At this time of year, road surfaces can quickly switch between ice, asphalt and snow and the Volvo S80 and all-new XC70's both offer impressive stability, consistency and safety in all motoring situations. This is thanks to a combination of Volvo's active safety technologies including All-Wheel Drive, DSTC stability-enhancement and the torsionally rigid body which give the cars the best possible power and road grip whatever the road conditions - even when winter hits the roads. Volvo's commitment to safety is further extended by ensuring cars are fully prepared for the cold weather by offering a comprehensive Winter Check on all Volvo models for just £30 at Authorised Volvo dealers.
All Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM
Volvo's active All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is standard across the Volvo XC70 range and on the S80 V8 model and ensures the best possible road grip and traction. The AWD system distributes power between the front and rear wheels with the help of an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch. The latest version of the system incorporates Instant TractionTM, which responds at lightening speed by switching power from the front to the rear wheels when starting on slippery or icy surfaces.
DSTC as standard
DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) is standard on all new models in the Volvo range. It is a stability-enhancement system that, when necessary, reduces the engine's torque and applies precisely measured braking force to help reduce the risk of skidding.
Advanced body structure and stable chassis
Not only the driveline but the entire car has been developed and optimised to provide a first-class driving experience and stable, smooth road manners. The body of both the Volvo S80 and XC70 features a highly advanced structure that contributes to both excellent deformation properties in the event of a collision and very high torsional rigidity.
Active chassis with Four-C
The Volvo S80 and XC70 can be specified with an active chassis based on Volvo's Four-C technology.
This is an advanced, self-adjusting chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car's behaviour. The dampers can be adjusted to suit the current driving situation in mere fractions of a second. A choice of three alternative chassis settings means that by simply pressing a button, the driver can alter the car's on-road behaviour to suit personal tastes: COMFORT, SPORT or ADVANCED.
- COMFORT gives a supple ride character with calm, harmonic body movements while on the move.
- SPORT tightens up body movement, with more control, faster steering response and added road contact.
- ADVANCED gives minimum damper movement and maximum contact between tyre and road surface. It's the perfect setting for enthusiastic driving on smooth, flat tarmac.
Besides catering for your comfort and driving pleasure needs, Four-C always responds to help
the driver out of a situation by automatically attempting to stabilise the car. If a critical situation arises the system simply over-rides the driver's choice.
The all-new Volvo XC70 premium estate
The Volvo XC70 features Hill Descent Control (HDC) as standard, which curbs speed on steep downhill slopes. Using the car's braking system and engine torque, HDC controls the car's speed and maintains a steady 6mph going forward and 4mph in reverse. The function is activated via a button on the instrument panel and the driver can at any time take command over the HDC system by simply accelerating or braking and when another gear is selected, HDC is automatically disengaged.
The Volvo XC70 also benefits from high ground clearance in order to ensure the appropriate get-you-there ability in difficult terrain. It sits 209 millimetres off the ground, 66 mm higher than the Volvo V70. In wet conditions, it can make its way through 300 mm of water. Together with the shape of the body, this elevated ground clearance allows the car to make its way out of deep ditches or down steep slopes. The angle between the road surface and the front of the car is 19.2º. At the rear, the corresponding angle is 24.0º.
The all-new Volvo XC70 is available with the 3.2-litre six-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine which produces 238 PS and 320 Nm or Volvo's five-cylinder diesel engine from the second-generation D5 series. It is a very powerful and easy to drive turbodiesel that provides a massive 400 Nm of torque - across a particularly wide rev range. The Volvo XC70 range starts at £31,035 for the D5 (185PS) SE.
Volvo S80 executive saloon
The Volvo S80 features a wide range of petrol, diesel and Flexifuel engines. The V8 engine is the range topper, while the new naturally aspirated four-cylinder 2.0-litre 145 PS engine excels in fuel efficiency. The diesel range is topped by the powerful D5, offering 185 PS and 400 Nm of torque. The newly introduced 2.0D is a four-cylinder turbodiesel that offers an impressive fuel consumption of 60.1mpg (extra urban) and carbon dioxide emissions at 151g/km. The 2-litre Flexifuel engine is an important part of Volvo's strategy to contribute to sustainable personal mobility. During the first half of 2008, a five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged Flexifuel engine with a power output of 200 PS will also be introduced in the Volvo S80, providing a powerful alternative for the environmentally conscious customer. The Volvo S80 range starts at £23,495 for the 2.0-litre petrol (145PS) SE.
Comprehensive Winter Check
To ensure cars are in tip top condition a Volvo Winter Check is available at all Authorised Volvo dealers. For just £30 and taking only one hour, Volvo technicians will take the car through a 25 point check1 using the latest equipment and technology, checking everything from engine oil and coolant levels to inspecting the steering, suspension and shock absorbers for condition, while a clean inside and out finishes the service.
To find out more about Volvo Winter Checks please visit www.volvocars.co.uk/wintercheck
Ends
Notes to editors
1 The 25 point inspection checks the following:
Engine oil level, Coolant level, Screen wash fluid level, Power steering fluid level, Battery security and electrolyte level, Brake fluid, Clutch fluid, Auto transmission fluid, Wiper blades for security and condition, Check/adjust all tyre pressures including spare, Tyres for condition/damage, Operation of all external lights, All glass and mirrors for cracks/chips, Coolant Anti Freeze strength , Radiator and coolant hoses for condition, security and leaks, Fan/alternator & PAS belts for condition and security, Exhaust system for condition and security, Condition of brake pads and discs, Brake hoses for condition, security and leaks, Handbrake operation/adjustment, Condition of battery using the Volvo battery Tester, All internal instruments and controls for operation, Steering, suspension and shock absorbers for condition, security and leaks, Pollen filter condition, Operation of all washer jets - clean and adjust as required.
