The Great Unwanted
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday September 19, 2008
Never mind the dearth of buyers, this keenly priced Volvo luxury car has much going for it.
The arrival of the second-generation Volvo S80 sedan early last year brought much promise from the Scandinavian maker. The new model competes with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6.However, despite a sophisticated three-model line-up that includes a V8 option, all-wheel-drive and sharp pricing below $100,000, the S80 continues to struggle in the market.With fewer than 100 sales this year, not many luxury buyers consider Volvo as a competitor in this segment of the market. Nevertheless, the latest S80 is an attractive luxury sedan and a worthy flagship to what is a comprehensive Volvo sedan range. There are three engine choices. The excellent 136kW, 2.4-litre, turbo diesel five-cylinder in the entry front-drive D5 model develops a gutsy 400Nm of torque from just 2000rpm. The all-wheel-drive S80 variants come with two petrol engine options - a 175kW, 3.2-litre six-cylinder or a 232kW, 4.4-litre V8, both mounted transversely. All engines drive through six-speed automatic gearboxes.The turbo diesel returns 7.3 litres/100km on the combined city-country cycle while the six-cylinder and the V8 return 10.9L/100km and 11.9L/100km respectively. Both petrol engines require the more expensive 95-98 RON premium unleaded petrol.The S80s have electronically controlled suspension with variable damping providing three settings for ride and handling - comfort, sport and advanced. The steering also has three levels of assistance with the medium setting providing the best compromise between light assistance and good road feel.No match for the all-round sharpness of German competitors in on-road dynamics, the S80 is still a competent performer on a flowing road. The V8 model, given its strong torque and all-wheel-drive, is the best handling package.The all-wheel-drive system is electronically controlled via a Haldex clutch system that apportions up to 95 per cent of the power to the front wheels. However, should wheel slip be detected, up to 50 per cent of the torque can be redirected to the rear axle.On a long wheelbase with wide track, the S80 has a generous interior. Rear leg and shoulder room are generous and the cabin in well appointed for a car at this level and exudes a quality feel.S80 D5, 3.2 AWD and V8 AWD Starts from $71,950 for the D5, from $79,950 for the 3.2 all-wheel-drive and from $95,950 for the V8 AWD. All have a six-speed automatic gearbox. Metallic-pearlescent paint adds $1350. Standard equipment includes stability control, six airbags, anti-lock brakes, seatbelt pre-tensioners and active head restraints to all five seats. Other equipment includes dual-zone air-conditioning, leather trim, 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch alloys on 3.2 and V8), cruise control, height-adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, power adjustable driver and front passenger seat with memory, heated front seats and a six-disc CD-MP3 player. Other equipment includes parking sensors, power folding rear head restraints, flat folding front passenger seat, power parking brake, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and active bi-xenon headlights. The V8 gains a Bluetooth system and a 12-speaker audio system.Options - all modelsPower glass sunroof, $2650; 18-inch alloy wheels (D5 and 3.2 AWD), $1500; active cruise control, $2950; Volvo satellite navigation system, $3950; premium sound system (D5 and 3.2 AWD), $2750; laminated side windows, $490; heated rear seats, $495; perforated leather trim, $1250; premium soft leather trim, $2500; dual-screen rear seat entertainment, $3950; and clean zone interior air package, $250. Other options: blind spot information system, $1200; automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror with compass, $110; ventilated front seats, $1250; lockable wheel nuts, $130; Bluetooth hands-free phone system, $445; heat reflective windscreen, $600.
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald