Volvo S60 Sports Sedan Concept: First Official Photograph

Swedish automaker Volvo is offering us our first glimpse of the S60 Concept car ahead of the sports sedan's official debut at the Detroit Motor Show in early January 2009. The four-door-coupe concept's goal is to give us an indication of what the all-new 2010 Volvo S60 will look like when it's launched in the market early 2010. The first exterior picture that comes about a month after the release of an interior teaser photo shows that Volvo's designers came up with a pretty aggressive shape with a coupe-inspired silhouette and what appear to be suicide-rear-doors.

"The concept car's exterior gives a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new S60. On the inside we've been even more daring – there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future," said Volvo Cars' design director, Steve Mattin. "The inspiration comes from the Swedish coastline's cliffs and seas," he added.

While the two teaser shots don't allow us to fully appreciate the vehicle's design, we must admit that the S60 Concept has certainly managed to capture our interest.

Expect the production version of the car to be based on the latest version of the Euro market Ford Mondeo with which it will share many engines including an array of diesel units, the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine and most likely, Ford's forthcoming 1.6-liter turbocharged four pots.

Volvo to Give Away 10,000 Cars to Thai Toddlers

Christmas may come a little bit earlier this year for underprivileged Thai children as Volvo Car Thailand has announced that in collaboration with Sweden's Viking Toys, it will give away ten thousand toy cars of the XC90, XC70 and C30 models. All 10,000 units of Volvo toy cars will be given to non-governmental organizations and child development organizations under the supervision of government offices. Now, if only Volvo could find a way to hand out another 10,000 real-life vehicles to underprivileged adult drivers...

Mr. Paul Stokes, President of Volvo Car Thailand commented: "When Volvo Cars in Sweden licensed these toys, we saw an obvious route to turn a commercial decision into a way to give a little something back to the youngest members of our society, particularly those from a less affluent background who need every ray of sunshine and every chance to smile. Here at Volvo with the "My First Volvo" project, we want to pass on our support and care to Thai children who really need help across the country."

New Volvo S80L with Long-Wheelbase Introduced in China

European automakers are doing their best to fulfill the 'procrustean fantasies' of Chinese buyers who seem to find the executive-feeling of a long-wheelbase sedan completely irresistible. Following Audi and its LWB A4 sedan, Volvo presented the S80L, at the 6th Guangzhou Motor Show in south China. The long-wheelbase version of the S80 sedan has been specifically designed for the Chinese market and it will be built at the CFMA Chongqing plant. Compared to its standard sibling, the S80L features a 14cm or 5.5-inches longer wheelbase with all this extra length benefiting rear-seat passengers.

"Volvo made a decision to produce its flagship sedan, the S80, in China, with upgrades to suit the tastes of Chinese consumers' and to meet the increasing demand for premium cars in China," said Volvo Car China CEO, Dr. Alexander Klose.

Volvo C30 R - Design Package

For those of you that are willing to pay a bit more than the standard price of a C30 just to make it look better, Volvo is offering the R-Design package for its compact hatch. As with the XC90 R-Design that we showed you earlier today (click here), the sport package for the C30 enhances the cars appearance in and out. First of all, customers can choose between 10 special exterior colours like the Black Sapphire metallic of the pictured C30.

R-Design logos aside, exterior features include color coordinated body kit, rear roof spoiler, silver matt finish front grille and wing mirrors, five-spoke 17" alloy wheels (18" available optionally); whilst the interior design features a two-tone black and cream upholstery with contrast stitching and embossed R-Design logo.

Volvo S60 Concept: First Teaser Shots Revealed Ahead of Detroit Show

Today Volvo announced that it will give us our first taste of the next generation S60 saloon at the Detroit international motor show in January 2009 with the unveiling of the S60 Concept car. Although no exterior photos were issued, the Swedish automaker did release a 3D impression of the concept car's cabin that features a 1.6-meter (5.2 feet) long floating crystal center stack. The latter has been developed in cooperation with world-famous Swedish glassworks Orrefors.

Volvo S60 Concept Car"If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design, Sweden's glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency," said Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin.says Steve Mattin.

