Preview by Paul Williams, photos by Paul Williams and courtesy Volvo
   2014 Volvo S80 & XC70. Click image to enlarge |
After retiring some models over the past couple of years, Volvo is busy revitalizing its lineup with a focus on “elegant, sophisticated design and attention to detail.” Expect nine such revised vehicles from the company over the next 18 months.
The S80 sedan and XC70 crossover wagon are the largest cars produced by Volvo, with sales for both models declining over the past years (especially so, for the XC70). The new designs are expected to revive interest and enhance appeal for these models.
Being Volvo models, you can expect that safety features are comprehensive. Volvo’s active safety systems, called IntelliSafe, figure prominently in the 2014 S80/XC70. The company’s “City Safety” technology (an autonomous emergency braking system) is standard and now works at speeds up to 50 km/h. It is designed to help a driver avoid a low-speed crash or to reduce its severity by pre-loading the brakes if it detects that a collision is likely. If the driver takes no action, City Safety will brake such that the collision is avoided if the car is travelling at less than 15 km/h. At higher speeds, the system will reduce the vehicle impact.
“As the leader in automotive safety, we have reduced the risk of being involved in an accident or being injured in one of our latest car models by abound 50 percent since the year 2000. By continuously introducing new preventive and protective systems, we keep moving towards our safety vision that nobody should die or suffer serious injuries in a new Volvo car by the year 2020,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Car Group.
For 2014, the S80 receives new front and rear bumpers whose design is intended to create a “stretched” effect that appears to lower the car while giving it a wider presence on the road. Indeed, the car looks sleeker and lower, especially from the front and sides.
Front and rear lighting is modified and the S80 can now be fitted with 19-inch wheels without, according to Volvo, a loss of ride comfort.
Inside, Volvo offers an Executive package that emphasizes the latest focus on luxury appointments, or the “Inscription” palette of colours, upholstery, woods and metals that enables the customer more latitude in choosing an interior based on personal taste.
The S80 buyer continues to be able to choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions and select from three chassis modes: Comfort, Lowered Sport and 4C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept). Although the drivetrain remains unchanged, paddle shifters are now standard equipment.
The XC70 is an evolution of the V70 Cross Country, first offered by Volvo in 1997. “Continuous development” is the mantra for this model, according to Volvo, as the company attempts to balance refinement and ruggedness in one vehicle.
New features include a wider front grille with a bigger Volvo logo (the “ironmark”), revised Daytime Running Lights, and matte silver trim. Like the S80, 19-inch wheels are now available.
Additional enhancements include improved skidplates and a protective black sill coating that extends to surround the front lights. Integrated child booster seats are featured in the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat.
Across the S80/XC70 range, “Sensus Connected Touch” enables Internet connectivity in the car, and its seven-inch display features a beam-scanned infrared touchscreen that can be operated while wearing gloves.
Internet connectivity (via a 3G/4G dongle or smartphone) permits streaming music from Internet radio via TuneIn online radio, full browsing capability (except when the vehicle is underway), free parking locator, TripInfo that reads out Wikipedia travel information, weather information and a Volvo service locator.
It’s also possible to share a wi-fi network with other occupants in the car.
  2014 Volvo XC70. Click image to enlarge |
The Adaptive Digital Display debuted in the new European Volvo V40. It uses the increasingly popular “Thin Film Transistor” (TFT) crystal screen (LCD) to display personalized information to the driver. Elegance, Eco and Performance modes are displayed with different colours and styles, focusing on both fuel-efficient driving and performance data such as available engine power (useful, according to Volvo, when passing).
Inside, both vehicles feature an all-new ambient lighting system that illuminates cup holders, door releases, seat controls and storage areas. Additionally, vehicles equipped with rain-sensing windshield wipers can select an electrically heated windshield that can be preset to operate in your driveway before heading out.
What is lacking for these models are all-new replacements for them, as clearly the above changes, while desirable, are focused on appearance and functionality. Models with new platforms and drivetrains are expected to be introduced in two to three years time.
|
Related Articles: Manufacturer’s Website: Photo Gallery: |
In the meantime, Volvo offers an alternative to competitive luxury brands that emphasizes safety, enhanced attention to detail, design and connectivity.
Look for the 2014 Volvo S80/XC70 models in Fall, 2013.
Competitors:
Audi A6
Acura TL
BMW 5 Series
Infiniti M/JX35
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Lexus GS/RX
