Volvo is to begin the UK's most ambitious autonomous driving trial next year
Volvo
Classic car, Events, Motorshow, News, Estate Car
Volvo to celebrate the Estate car at Techno Classica 2016
Volvo has confirmed it will attend the world's biggest classic car show, Techno Classica, celebrating “60 years of estate heritage”.
The new Volvo V90, which just debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, comes after six decades of estate knowledge, starting with the Volvo Duett which was launched in 1953. Volvo describes it as the first car to meet the combined needs of drivers’ active leisure time and practical professional lives and has sold more than 6 million estates worldwide, representing around a third of the total number of Volvos sold since the company’s foundation in 1927.
The Volvo stand at Techno Classica is entirely devoted to the Swedish brand´s estate history, featuring a selection of six iconic estate models that have shaped Volvo’s history: The Duett - Launched in 1953, the Duett went on to become one of the first Volvos to be exported to the US and it was immortalised in 1997 when featured on a Swedish postage stamp.
The Duett was followed in 1962 by the Amazon, or the 221 as it was officially known. The Amazon was a more elegant and refined estate than the Duett, which had its origins as a delivery van, while it also offered more space in the boot. At the end of November 1967, Volvo presented the third variant in what was now developing into a complete car family known as the 140 Series: the Volvo 145. This design of the rear section has since become a well-known characteristic of all Volvo estates. The Volvo 145 quickly became an extremely popular estate and played an increasingly important role within the 140 Series.
A refresh of the 1800 sports coupe, the 1800 ES was known in England as a Shooting Brake: a sporty estate with space for hunting gear or golf clubs in the back. The 1800 ES was introduced in the autumn of 1971, and its most exciting feature possibly being the huge rear windscreen that had no bezel whatsoever. Hinges and handles were fixed directly to the glass, which was very modern in the early 1970s. As only around 8,000 1800 ES were built, it has become one of the most sought-after classic Volvo models.
In 1974, the archetypal Volvo estate car was launched: the 245, which remained in production for almost 20 years until 1993, and was also available in a more exclusive edition - the 265 with a V6 engine. The 1980s marked the launch of the 245 Turbo edition, the world’s first estate car with a turbo engine. With its intense yellow paint job, 240 horsepower and acceleration of 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds. Launched as a limited edition, model year 1994-only version of the 850, the T5-R became an ‘instant collector's item’ says Volvo.
Techno Classica takes place in Essen, Germany and runs from 6-10 April.
Estate Car, News, Saloon, Motorshow
Volvo S90 and V90 pricing confirmed
Volvo has confirmed pricing for its S90 and V90.
Available to order now, on-the-road prices start at £32,555 for the S90 saloon and £34,555 for the V90 estate.
Like the XC90 before them, both feature the new face of Volvo including the T-shaped LED headlights, as well as being the latest models to be built on Volvo’s all-new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.
Both models will initially be available with a choice of two 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engines - the D4 and the D5 PowerPulse – and in two trim levels, Momentum and Inscription. The front-wheel-drive 190 hp D4 comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and offers combined fuel consumption of 64.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of 116 g/km in the S90. In the V90, these figures are 62.8 mpg and 119 g/km.
The 235 hp D5 utilises Volvo’s PowerPulse to boost responsiveness. This uses compressed air, which is stored in a tank in the engine bay and refilled automatically to spool up the turbo at low revs, helping overcome turbo lag. To 'harness the engine’s power', the D5 PowerPulse comes with all-wheel drive while an eight-speed automatic gearbox is also standard.
Every version of the S90 and V90 is ‘luxuriously equipped’ says Volvo. As standard, entry-level Momentum cars come with leather upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, keyless engine starting and heated front seats.
Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system is also standard. This brings a 9” touch screen, satellite navigation (including lifetime annual map updates), voice-control and access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps. The S90 gets a powered bootlid while the V90 benefits from a powered tailgate.