"The full-size crystal piece in the concept car will not be a production feature. However, it does open up opportunities to use crystal on a smaller scale in the future. We'll have to see how our customers respond," Martin added.

Although no other details were released, according to our sources, Volvo's next generation mid-size sedan will be loosely based on the underpinnings of the new Ford Mondeo with the production version slated to hit showrooms in 2010.

Volvo XC60 (2009)

Volvo's new crossover vehicle boasts an exciting mix of two car styles and steps boldly into what is the motoring world's toughest and fastest-growing segment. Sporting capable XC muscles, it combines a strong athletic body with high ground clearance and large wheels, while the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of a coupe.

"This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo. We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from a hundred metres away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

City safety standard on the new Volvo XC60

A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the new Volvo XC60. The major news is City Safety - a unique system that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.

"We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly shows that the new Volvo XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision," says Fredrik Arp.

The XC60 project has its sights set on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products.

"One might say that this could be the C30 owner's next car. It's as sporty and exciting, but more capable. With the Volvo XC60, we are widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle," explains Fredrik Arp.

Engines and volumes

The new XC60 is being launched with a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 which produces 285PS, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 horsepower respectively. All- Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard.

"During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a CO2 target around 170 g/km," reveals Fredrik Arp.

The global sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China. The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales of the car will start in Europe during the second half of 2008, while sales in North America will get under way in early 2009. The new XC60 will arrive in UK dealer showrooms in October.

Volvo V50 DRIVe 2009

At Paris Motor Show in early October 2008, Volvo Cars is presenting economical new diesel variants of the C30, S40 and V50 models with fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres/100 km (C30) or 4.5 litres/100 km (S40 and V50). The corresponding CO2 figures of 115 and 118 g/km mean that the C30 and V50 have best-in-class CO2 emissions in their segments. All three models - the C30, S40 and V50 - are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features and marked with the DRIVe emblem to signal their uprated environmental properties.

The DRIVe models are based on the Volvo C30 Efficiency concept car that was shown at the Frankfurt motor show in October 2007. The measures adopted to reduce CO2 emissions that were presented then will be in production before the end of the year in the C30, S40 and the V50.

"We wanted to demonstrate that low CO2 ratings are not solely the preserve of small diesel cars. By offering the Volvo V50 DRIVe with emission levels below 120 g CO2/km, we are also making it possible for families and other customers who require extra space to make an active pro-environmental choice," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

Holistic approach to eco-performance

The reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was brought about by meticulously analysing the cars' total potential for more efficient, more economical driving. The cars were then optimised within four distinct areas:

Reduced air resistance:

• Chassis height reduced by about 10 mm. Same comfort setting as the standard car.
• Spoiler at the front, the same as on the T5 (S40 and V50).
• Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.
• Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels.
• Aerodynamically optimised wheels of special design. Available in 15 and 16 inch sizes.
• Underbody panels for more efficient airflow under the car as well (C30).
• Unique rear spoiler (C30). The Volvo S40 DRIVe has the same spoiler as the T5 and D5 models.
• New rear bumper (C30).

Lower rolling resistance:

• All the cars are equipped as standard with a new generation of Michelin tyres with low rolling resistance. Available for 15 and 16 inch wheels.

Higher ratios:

• Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears.
• More efficient driveline:
• Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.
• New transmission oil with lower friction.
• Gearchange indicator in the information display.

"Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another two percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120 g/km for all three cars. Without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

Volvo C30 DRIVe best in the ECO test

Volvo's DRIVe cars are all certified according to the mandatory European NEDC standard. In addition, the Volvo C30 has excelled in the ECO test, which carries out even more comprehensive measurements of CO2 and particulate emissions. This certification process relies on stars and points, in a similar way to the EuroNCAP programme for safety. The independent ECO test places the Volvo C30 at the top of its size category, with four stars and 76 points in the overall assessment of the car's total environmental performance.

Benefits for the environment and economy

Reducing fuel consumption and dropping below the 120 g/km CO2 emission level offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the buyer's economy. With lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these cars reduce the net contribution to global warming. All new diesel models from Volvo are also fitted with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.

