Volvo XC90

Volvo does things a little differently from other premium brands in

the automotive world. For this Swedish manufacturer, safety and

kid-friendliness are just as important as luxury amenities and driving

performance, and in no vehicle is this more apparent than the

Volvo XC90, a midsize seven-passenger SUV.

Innovative safety features aside, the XC90 is merely adequate relative

to the premium midsize SUV competition. Zestier performance is available

elsewhere, as are more cavernous cargo holds. With more and more

modern competitors measuring up to Volvo's high safety standards,

the aging XC90 isn't the slam dunk for families that Volvo products

used to be. It remains capable, though, and arguably safer than ever

thanks to some new tricks.

Current Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is available in two versions: 3.2 and V8. Available

with front- or all-wheel drive, the 3.2 is the entry-level model and

carries a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated for 235 horsepower.

Mileage suffers a bit on the XC90 V8, but the 311-hp 4.4-liter V8

provides strong acceleration, moving this 4,600-pound SUV

to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard with the V8.

The 3.2 comes with five-passenger seating (with the third-row

seat optional), while the V8 comes with seven-passenger seating.

As this is a premium SUV, almost all major safety and convenience

features are included, even on the base model. Major options

include a rear entertainment system with dual screens, a DVD-based

navigation system, a Dolby Pro Logic II surround-sound audio

system and an interior air quality system, as well as an ultra-luxurious

executive package for the V8 model.

Easily one of the safest SUVs on the market, the Volvo XC90

pioneered Roll Stability Control. This bit of technology uses

a gyro sensor to identify every SUV owner's greatest fear,

a potential rollover, and activates the stability control

system to try to avert it. Another interesting feature is the

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which monitors

images from a pair of cameras mounted in the side mirrors

and warns the driver via an indicator light when another

vehicle moves into the XC90's blind spot. Of course, the

XC90 also provides staples like side curtain airbag protection

for all three rows, anti-whiplash seats and an emergency

communications system. Volvo crash safety is legendary,

and indeed, this midsize SUV has scored well in NHTSA

and IIHS testing.

In reviews, we've found that the XC90 drives just as

you'd expect a safe, heavy Volvo SUV to drive. Ride quality

is smooth and the cabin stays quiet, while handling is competent

but not particularly sporty. Equipped with AWD, the XC90 makes

an excellent snow vehicle but isn't intended for serious off-road romps.

V8-powered models are considerably more satisfying to drive

than six-cylinder XC90s.

Despite its advancing age, the seven-passenger Volvo XC90 is one

of our top recommendations for families shopping for an SUV.

Although its on-road performance is merely average as luxury

SUVs go, the XC90 still offers a winning combination of safety,

solidity and style.

Used Volvo XC90 Models

The XC90 debuted for the 2003 model year. Changes have

been limited over the years. The V8 joined the fray in 2005,

while the 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine debuted in 2007 as a

replacement for the 208-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder

(known as the 2.5T) offered through 2006. Used XC90 shoppers

will also come across T6 models (sold from 2003-'05), which had a

268-hp, twin-turbocharged, 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder. Although

acceleration was adequate with either of these turbo engines, their

power bands really weren't well suited for duty in a heavy SUV.

However, if you test-drive a used XC90 T6 or 2.5T and find its

performance to your liking, there's no reason not to buy it.

Source from: Car

Volvo The Game

Volvo The Game

The racing game announced in April by Volvo Cars and game development company SimBin can be played with five racing legends in addition to the new Volvo S60 Concept. They are Volvo models that many people will remember from the STCC and BTCC racing series.

Players will be able to choose between the Volvo C30 which is competing in this year's STCC ( Swedish Touring Car Championship), the STCC Volvo S60 that participated a few years ago, the Volvo S40 that participated with notable success in the BTCC (the British Touring Car Championship) the Volvo 850, the estate car that became a legend in the BTCC, and finally a true racing classic, the iconic Volvo 240 Turbo Group A.

There is a choice of two tracks: Gothenburg Eco Drive Arena in Göteborg, Sweden, and Chayaka outside Kiev in the Ukraine. Volvo - The Game is the only virtual racing game in the world to include this Ukrainian track.

The game offers a choice of skill levels: "novice with all the driver assistance technology activated such as ABS brakes, "semi-pro", and finally "pro" where there is no assistance whatsoever.

Footnote: Volvo - The Game can be downloaded free of charge to your own PC starting on May 26. Go to the Volvo Cars website, www.volvocars.com/intl The game is available in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish.