Pilot Assist, Volvo’s semi-autonomous drive feature, is standard on every S90 and V90. It automatically keeps you at a set speed or distance from the vehicle in front, braking and accelerating with the flow of traffic, and gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car within lane markings at motorway speeds up to 80 mph. Unlike previous versions of the system, it no longer needs to follow another car.
The latest version of City Safety is also fitted to every S90 and V90. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and the world-first application of large-animal detection.
Moving up to the Inscription model adds Nappa soft leather upholstery, powered front seats, a 12.3” active TFT driver’s information display (Momentum cars get an 8” version), 18” diamond-cut/silver alloy wheels, keyless entry and handsfree boot/tailgate opening and closing. Additional premium touches include walnut interior inlays, rear footwell and side step illumination, and chrome exterior details.
The optional Xenium package is available across the range and adds a powered tilt and slide glass sunroof (panoramic in the V90), a parking camera system with 360 degree surround view, and Park Assist Pilot, which includes automatic parallel and 90 degree parking.
Both models are available to order now, with the first S90 customer deliveries expected in September and the first V90s in October.
Volvo support global standard for electric car charging
Volvo has confirmed its supports for the Charging Interface Initiative - a global drive towards a recognised standard for electric car charging.
The Charging Interface Initiative is a consortium of stakeholders that was founded to establish their Combined Charging System (CCS) as the standard for charging battery-powered vehicles.
The Combined Charging System, which will offer both regular and fast-charging capabilities, makes electric car ownership increasingly practical and convenient – especially in urban environments, which are ideal for electric vehicles. It combines single-phase with rapid three-phase charging, using alternating current at a maximum of 43 kilowatts (kW), as well as direct-current charging at a maximum of 200 kW and the future possibility of up to 350 kW – all in a single system.
Volvo is one of the leading makers of plug-in hybrid cars and will offer a plug-in hybrid variant of every new model as it replaces its entire product portfolio in the coming years. It will introduce a fully electric vehicle by 2019, based on its modular SPA vehicle architecture.
In order to cement the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and ensure that customers fully embrace the technology, Dr Mertens, Volvo’s Senior Vice President for Research & Development said: “We see that a shift towards fully electric cars is already underway, as battery technology improves, costs fall and charging infrastructure is put in place,” said Dr Mertens. “But while we are ready from a technology perspective, the charging infrastructure is not quite there yet. To really make range anxiety a thing of the past, a globally standardised charging system is sorely needed.”
The Charging Interface Initiative is currently in the process of drawing up requirements for the evolution of charging-related standards and certification for use by car makers around the globe.
“We are very happy to support and be involved in the setting of standards for electric vehicle charging systems. The lack of such a standard is one of the main obstacles for growing electric vehicles’ share of the market,” said Dr Mertens.
One in five of all Volvo XC90s sold is a T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid.
4x4, Coupe, SUV, Sports Car, News
Volvo adds Polestar performance range
Volvo’s performance division Polestar has launched a range of performance upgrades.
Polestar Performance Parts are available for the Volvo S60, V40, V60 and XC60 models to begin with, including chassis parts, wheels, exhaust, interior and exterior details, and more.
"We have received strong feedback over a long period of time from customers all over the world regarding Polestar Performance Parts. We are delighted to be able to meet the demand, starting from today. This is a product improving on the already strong base of Volvo cars in terms of performance, handling and driving pleasure," said Niels Möller, Chief Operating Officer of Polestar.
"What we learned on the racing circuits with our colleagues at Cyan Racing is that championships are not won in a single lap. The secret of our success on the tracks is in creating balanced and precise cars that are predictable for the driver to control in all situations. Lessons learned on the tracks are transferred directly into the development of our road cars and performance products. The new range of Polestar Performance Parts is no exception – they are designed and developed with the very same philosophy," said Henrik Fries, R&D Director of Polestar.
