Volvo rolls out new tech

Volvo has announced a comprehensively upgraded model for the Australian market. Changes run the gamut from facelifts to new engines and the introduction of a twin-clutch transmission.

"Volvo Australia is poised to increase its presence in the prestige and luxury sectors in 2010," says Volvo Car Australia Managing Director, Alan Desselss.

"With strong demand for our all-new XC60 by the Australian car-buying public following its launch in 2008, as well as steady performances by the likes of the C30, V50 and XC90, we feel we are doing exceptionally well in difficult times for the industry," he said.

Starting with the new diesels introduced, Volvo is offering the twin-turbo D5 engine in its larger cars and SUVs (XC60, XC70 and S80), while the 2.0D engine will slot into the C30, S40 and V50 models.

As the name suggests, the revised D5 remains a five-cylinder engine, but Volvo claims it shares nothing with the previous D5 engine. The new engine is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission to achieve a fuel consumption figure as low as 6.2L/100km in the XC60. Also available in the XC70 and the S80, the new 2.4-litre engine achieves maximum power of 151kW and torque peaks at 420Nm.

Constructed entirely in alloy and drawing power from its sequential twin-turbocharger setup and DOHC valvetrain, the new engine is Euro 5-compliant and was developed by Volvo over a three-year period.

For its part, the smaller 2.0D replaces the previous D5 in the C30/S40/V50 applications. While it's 30Nm down on torque (320Nm for the newer engine) and 32kW lower on power (100kW), it uses just 5.9L/100km of fuel and emits 156g/km in the C30. That's an eight per cent improvement in fuel consumption, according to Volvo.

Other than the efficiency gains from the engine itself, the performance and overall efficiency have benefited from the adoption of the Getrag 'Powershift' twin-clutch transmission also used in the Ford Focus TDCi.

This transmission, based in principle on Volkswagen's DSG transmission, is essentially a six-speed manual transmission with a clutch for each of the layshafts. It can change gear swiftly and smoothly, without the inefficiency of an epicyclic automatic transmission.

The two new engines and the Powershift transmission are the most outstanding changes for Volvo's 2010 range, but the manufacturer has been flat-out with other initiatives.

A T5 R-Design variant is introduced in the C30, S40 and V50 model ranges. Driven from the front wheels only, the T5 R-Design cars are powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The engine produces 169kW of poke at 5000rpm and 320Nm of torque between 1500 and 5000rpm.

Volvo has kitted the T5 R-Design models with a body kit, unique alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tips and matt-satin finish for the grille and for the side mirrors. Exclusive features in the cars include off-black 'Flex-Tec' upholstery, cream leather seats, leather-bound sports steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear knob, sports instruments, sports pedals, branded floor mats and R-Design embossing for the seats.

The V70 is facelifted for the new model year and features a revised grille and a newly introduced exterior paint colour, Caspian Blue. Inside, the car is upgraded with a satnav system featuring a black background and 'user-friendly' icons. Aluminium decorative trim is used throughout the cabin and the headlining is now 'Quartz' colour when vehicles are specified in anthracite, cranberry and quartz interior trim colours.

Window switches have been revamped for better ergonomics and the steering wheel is a new four-spoke design with decorative inlays. Seats feature upgraded bolstering for the 'Dynamic' upholstery option. The FOUR-C Active Chassis suspension is now optional for the V70.

Volvo has enhanced the R-Design option for the V70, offering unique 18-inch alloy wheels, lowered suspension and visual cues such as colour-coordinated rear spoiler, matt-silver grille/exterior mirrors and chrome exhaust pipes.

Sharing much with the V70, the XC70 SUV for 2010 is facelifted with a new grille and the upgraded satnav system. The SUV also gains the Caspian Blue paint option, the Quartz headlining option and the revised window switches.

In addition to the new D5 powerplant, the XC60 for 2010 features a power-operated tailgate as standard and also adopts the simpler to use satnav of the XC70 and V70.

A new variant joins the C70 range, offering buyers an opportunity to get into the car at a lower entry price. The C70 S offers a lower specification level than the C70 LE, but the price is $59,990, a marked saving on the $71,950 asked for the C70 LE. To reduce the price, Volvo has replaced the leather seat trim with 'Haverdal' cloth and resorted to a 'Performance' audio system in lieu of the High Performance system. The IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) has also been deleted for the C70 S. Interior trim for the new variant is aluminium trim, rather than the Nordic Light Oak woodgrain trim of the LE variant.

Volvo has also reduced the price of the flagship C70, the T5, from 82,950 to $69,900.

The new models are available through Volvo dealers immediately.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi