New midrange T6 freshens S80 range

Volvo has freshened its S80 range with a new midrange turbocharged six-cylinder model. Replacing the S80 3.2 AWD, the new S80 T6 AWD features a smaller but significantly more powerful turbocharged transverse six-cylinder engine. It will retail from $78,950, a $3000 increase on the 3.2.

The T6 is the first major change to the S80 range since the flagship line-up was introduced in 2006. Both the 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder D5 diesel and 232kW 4.4-litre V8 AWD models will continue (bracketing the new vehicle), picking up the detailed improvements the S80 T6 introduces.

Accompanying the new variant are minor external mods for the entire range, including the new bold, wide-spaced rear deck lid branding Volvo has adopted across its range. As well, the new model year heralds the availability (optional) of new safety related systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control with collision warning and auto brake and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Driver Alert Control (DAC).

The MY09 S80 range also features minor interior updates, and benefits from a wider choice of colours and interior trim combinations. Standard features across the range include adaptive Bi-Xenon headlamps, auto lights, wipers and mirrors, eight-speaker six-disc audio systems, Bluetooth and a comprehensive safety package incorporating Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC).

Navigation is not standard across the S80 range but will be available as a stand-alone option ($4175) or integrated in Volvo's 'Technik' pack. Priced at $9500, this pack groups the Volvo Navigation System (VNS) with Blind Spot Information System, the above-mentioned adaptive cruise with auto functions, LDW, reverse park camera and an electronic compass. Volvo claims this represents $13,000 worth of value.

A 'Travel' pack is also available across the S80 range. Comprising Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE: a DVD player and dual video screens), rear headphones, ventilated front seats (heating is already standard) and heated rear seats, this pack provides $6300 worth of value at $4500, says the company.

The T6's powerplant is shared with the recently released V70 range. A 3.0-litre fuel-injected DOHC six, it features a twin-scroll single turbocharger and pumps out 210kW at 5600rpm and 400Nm from just 1500rpm.

These are substantial increases on the naturally-aspirated 3.2 it replaces. Rated at 175kW and 330Nm, the outgoing 3.2 was 1.3sec slower to 100km/h (the T6 takes just 6.9sec) but pipped the new car in terms of fuel consumption. At 11.2L/100km, the new T6 is 0.5L/100km thirstier.

The new engine is matched to an adaptive six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission that features sequential shift facility and a sport mode. Volvo had also offered the 3.2 version with a six-speed transmission.

The T6 joins the range-topping V8, using Volvo's adjustable FOUR-C adaptive dampers. Permanent all-wheel drive is delivered via the latest Haldex IV system and the car rolls on 18-inch alloys, available in a selection of alternative designs.

Volvo names the BMW 530i, Mercedes-Benz E350, Audi A6 3.2 quattro and Lexus GS350 as the car's main competitors. The T6 undercuts the next least expensive of these (the GS) by more than $20,000. Specification adjusted, the Swedish brand says the margin is more.

Volvo Australia boss Alan Desselss says the T6 should account for up to 60 per cent of S80 sales Down Under. Currently the maker is selling less than 20 units of the S80 per month, but Desselss hopes the S80's volume can grow to around 25 units per month -- despite challenging conditions for luxury car brands.

"When we first launched the car we were getting to those [monthly sales] numbers," Desselss told the Carsales Network. "Clearly this particularly car has suffered from the downturn in the economy, but [in addition] this particular segment of the market is one of the most aggressive."

Not surprisingly, boss Desselss is pushing the new car's value for money, but also highlights the performance the new Volvo delivers. That said, he acknowledges the brand has work to do to conquest buyers in this brand-conscious segment.

"A buyer can fit both [the Technik and Travel] kits [to the T6] and still be under the cost [of the nearest competitor]. You've got everything included and can still be under the Lexus.

"[But] We acknowledge that it's a sleeper in the market. We've had quite a lot on our plate since the launch of the S80 [and] we've concentrated on our other ranges a lot more -- simply because it is such a very, very aggressive market segment," Desselss explained.

"The new T6 gives us an opportunity to really stamp our authority on it [the segment] -- to communicate the value for money, the performance the car gives... All of these issues -- we've really got a good statement to make with this car... And that will help as well with the [sales of the] V8 and D5.

"What we need to do is make sure we get the message out... And hopefully we can conquest more business away from the [established brands]," Desselss said.

The Volvo boss cautions, however, that the arrival of the T6 and other new model variants (see separate story) doesn't mean Volvo is about to join some of his competitors in the 'push' game.

"I'm quite sure we haven't pushed as hard as the Germans have pushed. Anecdotally you hear some of the figures that are going on [mass registration of demo models, discounting, etc, and] it's quite frightening... It is a worry whether they can sustain that for much longer -- I have no idea, but sanity, at some time, is going to prevail.

"I'd like to think that people will look at it and say 'Hang on a minute... I paid $100,000 for that motor car [and] I can now buy that [same car] for $80,000 or whatever -- is that really worth it?'

"We're coming out with a car we say is $80,000 -- that's the true value of the car," Desselss opined.

"We are a niche player, there's no doubt about it -- but it gives us that opportunity. We're not pushing the volume... We're not going after 15,000 or 16,000 cars as BMW, Benz, Audi and these guys are pushing.

"If we can get our 5000 cars per year and show a little bit of growth off the [upcoming medium SUV] XC60, we'll be very, very comfortable -- and slowly but surely move our way up.

"We've got no unreasonable expectations, which I believe some of the Germans do," he said.

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