Available as a complete package, including chassis parts, wheels and tyres, intake and exhaust, as well as exterior and interior parts, all of these components will together ‘create a more compelling driving experience’, especially in combination with the Polestar Performance Optimisation, and can be bought in separate packages as well.
All performance parts are developed and tested together with Volvo Cars to the same high standards as all other products with no impact on the Volvo factory warranty.
Available from participating Volvo dealers in April, prices have yet to be announced.
Family Car, Motorshow, SUV, News
Four-seater Volvo XC90 Excellence set for Shanghai debut
Volvo is to unveil a luxurious four-seat version of the XC90 at the Shanghai International Automobile Show.
The XC90 Excellence has been designed, says Volvo, to offer customers a distinct and individual automotive experience that incorporates the latest Scandinavian innovations in design, refinement, comfort and style.
Based on Volvo’s all new XC90, it has just four seats compared to the original’s seven, creating additional space in the rear to accommodate two individual reclining rear seats complete with massage and ventilation functions as well as a retractable control touchscreen and folding tables.
There’s also a refrigerator with bottle and glass holders, a heating/cooling cup holder and handmade crystal glasses from leading Swedish glass design company, Orrefors.
Additional cabin refinements include a special Bowers & Wilkins audio system with an extra (twentieth) speaker, passenger footrests, ambient lighting, illuminated storage and unique leather detailing, a luggage compartment dividing screen, extra sound insulation and Pirelli Noise Cancelling System tyres (PNCS).
An integrated ionic air cleaner in the CleanZone climate system works by positively charging electrons in airborne particles (dust or smoke for example) so they are removed from suspension in the cabin environment.
“This is our new flagship car,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design. “We have created the ultimate luxury experience of Scandinavian design. Volvo has never launched a car like this before. This is the car that demonstrates what the name Volvo now means.”
The XC90 Excellence will be available globally later this year and via digital commerce in selected markets, but there are currently no plans to bring it to the UK.
Estate Car, Family Car, Hatchback, News
V40 gets new Volvo face
The V40 has been given a refresh with Volvo’s new corporate face and trim updates across the range.
Central to the exterior updates are new LED ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights, in line with the new XC90, S90 and V90. In the UK, these all-LED lights mark the V40 and V40 Cross Country out as the first models in the segment to get LED headlights as standard across the range. Also new are grille meshes featuring the updated Volvo Iron Mark.
“The V40 is the best-selling Volvo model in the UK, making it a vital car for the company. With the updates for Model Year 2017, we’re making this already very successful model even more attractive to customers,” said Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK.
The exterior update includes the addition of eight new wheels and five new colours to the V40 range, including the completely new Amazon Blue and Denim Blue, as well as three others already used by other Volvo models: Bursting Blue, Mussel Blue and Luminous Sand.
In addition to the cosmetic changes, CO2 emissions on the D2 manual powertrain have been cut to 89 g/km in all trim level and wheel options.
The V40's trim structure has also been changed in line with that of the new XC90. Customers can now choose from Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and Cross Country.
The Volvo On Call smartphone app has also been updated. It now enables voice-control for certain features when using Windows 10-based smartphones and can even send calendar appointment destinations directly to your navigation on request.
For 2016, Volvo On Call will be expanded to provide support for up to 10 vehicles, giving access to all the usual functions across a fleet of cars, while the introduction of Flic button compatibility will allow you to program a single physical ‘smart button’ to perform several tasks, such as locking your car.
Volvo now also offers support for Windows 10 with a new version of the app that can be used on regular PCs and tablets.
News, People Carrier, Family Car, Saloon
Volvo to launch cars without keys
Volvo has revealed plans to become the world’s first automotive manufacturer to offer cars without keys.
From 2017 Volvo customers will be offered a smartphone app to replace the physical key with a digital key. The Bluetooth-enabled digital key technology will offer more flexibility, and will enable owners to benefit from entirely new way to use and share cars.
