Volvo S80 Saloon 2006 - Present

Volvo are looking to the latest launch of the S80 as the car to take on the German giants in the executive car market. This is likely to prove quite a challenge in a class where the badge really does count and the established motors are so good. The new Volvo comes brimming over with safety features and a top quality finish, but will it be enough to translate in to sales?

The S80 looks too much like a Volvo to really get anyone too revved up. It's sensible styling is reassuring as you enter the car, feeling safe in the knowledge that they have a great NCAP rating, but who thinks about crashing every time they get behind the wheel? There's no doubt that all of the airbags and deformation zones help with the feeling of solidity as you climb in and out of the car, which increases the feeling of quality as you drive. The fit and finish inside the car really befits the executive status that Volvo is looking to achieve. The leather used for the upholstery is top quality as are the materials throughout the cabin. T
here are some pretty impressive pieces of safety equipment fitted to the S80 including collision warning and a blind-spot information system. Collision warning uses a radar to sense whether a collision is likely depending on the closing speed and the reactions of the driver. It uses a buzzer and a red LED head-up warning flashed on to the windscreen to alert the driver to take action. The blind-spot information system uses rearward-facing cameras on the door mirrors to alert the driver of approaching traffic that may be outside their normal field of vision, as provided by the rear-view mirrors.

On the road the S80 is more engaging to drive than the previous models. This is thanks to its stiffer body and other clever features to improve how the car feels on the road. Drivers have the choice between three levels of power assistance for the steering, while speed-dependent steering is an option across the range. The All-wheel drive V8 helps solve the problem of too much power overwhelming the front tyres - it drives the car in front-wheel drive mode until slippage is detected, then some of the power is then sent to the rear to regain stability and traction. This functions in the same way that the four wheel drive found on XC70 does.

The S80 has an array of engines on offer. The diesel engines offer a decent level of refinement coupled with good performance and economy. The 2.5T petrol engine offers 60 mpg from a standing start in 7.5 seconds with an impressive top end of 146 mph, but it does so at 30 mpg, while the 3.2 V8 offers a tiny bit more in terms of performance with about 3mpg less. The best engine is undoubtedly the 2.4 D5 diesel, it will reach 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and top out at 143 mph while giving back 44 mpg, an intelligent compromise.

Volvo have set themselves a stiff challenge in trying to take on the big boys in their own back yard. In terms of style they still fall a little short of the mark, but this is hugely subjective. They've packed a lot of wizardry into the S80, only time will tell if is can work it's magic with the car buying public.

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