With the cars' good environmental performance, the driver can count on various financial incentives in the form of subsidies in the 13 European markets that have implemented a CO2-based vehicle taxation system, for instance with a "green grant" that is paid to the owner, lower road tax, registration tax exemption or other similar forms of financial encouragement.

Rising fuel prices also make our 1.6D DRIVe offer very attractive. The fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5 l/100 km and is as low as 3.7 l/100 km at highway speeds.

Sold throughout Europe

"We will offer our diesel-powered DRIVe cars throughout Europe, even in countries that today do not offer any form of financial incentive. We are doing this to give everyone the opportunity to choose a pro-environmental alternative from Volvo. For us it is not simply a question of short-term sales - it also clearly shows how strongly Volvo prioritises environmental properties throughout the product range, both today and for the future," says Fredrik Arp.

Volvo Cars expects to sell over 20,000 1.6D DRIVe cars next year in Europe. Sales are expected to spread fairly uniformly throughout the region, with France, Sweden and Spain accounting for most sales. The reason for this is the particularly favourable terms offered to buyers in these countries.

The price supplement for the DRIVe package is estimated at between 150 and 450 euros depending on model and market. The DRIVe cars can be specified with most of the options and accessories that Volvo offers, apart from those that affect the cars' aerodynamic properties.

"The higher price must be regarded as particularly modest bearing in mind the advantages the customer gains in the form of environmental incentives and reduced fuel consumption. We also believe customers will appreciate the opportunity to tailor their DRIVe car by choosing from the wide range of options available," adds Fredrik Arp.

The most eco-friendly car range

Apart from these three diesel-powered DRIVe cars, Volvo also offers a comprehensive Flexifuel range encompassing five car models and three bioethanol engines. All told, this means that Volvo Cars today offers the market's widest range of premium cars with a low environmental imprint.

Volvo Cars is also conducting intensive research into hybrid technology and future alternative fuels. The attention-grabbing Volvo ReCharge Concept plug-in hybrid and Ford Motor Company's decision to establish its European hybrid centre in Volvo's home town, Göteborg, clearly highlight the environment-technology potential there is within the company.

Volvo S40 DRIVe (2009)

At Paris Motor Show in early October 2008, Volvo Cars is presenting economical new diesel variants of the C30, S40 and V50 models with fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres/100 km (C30) or 4.5 litres/100 km (S40 and V50). The corresponding CO2 figures of 115 and 118 g/km mean that the C30 and V50 have best-in-class CO2 emissions in their segments. All three models - the C30, S40 and V50 - are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features and marked with the DRIVe emblem to signal their uprated environmental properties.

The DRIVe models are based on the Volvo C30 Efficiency concept car that was shown at the Frankfurt motor show in October 2007. The measures adopted to reduce CO2 emissions that were presented then will be in production before the end of the year in the C30, S40 and the V50.

"We wanted to demonstrate that low CO2 ratings are not solely the preserve of small diesel cars. By offering the Volvo V50 DRIVe with emission levels below 120 g CO2/km, we are also making it possible for families and other customers who require extra space to make an active pro-environmental choice," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

Holistic approach to eco-performance

The reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was brought about by meticulously analysing the cars' total potential for more efficient, more economical driving. The cars were then optimised within four distinct areas:

Reduced air resistance:

• Chassis height reduced by about 10 mm. Same comfort setting as the standard car.
• Spoiler at the front, the same as on the T5 (S40 and V50).
• Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.
• Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels.
• Aerodynamically optimised wheels of special design. Available in 15 and 16 inch sizes.
• Underbody panels for more efficient airflow under the car as well (C30).
• Unique rear spoiler (C30). The Volvo S40 DRIVe has the same spoiler as the T5 and D5 models.
• New rear bumper (C30).

Lower rolling resistance:

• All the cars are equipped as standard with a new generation of Michelin tyres with low rolling resistance. Available for 15 and 16 inch wheels.