The new Volvo app enables the digital key on the customer’s mobile phone to do everything a physical key currently does, such as locking or unlocking the doors or the boot and allowing the engine to be started. This new technology will also offer customers the possibility to receive more than one digital key on their app, allowing them to access different Volvo cars in different locations – ‘according to their changing mobility needs’. Owners will be able to send their digital key to other people via their mobile phones so they can also use the car. This may be to family members, friends or co-workers in a company.
Using the app, people could potentially book and pay for a rental car anywhere in the world and have the digital car key delivered to their phone immediately. On arrival, a customer could simply locate the rental car via GPS, unlock it and drive away, avoiding the queues at car rental desks.
Volvo will pilot this technology in spring 2016 via its car-sharing firm Sunfleet, stationed at Gothenburg airport, Sweden. A limited number of commercially available cars will be equipped with the new digital key technology in 2017, while the Swedish brand is also keen to stress physical keys will continue to be offered for people who want them.
The keyless car technology will be shown for the first time at the Mobile World Congress 2016 (22-25 February) in Barcelona.
Volvo reveals new V90
Volvo has unveiled its new V90.
Launched in Stockholm, the estate car is the latest in Volvo’s top-of-the-line 90 series, sitting alongside the XC90 SUV and the recently launched S90 premium saloon.
Building on Volvo Cars’ heritage in the estate segment, which began more than 60 years ago with the Volvo Duett, the new V90 ‘takes the premium estate a clear step forward’ in terms of aesthetics, materials and finish, says the Swedish brand.
“We have a very strong position in the estate segment,” said Hakan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars. “In many people’s minds we are known as the definitive estate brand. While the Volvo brand today stands for more than estates, we are proud to carry forward this rich heritage with the V90.”
“The modern premium estate is all about the intriguing combination of a luxurious experience with the functional origins of the estate silhouette. The sophisticated ambience of our new Volvo interiors is combined with a great cargo space, providing the right kind of functionality – whether through connectivity or cargo and storage solutions,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President for Design at Volvo Cars.
The new V90 features Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology, the ‘most advanced’ standard safety package on the market, including Large Animal Detection and Run-off Road Mitigation, as well as 'class-leading' connectivity, including smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay.
Volvo also says it has also worked on driving dynamics for the new model, to deliver a totally new and refined driving experience ‘characterised by a sense of engaging control and predictability’.
“We have a very strong offer in the V90. Our PowerPulse technology is designed to deliver a distinct performance boost to our diesel engine, while the T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid will deliver around 410 hp and a pure electric range of around 31 miles,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President of Research & Development at Volvo Cars.
White is UK’s most popular new car colour
White has retained its position as the UK’s most popular new car colour for the third year running.
2016 Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show demand for a white car growing 2.2 per cent to 564,393 units. Of the 2,635,518 new cars registered in 2015, 21.4 per cent were white, compared with less than 1 per cent a decade ago. The preference for white across most of the UK was not mirrored in the South East where more black cars were registered than white.
Blue cars also enjoyed a resurgence in demand, with more than one in six people choosing the colour. Blue used to be the nation’s first choice of car colour in the late 1990s and, after a period of falling popularity at the start of the century, it has now seen three years of continued growth in demand.
Meanwhile, after eight years at the top between 2000 and 2008, silver continued its decline. It now makes up just over one in 10 new car registrations compared with its peak in 2004 when almost every third new car registered was silver. Overall, neutral tones continued to dominate, with black cars in second place after white and followed by grey, taking 19.4 per cent and 15.6 per cent of the market respectively.
But it wasn’t all black and white, with more buyers opting to stand out on the roads with brighter colours.
The number of people choosing mauve cars rose by approximately a third in 2015 (30 per cent) to 12,414, taking the colour into the top 10 for the first time. Demand for green cars grew by 31.2 per cent to 28,250 units to take its highest market share (1.07 per cent) for five years. Orange and yellow cars, meanwhile, also surged in popularity – up 25.7 per cent and 12.7 per cent respectively – with a total 30,187 people opting for the eye-catching colours.
