Fast, sexy, new Volvos unveiled at the 1st International Motor Show
Judging from the way Volvo designs and markets its automobiles, I’d characterize their cars with three “S” words. Just ten years ago, that would have been “safe, sensible and staid.”
But having witnessed the new Volvos unveiled at the 1st Philippine International Motor Show held at the
How else would you describe a large all-wheel-drive luxury sedan with a 315-hp V8 engine? Or a luxury coupe with a retractable steel roof that transforms it into a top-down 4-seat roadster with a touch of a button? Or a segment-busting 3-door hatchback with a stylistic perkiness previously unheard of from the Swedish carmaker?
These, plus a common-rail direct-injection (CRDi) D5 diesel version of the award-winning Volvo XC90 AWD sports utility vehicle, made their auspicious debut at the inaugural industry-led auto show.
“We are very positive that these four additions to our local Volvo lineup will continue to boost the brand in the local scene,” said Volvo
The Volvo onslaught is led by the all-new S80 flagship, which bristles with high-tech features such as Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Collision Warning (CW), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), and Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), among many others.
The new S80 has the same length as its predecessor, but is taller, wider and has a longer wheelbase. The car’s Volvo heritage is marked by a somewhat larger, vertical grille. To give the large S80 a solid and compact stance, the contours have been rounded and the smooth, muscular hood has a raised profile.
The doors are more convex and pronounced in shape. The shoulder line is both higher and broader than before, and the sills below the doors have a more pronounced profile, creating a visually lower center of gravity and imparting a more stable appearance.
And to give the new S80 an image of being in constant motion, the car has more sweeping lines than before, with a comet-shaped profile, an almost imperceptible transition between the rear window and the trunk, and an abruptly cut-off tail section. The typical Volvo tail lamps now have a slimmer profile that blends in smoothly with the broad shoulders.
Inside, the cabin is characterized by clean surfaces, harmonious lines, exciting contrasts and smooth function – expressions of Scandinavian design tradition that help forge a dynamic and harmonious interior.
The new S80 has a super-slim center console first seen in the S40. In the S80, the centre console has been modified to blend seamlessly with the car’s more classic and exclusive design and it extends all the way to the rear seat.
Prices of the new S80 start at P3.45M for the entry-level 2.5-liter 210-hp turbo 5-cylinder model, goes up to P3.795M for the mid-range normally aspirated 3.2-liter 238-hp 6-cylinder variant, and tops out at P 4.495M for the top-of-the-line AWD V8 that pumps out 315 hp and an SUV-beating 440 Nm of torque for sports car-like performance.
All S80s come with 6-speed driver-adaptive automatic transmissions with Geartronic manumatic features.
For the affluent romantics who pine for a convertible but are faced with
the realities that require a hardtop, Volvo launched the traffic-stopping all-new C70 Coupé-Convertible.
From beautiful coupe to hot convertible in less than thirty seconds, the C70 lets you decide, with a push of a button, if you want to open up its unique three-split retractable hardtop.
And with its smooth turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and 5-speed driver-adaptive automatic with Geartronic shifting, the C70 will definitely move you in more ways than one. Price? A cool P4.395 million.
An even more out-of-the-box model from Volvo is the groundbreaking new C30 Sports Coupé. It’s younger, smarter, and better looking than most cars in its class. It’s fun to drive, practical to load, but is as luxurious as the Volvo name suggests.
The C30’s gently rounded front has several features that contribute to the sporty impression, such as the large, low grille, spoiler, short overhang, and high-mounted bi-xenon headlamps.
The sweeping silhouette of the body sides is emphasized by flared fenders and by the long wheelbase. The characteristic shoulder is more rugged than on any other Volvo model.
The C30 can be complemented with a Volvo-supplied body kit. Certain body finishes can also be combined with contrasting accessory kit colors.
The modern and unique design of the rear end is an important element of the sporty image, with the shape of the rear light clusters delineating the powerful shoulder profile, especially in the dark.
Inside, the C30 sports two individual rear seats instead of a conventional bench seat. The side panels are divided into two compartments. The space between the seats is occupied by an armrest and can also be used to load long, narrow objects.
The C30’s unique glass tailgate makes loading easier and provides better vision. The seat backrests can be folded down to provide a large, almost completely flat load floor and can also be lowered from outside with the hatch open.
The C30 also features the same super-thin center console as in the Volvo S40, V50 and new S80. It even boasts an audiophile-quality sound system befitting the iPod generation.
Like every Volvo, this car is built to provide an intelligent mix of performance and practicality. Whether it’s the P1,688,888 C30 170-hp 2.4i or the high-performance P2,188,888 220-hp turbocharged C30 T5, this versatile car is ready for both work and play.
Last but not least is a new turbodiesel motor for Volvo’s acclaimed XC90 full-size SUV, denoted by the new “D5 AWD” designation.
Dynamically matched to the XC90, this efficient 2.4-liter 5-cylinder powerplant boasts state-of-the-art diesel technology such as common-rail direct-injection (CRDi) and variable turbine geometry to deliver quick response, superior fuel economy and cleaner exhaust.
Its high torque of 400 Nm (with 185 bhp) provides impressive flexibility in any situation. The lightweight all-aluminum engine meets strict environmental standards and features a maintenance-free particulate filter that effectively reduces soot particles in exhaust gases.
The XC90’s turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder gasoline engine developing 210 bhp and 320 Nm of torque is still available.
Both XC90s come with 5-speed automatics with Geartronic as well as electronically controlled all-wheel-drive.
Needless to say, these new Volvos live up to the legendary levels of safety pioneered by its forebears. “These new exciting models not only speak of the ever-continuing dedication of Volvo in developing designs and systems that celebrate life. It is also a testimony to the philosophy our founders made, that since Volvos are made with people in mind, therefore in everything that we do, we put their safety foremost in our minds,” said Atty. Arcilla.
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