Source from: Car

Volvo C70

The Volvo XC70 is an all-weather version of the V70 midsize wagon that boasts all-wheel drive as well as increased ground clearance and SUV-like styling cues. The latter two features are mostly for show, however, as the XC70 has never had much in the way of serious off-road hardware. What the XC70 has consistently offered is the sure-footedness of all-wheel drive, and it has become progressively more stylish and luxurious through the years, while maintaining its SUV-grade cargo space and superior reputation for safety.

The current generation Volvo XC70 is downright stylish all over, and it continues to offer many of the same virtues as previous versions: confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive, top-notch safety, a luxurious cockpit and enough cabin volume to satisfy all but the most haul-happy families. With the base inline six-cylinder engine, however, performance is lackluster -- other midsize wagons and a handful of crossover SUVs are both more satisfying to drive and comparably or more frugal at the pump. The turbocharged T6 model addresses the speed issue at least. The XC70 is a solid family vehicle, especially for those living in colder climates. Still, there are competing models that have similarly appealing traits, as well as superior power and/or efficiency.

Under the hood of the base model is a 3.2-liter inline-6 that sends 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Those numbers may look good on paper, but the XC70's actual acceleration performance and fuel economy are decidedly unimpressive. The T6 shares the six-speed transmission and AWD system, but adds a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that pumps out a more satisfying 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The stylish XC70 should please any family that requires all-weather capability, carlike handling and an upscale cabin with plenty of cargo space. With the proliferation of crossover SUV offerings in recent years, however, there are numerous competing models that boast similar strengths along with better overall performance, particularly compared to the base 3.2-liter engine. We'd recommend taking a good look at what the market has to offer before you ante up for the current XC70, though those who ultimately go with the Volvo likely won't be disappointed.

Current Volvo XC70

The Volvo XC70 technically competes in the midsize wagon segment, although its standard all-wheel drive and SUV-like features make it competitive with crossover SUVs as well. Compared to a regular V70 wagon, the XC70 stands out, thanks to increased ground clearance (2.7 inches higher than the V70) and more rugged styling details that include cladding on the lower body sides and different front and rear fascias.

Offered in base 3.2 or uplevel T6 trim, the XC70 comes standard with plenty of convenience and upscale features, including alloy wheels, skid plates, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system. The T6 adds bigger wheels, dual exhaust outlets and a "watch dial" instrument cluster. Major options include leather upholstery, a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, satellite radio and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.

Used Volvo XC70 Models

The present XC70 debuted in 2008. The most notable change since then has been the arrival of the T6 model with its turbocharged 3.0-liter engine; for 2008, the XC70 was available only with the base 3.2-liter inline-6.

The XC70 debuted in 1998 as the "V70 Cross Country" (XC for short) an upgraded trim level for the V70 wagon. With its advanced safety features (including side airbags from its inception), capacious interior, all-wheel-drive utility and trendy SUV looks, this endearingly boxy people mover quickly became a strong seller. Powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine, the first-generation V70 XC was rated at 190 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque -- adequate in its day, but not exactly scintillating. Many buyers probably weren't even aware that the V70 XC came standard with skid plates, one of the few examples of genuine off-road equipment on this "SUW."

In 2001, the second-generation V70 XC was introduced. Like its V70 sibling, the new V70 XC sported a sleeker shape and a new platform shared with the first-generation S80 sedan, as well as a striking interior layout largely borrowed from the S60 sedan. In 2002, Volvo changed business tactics, dropping the "V70" from the car's title and marketing it separately from the V70 line as the Volvo XC. In 2003, the "70" designation returned, giving us the first official Volvo XC70.

Second-generation cars could be equipped with a navigation system for the first time. The 2.4-liter engine was tweaked to produce 197 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, yielding satisfactory if not thrilling performance. In 2003, the 2.4-liter mill was replaced by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that pumped out 208 hp and a healthy 236 lb-ft of torque, which made the XC70 feel rather quick. Rear-seat room was improved over the rather cramped first-generation car, though we still weren't overly impressed, and a third-row seat was available in every model year except 2007. Other available features included adjustable rear seats, four-zone climate control and a DVD entertainment system with front headrest-mounted TV screens.

Well-optioned second-generation XC70s were pricey in their day, but depreciation has helped matters somewhat. Still, the European and premium status of Volvos frequently translates to an expensive repair bill, should you run into problems. Those looking for a used Volvo XC70 should consider a certified pre-owned car or one that still has the factory warranty. If you care about performance, 2003 and later XC70s are the logical choice, as they offer a useful 26 extra lb-ft of torque as well as 11 more hp. Otherwise, you won't be missing much if you go with the 2001 or 2002 model.

Source from: Car