4x4, SUV, News, Family Car
Volvo XC90 is Euro NCAP Best in Class 2015
The Volvo XC90 SUV has received the 2015 Euro NCAP Best in Class award for both Large Off-Road and Overall Performance categories.
The XC90 achieved overall top performance in the 2015 Euro NCAP ratings, scoring 100 per cent in the Safety Assist category, and 97 per cent in adult occupant protection.
Jan Ivarsson, Acting Director, Volvo Cars Safety Centre said; “We are always happy to receive further recognition for the work we do. The XC90 embodies everything that Volvo Cars stands for, and this is further proof of our continuing leadership in the field of both active and passive safety systems. Our vision is that by 2020 no-one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car. With the latest safety and semi-autonomous drive functionalities in the XC90, we are well on our way to fulfilling that vision.”
Sales of the XC90 continue to outpace production capacity, with 2015 seeing overall Volvo sales reach an all-time high, with more than 503,000 cars sold.
Volvo launches new S90 at NAIAS
Volvo has chosen the North American International Auto Show (or NAIAS) in Detroit to launch its new signature premium saloon - the S90.
This comes on the back of strong sales in the US, especially in the second half of 2015 where sales increased 24.3 per cent. “There are strong indications that Volvo is back on track in the US,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President of the Americas at Volvo Car Group. “We expect this strong sales momentum to continue in 2016, helped by the new S90.”
The launch of the new S90 forms the second chapter in the ‘complete renewal’ of Volvo’s product range, which began in 2015 with the new XC90 SUV. The XC90 received around 88,000 pre-orders in 2015, surpassing expectations.
The S90 features a concave grille – itself a homage to the Volvo P1800 – and is home to Volvo’s new Iron Mark. The T-shaped ‘Thor’s Hammer’ lights deliver a ‘powerful sense’ of direction that makes the S90 unmistakable on the road. Power comes from a clean and powerful T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain, delivering up to 410 hp and offers three different car experiences in one – Pure, Hybrid and Power.
Inside the low, four-door coupe, Volvo has taken cues from the success of its XC90 model and included what it describes as ‘stunning details’ on the new dashboard and instrument panel, including new air blades that stand vertically on each side of the Sensus user interface.
“We created our new flagship saloon, the Volvo S90, as a real game changer. It is classy and cool. The exterior is exceptionally well surfaced, with a fantastic stance and the sort of clean lines that are singularly appropriate of a Scandinavian design. The interior masters the art of blending innovative technology and natural materials into an elegant, welcoming and tasteful ambience – Swedishness at its best,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design at Volvo Car Group.
The S90 will be launched with IntelliSafe Assist as standard. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert, and the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist, which gives gentle steering input to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 80 mph.
4x4, SUV, Technology, News
Volvo and Microsoft help you talk to your car
Volvo has teamed up with Microsoft to launch a wearable-enabled voice-control system, which will allow owners to talk to their cars.
Vehicles may be instructed to perform tasks including setting the navigation, starting the heater, locking the doors, flashing the lights or sounding the horn via the Volvo on Call mobile app or the connected Microsoft Band 2 device.
The remote voice control service is described as another proof-point in Volvo's and Microsoft's ambition to jointly develop next-generation automotive technologies, following the announcement in November 2015 of their collaboration with the first automotive application of HoloLens technology. HoloLens is the world's first fully untethered holographic computer, which could be used in future to redefine how customers first encounter, explore and even buy their cars.
"Volvo is intent on making the car experience as easy and convenient as possible by utilising the latest technology in the most relevant and inspiring ways. With voice control, we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible with digital assistant functionalities," said Thomas Muller, Vice President Electrics/Electronics and E-Propulsion at Volvo Car Group.
Customers in Volvo on Call-enabled markets will be able to connect to their Volvo cars with voice control through Microsoft Band 2, from Spring 2016.
