Updates for Volvo’s V70, XC70 and S80

Volvo has updated its range with improved efficiency and its latest infotainment and safety technology.

Volvo Sensus infotainment displays information on a 5” or 7” colour screen located in the centre stack. ‘The screen is positioned high up to make it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.’ The 7” screen comes as standard if the customer chooses a multimedia audio system, this can display the navigation system, phone, reversing camera, panorama camera, DVD player and a digital television. The Bluetooth connection has also been updated throughout the range to allow Bluetooth music streaming from compatible Bluetooth enabled music players.

The new Volvo Sensus system also allows the driver to control all functions through steering wheel mounted buttons or touch buttons located below the colour screen. “We are one of the few manufacturers to offer the driver access to all the system's functions via buttons in the steering wheel," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars.

There are further updates to the optional audio systems including the premium system which features Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and 10 speakers. Again, this is linked to the new 7” screen. Further features include pedestrian detection with Full Auto Brake and Adaptive cruise control which will now bring the car to a standstill.

Volvo has also made ‘City Safety’ standard on the V70, XC70 and S80. ‘City Safety keeps a watch on vehicles in front with the help of a laser sensor built into the windscreen at the height of the rear-view mirror. The car automatically brakes if the driver does not respond in time when the car in front slows down or stops - or if the driver is driving too fast towards a stationary object.’ This new system should be able to avoid collision entirely at speeds below 15km/h and reduce the speed of impact significantly at speeds of up to 30km/h.

There are two new colours available – Biarritz Blue and Twilight Bronze. The headlights and indicators have been redesigned and Active Xenon headlights are now optional. Interior lighting has also been redesigned to show off the new interior decor and two new upholstery options – Sangiovese Red in the V70 and S80 and Blond in the V70, XC70 and S80.

Volvo has also improved the vital D5 and D3 turbo diesels for these models. The V70, XC70 and S80 are the first Volvo’s to feature these new engines. The D5 engine has been breathed on and now produces 215bhp (up 10bhp) and 440Nm (up 20Nm) with 8% improved fuel economy.