] 0-60mph 6.0s / Max Speed 155mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [D5] (Urban) 32.8mpg (Extra Urban) 57.6mpg (combined) 44.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, side airbags, side impact curtains WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4820/1830/1450