Volvo develops intelligent media streaming for self-driving cars
Volvo is developing intelligent, high-bandwidth streaming capabilities with its technology partner, Ericsson.
The announcement comes as the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) opens its doors to the public and the goal, says Volvo, will be to ensure drivers and passengers get the most out of their time travelling in an autonomous Volvo.
“We recently unveiled our design vision for fully autonomous cars with Concept 26. Now we are actively working on future solutions to deliver the best user experience in fully autonomous mode. Imagine a highway full of autonomous cars with their occupants sitting back watching their favourite TV shows in high definition. This new way of commuting will demand new technology and a much broader bandwidth to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience,” said Anders Tylman, General Manager Volvo Monitoring and Concept Centre at Volvo Car Group.
Autonomous drive will bring a paradigm shift to mobile net demands and Volvo and Ericsson believe that it will result in an increased need for consistent and high-bandwidth coverage outside densely populated areas such as city centres and suburbs.
Utilising Ericsson’s network and cloud expertise, Volvo’s aim is to deliver a high-quality, interruption-free experience in its cars while on the move. By predicting your route and looking ahead at network conditions, content can be tailored to the duration of each trip and intelligently buffered to deliver a high-quality and uninterrupted viewing experience.
“Our research shows that almost 70 per cent of all mobile data traffic will be from video in the coming years. This requires an innovative connectivity, cloud and analytics solution that is not only capable of serving multiple moving vehicles across a highway, but also has the capacity to provide the high-quality, uninterrupted video service today’s consumer is accustomed to,” said Claes Herlitz, Head of Automotive Services at Ericsson.
By learning the most common routes and times of travel, and understanding media preferences, future Volvo cars will be able to provide one-click navigation and a customised preference-based list of potential media – allowing customers to choose routes and select content tailored to the amount of autonomous time that is available during their commute.
“If you want to watch the latest episode of your favourite series, the car will know how long the journey needs to take and can optimise the route and driving control accordingly. With autonomous drive it is no longer just a question of getting from A to B quickly – it’s about the experience you wish to have in the car, how you wish to spend the time you are saving. With our future autonomous drive technology we will provide people with the freedom to choose the way they would like to commute and the content they would like to experience,” concluded Anders Tylman.
New Volvo S90 to debut in Detroit
Volvo has revealed its new S90 premium saloon, ahead of a North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) debut.
Volvo said the S90 'marks a giant step forward' for the brand better known for its SUVs and estates. Equipped with new technologies, ranging from 'cutting-edge' safety to cloud-based apps and services, the S90 also comes equipped with an advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist. The system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 80mph, no longer needing to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards full autonomous drive.
"With the launch of the XC90, we made a clear statement of intent. We are now clearly and firmly in the game. With $11 USD billion of investment over the past five years, we have not only reimagined what Volvo Cars can be - we are now delivering on our promise of a resurgent and relevant Volvo Cars brand" said Hakan Samuelsson, President & CEO, Volvo Car Group.
The S90 will be powered by a T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain and come with 'one of the most luxuriously appointed interiors and connected infotainment systems in the large saloon segment', says Volvo.
"Our idea was to bring something entirely new to this rather conservative segment and deliver a visual expression that exudes leadership and confidence on the exterior. On the inside, we have taken the S90 to the next level, delivering a high-end luxury experience that promises comfort and control" said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group.
The S90 also introduces a world-first function to City Safety - large animal detection - a system capable of detecting large animals such as elk, horses or moose, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive warning and brake support to help avoid a collision.
The Volvo S90 is set to be publicly unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit in January.
Volvo XC90 R-Design revealed
Volvo has added an XC90 R-Design model to its range.