Higher ratios:

• Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears.
• More efficient driveline:
• Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.
• New transmission oil with lower friction.
• Gearchange indicator in the information display.

"Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another two percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120 g/km for all three cars. Without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

Volvo C30 DRIVe best in the ECO test

Volvo's DRIVe cars are all certified according to the mandatory European NEDC standard. In addition, the Volvo C30 has excelled in the ECO test, which carries out even more comprehensive measurements of CO2 and particulate emissions. This certification process relies on stars and points, in a similar way to the EuroNCAP programme for safety. The independent ECO test places the Volvo C30 at the top of its size category, with four stars and 76 points in the overall assessment of the car's total environmental performance.

Benefits for the environment and economy

Reducing fuel consumption and dropping below the 120 g/km CO2 emission level offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the buyer's economy. With lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these cars reduce the net contribution to global warming. All new diesel models from Volvo are also fitted with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.

With the cars' good environmental performance, the driver can count on various financial incentives in the form of subsidies in the 13 European markets that have implemented a CO2-based vehicle taxation system, for instance with a "green grant" that is paid to the owner, lower road tax, registration tax exemption or other similar forms of financial encouragement.

Rising fuel prices also make our 1.6D DRIVe offer very attractive. The fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5 l/100 km and is as low as 3.7 l/100 km at highway speeds.

Sold throughout Europe

"We will offer our diesel-powered DRIVe cars throughout Europe, even in countries that today do not offer any form of financial incentive. We are doing this to give everyone the opportunity to choose a pro-environmental alternative from Volvo. For us it is not simply a question of short-term sales - it also clearly shows how strongly Volvo prioritises environmental properties throughout the product range, both today and for the future," says Fredrik Arp.

Volvo Cars expects to sell over 20,000 1.6D DRIVe cars next year in Europe. Sales are expected to spread fairly uniformly throughout the region, with France, Sweden and Spain accounting for most sales. The reason for this is the particularly favourable terms offered to buyers in these countries.

The price supplement for the DRIVe package is estimated at between 150 and 450 euros depending on model and market. The DRIVe cars can be specified with most of the options and accessories that Volvo offers, apart from those that affect the cars' aerodynamic properties.

"The higher price must be regarded as particularly modest bearing in mind the advantages the customer gains in the form of environmental incentives and reduced fuel consumption. We also believe customers will appreciate the opportunity to tailor their DRIVe car by choosing from the wide range of options available," adds Fredrik Arp.

The most eco-friendly car range

Apart from these three diesel-powered DRIVe cars, Volvo also offers a comprehensive Flexifuel range encompassing five car models and three bioethanol engines. All told, this means that Volvo Cars today offers the market's widest range of premium cars with a low environmental imprint.

Volvo Cars is also conducting intensive research into hybrid technology and future alternative fuels. The attention-grabbing Volvo ReCharge Conceptplug-in hybrid and Ford Motor Company's decision to establish its European hybrid centre in Volvo's home town, Göteborg, clearly highlight the environment-technology potential there is within the company.

Volvo C30 DRIVe 2009

At Paris Motor Show in early October 2008, Volvo Cars is presenting economical new diesel variants of the C30, S40 and V50 models with fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres/100 km (C30) or 4.5 litres/100 km (S40 and V50). The corresponding CO2 figures of 115 and 118 g/km mean that the C30 and V50 have best-in-class CO2 emissions in their segments. All three models - the C30, S40 and V50 - are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features and marked with the DRIVe emblem to signal their uprated environmental properties.

The DRIVe models are based on the Volvo C30 Efficiency concept car that was shown at the Frankfurt motor show in October 2007. The measures adopted to reduce CO2 emissions that were presented then will be in production before the end of the year in the C30, S40 and the V50.

