SWEDES AIM FOR LUXURY
SWEDES AIM FOR LUXURY
DIESEL SALOON MARKET
In thie months Country car,
Geoff Ashcroft drives a
diesel duo – Volvos S80
and Citroens Xantia, while
David Cousins has been
out and about in a
Suzuki Grand Vitara
MENTION the name Volvo and images of boxy load luggers, Labradors and green wellies instantly spring to mind. Say Volvo S80, though, and you couldnt be further from the truth.
The S80 is Volvos latest luxury saloon creation. It differs from other Volvos by opting for smoother body styling, gentler curves and a more welcoming interior. This is a car which has been designed and not simply carved out of a rectangular block.
Indeed, it is the Swedish makers most convincing BMW 5-Series and E-class Merc rival to date. Itll never steal the crowns, but its up there with them – and it competes on price, too.
The dashboards centre console mimics the E-classs in the way it slopes, opening up interior space, though switch gear and control stalks lack the heavyweight quality feel of the German rivals.
farmers weeklys leather-clad test model was the 2.5 litre turbo diesel version – a creamy smooth five-cylinder unit which is a good match to the five-speed manual gearbox. Though the clatter of direct injection is noticeable at start up and when idling, its less intrusive at cruising speeds.
The open road is where the big saloon stamps its authority, leaving winding lanes for those who prefer cars of a sportier disposition. The S80 has the ability to soak up motorway miles with ease, while returning a useful 35-38mpg. And for a big car, it feels surprisingly light and easy to drive.
Numb-bum syndrome is non-existent on the soft, cosy seats and its not just those up front who benefit – rear seat passengers also get acres of space suiting those with long legs and tall backs. And for added comfort, the ventilation system supplies air to those in the back via adjustable vents in the B-posts.
Other neat finishing touches include electrically dropped rear headrests to improve the rear view when back seats are empty, folding rear seats just to reassure you it is a Volvo and can still swallow a good load, plus useful stowage areas in the doors and centre console.
Verdict: Spacious S80 catapults Volvo into the luxury car market, with elegant styling, a cosy interior and cosseting ride – its diesel engines pretty good too.
VOLVODATA
Model: S80 2.5D SE.
Engine: 140hp, five-cylinder turbo diesel.
Top speed: 127mph.
0-62mph: 11secs.
Price: £32,462 (test model).
Test fuel consumption: 39.3mpg.
Insurance group: 13E.