Volvo S40/V40
Decently built and with a range of engines from a 109bhp to 200bhp, the 40 series Volvos feel rather early 1990s and are a little on the expensive side for their target market. In truth, they’ve not kept dynamic pace with the rest of the segment, and are ready for a change, which is planned for around 2004. Power units of 1.6-, 1.8- and 2-litre petrol and a 1.9-litre diesel, and a howling fast 200bhp T4 that’s not able to make up for the lack of refinement that newer Volvos show in such abundance. I know the next one will be great. Stars: 6/10
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| Volvo S60
Well, how long HAVE you been away? As a driving car it is well up with the perception that the Premier Automotive group are aiming for in their bid for the executive segments. The 60 Series cars handle reasonably well, feel strong, sporty and luxurious, and look damn good. Every version does the 0-62 in under 10 secs, and there’s a 250bhp T5 for the performance anoraks. The 2.4-litre Bi-Fuel is an interesting eco-friendly car. Until the more recent versions of the 70-series and the XC90, this was probably the best Volvo ever. Stars: 8/10 |
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| Volvo V70
They used to make jokes about people who drove big Volvo estates, but not any more. Poke starts at 180bhp and goes all the way up to 250bhp for the T5 version, which in itself gives a whole new meaning to the term rapid transit. The D5 engine is the first diesel developed by Volvo themselves and makes all that difference to the bought-ins of yore. The environmental antiquers might like the Bi-Fuel, limited to 140bhp, though. The Cross Country version of the same car now comes with a pop-up TV screen in the dashboard and Volvo’s around-the-world sailing race transfers. Luxuriously finished, like the best of yachts. Stars: 9/10 |
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| Volvo S80
This is the biggest Volvo, and therefore the key contender for the owners Ford in the saloon big car segment. So it is good. So it is very good. So anything good we have written above about the larger Volvos also applies here. There’s an entry-level 2-litre turbocharged unit which really doesn’t compete, but the T6 2.9-litre has more than respectable urge and comes closest to beating the socks off a Beemer 5-Series. The D5 turbodiesel we have recently driven and liked exceptionally well. Moreover, there’s an AWD version available in other markets which I have driven as far north in Europe as is possible, in blizzard conditions requiring snowploughs to clear the last 12 kilometers, and it never once caused me a worry. Stars: 9/10 |
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| Volvo C70
When you’re paying this kind of money you expect luxury and looks, and the dynamics aren’t really that important because your insurance company won’t let you drive fast anyway. The fittings and finish are more than excellent, as are the interesting goodies scattered around the driver’s territory. Maybe it is beginning to feel a little retro, though? Take your pick between 163bhp and 240bhp. Stars: 7/10 |
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| Volvo XC90
The new Volvo XC90 is Volvo’s first ever SUV, and its main competition are the Mercedes-Benz ML Series and the BMW X5, against which it is competitively priced. But there might not be enough to go around, such has been the pre-launch demand. The 5-cylinder diesel engine in the XC90, outputting 163bhp, is mated to a 5-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox, with manual use capability, and can accelerate to 62mph in 12.3secs. A 3-litre, 6-cylinder petrol engined version will also be available. Full time automatic 4WD is part of the running gear. Among the primary safety features in the new car is an under-platform deforming beam which triggers the safety features of any smaller car the XC90 might be in collision with. Stars: 9/10.
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