"We wanted to demonstrate that low CO2 ratings are not solely the preserve of small diesel cars. By offering the Volvo V50 DRIVe with emission levels below 120 g CO2/km, we are also making it possible for families and other customers who require extra space to make an active pro-environmental choice," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

Holistic approach to eco-performance

The reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was brought about by meticulously analysing the cars' total potential for more efficient, more economical driving. The cars were then optimised within four distinct areas:

Reduced air resistance:

• Chassis height reduced by about 10 mm. Same comfort setting as the standard car.
• Spoiler at the front, the same as on the T5 (S40 and V50).
• Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.
• Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels.
• Aerodynamically optimised wheels of special design. Available in 15 and 16 inch sizes.
• Underbody panels for more efficient airflow under the car as well (C30).
• Unique rear spoiler (C30). The Volvo S40 DRIVE has the same spoiler as the T5 and D5 models.
• New rear bumper (C30).

Lower rolling resistance:

• All the cars are equipped as standard with a new generation of Michelin tyres with low rolling resistance. Available for 15 and 16 inch wheels.

Higher ratios:

• Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears.
• More efficient driveline:
• Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.
• New transmission oil with lower friction.
• Gearchange indicator in the information display.

"Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another two percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120 g/km for all three cars. Without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

Volvo C30 DRIVe best in the ECO test

Volvo's DRIVe cars are all certified according to the mandatory European NEDC standard. In addition, the Volvo C30 has excelled in the ECO test, which carries out even more comprehensive measurements of CO2 and particulate emissions. This certification process relies on stars and points, in a similar way to the EuroNCAP programme for safety. The independent ECO test places the Volvo C30 at the top of its size category, with four stars and 76 points in the overall assessment of the car's total environmental performance.

Benefits for the environment and economy

Reducing fuel consumption and dropping below the 120 g/km CO2 emission level offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the buyer's economy. With lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these cars reduce the net contribution to global warming. All new diesel models from Volvo are also fitted with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.

With the cars' good environmental performance, the driver can count on various financial incentives in the form of subsidies in the 13 European markets that have implemented a CO2-based vehicle taxation system, for instance with a "green grant" that is paid to the owner, lower road tax, registration tax exemption or other similar forms of financial encouragement.

Rising fuel prices also make our 1.6D DRIVe offer very attractive. The fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5 l/100 km and is as low as 3.7 l/100 km at highway speeds.

Sold throughout Europe

"We will offer our diesel-powered DRIVe cars throughout Europe, even in countries that today do not offer any form of financial incentive. We are doing this to give everyone the opportunity to choose a pro-environmental alternative from Volvo. For us it is not simply a question of short-term sales - it also clearly shows how strongly Volvo prioritises environmental properties throughout the product range, both today and for the future," says Fredrik Arp.

Volvo Cars expects to sell over 20,000 1.6D DRIVe cars next year in Europe. Sales are expected to spread fairly uniformly throughout the region, with France, Sweden and Spain accounting for most sales. The reason for this is the particularly favourable terms offered to buyers in these countries.

The price supplement for the DRIVe package is estimated at between 150 and 450 euros depending on model and market. The DRIVe cars can be specified with most of the options and accessories that Volvo offers, apart from those that affect the cars' aerodynamic properties.

"The higher price must be regarded as particularly modest bearing in mind the advantages the customer gains in the form of environmental incentives and reduced fuel consumption. We also believe customers will appreciate the opportunity to tailor their DRIVe car by choosing from the wide range of options available," adds Fredrik Arp.

The most eco-friendly car range

Apart from these three diesel-powered DRIVe cars, Volvo also offers a comprehensive Flexifuel range encompassing five car models and three bioethanol engines. All told, this means that Volvo Cars today offers the market's widest range of premium cars with a low environmental imprint.

Volvo Cars is also conducting intensive research into hybrid technology and future alternative fuels. The attention-grabbing Volvo ReCharge Concept plug-in hybrid and Ford Motor Company's decision to establish its European hybrid centre in Volvo's home town, Göteborg, clearly highlight the environment-technology potential there is within the company.

Volvo XC70 (2008)

The all-new Volvo XC70 has admittedly dressed up for a luxurious night out in town, but its appetite for exciting adventure is as large as ever.

"The dark-coloured plastic panels at the bottom are less obvious than on the current model. But as with exclusive outdoor clothing, the protection is placed exactly where it needs to be to withstand the rough stuff," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

The large dark-coloured plastic panels on the current XC70 model have now been mostly replaced with painted surfaces. This in combination with refined lines and contours and a more dynamic rear section give the all-new XC70 a more elegant, more luxurious appearance.

But don't be fooled into thinking the XC70 is ready to abdicate its position as the sportiest, most capable XC model. Quite the contrary.

"Imagine you are driving comfortably on an open motorway. When you look out the side window across the bleak landscape, you are surprised to be overtaken by a car driving in the rough desert with a trail a cloud of dust behind it. That was the vision and that was the car we had in our minds when we started designing the all-new XC70," explains Stefan Jansson, who is in charge of the exterior design.

Larger painted area at the front

At the front the characteristic dark nose of the current XC70 has been abandoned and replaced with a new, unique soft nose. The headlamps and grille have grown and now have the same trapezoidal shape that was first seen on the XC60 Concept in Detroit in early 2007.

In order to retain the rugged stance, the plastic panels at the corners have been emphasized around the bumper air intakes, which are more clearly pronounced.

"They look like "boxing-gloves", while the shape of the air intakes is inspired by a jet engine's frontal profile. These lines are echoed around the red reflectors at the rear, which accordingly trace the shape of the extractors on a jet engine," explains Stefan Jansson.

The silver-coloured protective skid-plate at the front has been widened and integrated to take on a spoiler-like shape.

Tall and spacious with rippling muscles

Along the sides the contrasting, protective sections have been supplemented with a chrome moulding at the bottom of the doors to emphasise the required stance of a tall, spacious car with elegant lines and rippling muscles. The roof-rail is integrated into the A-pillar moulding.

"The framed side windows, the distinct shoulders and the clean lines create harmony between the rounded, sporty front and the spacious rear of a genuine estate car. The raised rear section is also an important element in creating the well-balanced impression," says Stefan Jansson.

The pronounced wheel housings are another important feature of the XC70 model's confident statement that this is a highly capable car. The all-new XC70 can be specified with a variety of wheels all the way up to sporty six-spoke 18-inch alloys.

Intelligent overlapping tailgate

The rear of the all-new XC70 gives a more dynamic, more sculpted impression with the hexagonal design language taken from the remarkable glass tailgate of the new Volvo C30. The rear glass window also extends further down than the side windows to give the driver better rearward visibility.

"The shape of the outside is now more dynamic without compromising the car's practical properties. With the help of the intelligent overlapping tailgate, which takes the tail lamps up with it when it is opened, the space inside the car is larger than before and easy to load," says Steve Mattin.

At the rear, the Volvo name on the tailgate features more pronounced lettering with wider spacing than before. A new feature that was first shown on the XC60 Concept in Detroit this year.

Luxurious and adventurous

The all-new XC70 model represents Scandinavian design at its best - that is to say every little detail has been designed with one hundred percent focus on clean lines and intelligent functionality.

Comfort in the front seat includes superb seats and ergonomically designed instruments - naturally including an elegant, super-slim centre stack and an audio system of absolute world class.

"One could say that the XC70 has a dual personality. On weekdays it's a sophisticated and elegant car for an active urban life. Come the weekend and it transforms into a rugged partner for all kinds of exciting adventures," says Jonathan Disley, who has designed the interior of the all-new XC70.

Espresso Brown interior and royal inspiration

In addition to Sandstone Beige and Anthracite Black there is an Espresso Brown option where the warm dark colour of the seats, door panels and instrument panel contrasts with the sand-coloured detailing of the rest of the interior trim.

The special XC70 feeling inside the car has been inspired by one of the best-known patterns of Swedish design history - "Virrvarr" (Chaos or Confusion) by Swedish prince and later internationally renowned designer Sigvard Bernadotte.

"The 'tangled' theme in "Virrvarr" served as the inspiration for a number of details: the stitching of the leather, the cross-brushed aluminium panels and the mesh pockets at the rear. The idea is that the criss-crossing lines should be echoed throughout the interior to make the car even more exciting," says Boel Hermansson, head of colour and material design for the all-new XC70.