Described as 'the sportiest XC90 to date', Volvo's new seven-seat XC90 R-Design showcases a range of new design features and equipment updates. The R-Design SUV runs on 20-inch alloy wheels and comes with a 12.3-inch active TFT driver's information display, Drive Mode Settings and Adjustable Steering Force. This allows the driver to choose between different settings for the engine, transmission, steering and the optional air suspension.
The R-Design's sporty exterior includes silver-effect door mirrors, a black mesh front grille and tinted rear windows. Inside, there are leather/nubuck sports seats, and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel complete with gearshift paddles. A powered front passenger seat with memory function joins sports pedals, black headlining and upgraded interior lighting. A leather-clad remote key fob is also included, as part of the R-Design's package.
This is on top of the standard spec for the entry-level XC90 Momentum models, which includes items such as a nine-inch touch screen control system, Sensus Navigation, two-zone climate control with Volvo's CleanZone air quality system and LED headlights.
Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: "The launch of the XC90 R-Design makes our premium seven-seat SUV even more distinctive and dynamic than before. Its sportier looks certainly make it stand out on the road, and its extra equipment ensures that the interior is as luxurious as it is stunning."
The R-Design versions are available with the D5 diesel and T6 petrol Drive-E engines, and in T8 Twin Engine petrol-electric hybrid form. On sale now, prices start at £49,785 OTR.
Geely GC9 wins Chinese Car of the Year
The Geely GC9 was declared 2016 China Car of the Year (CCOTY) at an awards ceremony during the Guangzhou Auto Show.
Geely, who have owned Swedish car giant Volvo since 2010, revealed the flagship GC9 in 2014 which becomes the first domestic model to win the China Car of the Year title. There were 140 candidates eligible, with the Geely GC9 coming out on top after convincing 22 jurors at the CCOTY Beijing test-drives beginning of November. The evaluation rules allow all jurors test-drives in Beijing, two weeks before the final awards ceremony, before voting starts.
The prize was received by President and CEO of Geely Mr. An Conghui, who said: "Geely is of great honour to be awarded China Car of the Year. The GC9 is just the beginning of a new series of highly competitive models. And as a Chinese domestic brand, we will give everything to improve the reputation of Chinese manufacturers."
The CCOTY jurors noted that the Geely GC9 had "a perfect blend of a new modern Chinese design language with state of the art technology from Volvo. The GC9 is spacious, luxurious with appealing quality and overall highly competitive within the mid-size segment. It's a leap forward compared to former Chinese domestic models."
Jens Meiners, Vice Chairman of the World Car Awards commented: "The China Car Awards have quickly grown into a standard of excellence on the Chinese market, a market with unique demands and preferences. This year's winner demonstrates that the Chinese auto industry is fully capable of creating cars that take the lead in a tough and fair competition. As vice chairman of the World Car Awards, I would like to convey our congratulations to the participants and winners, as well as the distinguished jury of the China Car Awards. We are proud of our inspiring and successful relationship."
Other awards included the 2016 China Design Car of the Year - won by the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and the 2016 China Performance Car of the Year, which was won by the Ferrari 488 GTB. The 2016 China Green Car of the Year was awarded to the Lexus NX 300h while the Volvo XC90 scooped 2016 China SUV of the Year.
SUV, News, People Carrier, Family Car
Volvo launches new Christmas shopping service
Volvo adds XC90 performance upgrades
Volvo is enhancing the performance of the XC90 with a series of Polestar-developed upgrades.
This is the first time that Polestar, Volvo's performance brand, has focused its attention on the new seven-seat SUV. Known as ''Polestar Performance Optimisation', the upgrades improve the power and torque figures of both the D5 diesel and T6 petrol Drive-E engines, particularly at medium revs where it's most effective.
They also make the accelerator responses even quicker, according to Volvo, and alter the settings of the automatic gearbox to provide faster gear changes and prevent gearshifts during rapid cornering, which could unsettle the car. These quicker and more precise responses to driver commands not only make the driving experience more dynamic, they ensure the car responds predictably during high-speed driving.
The maximum output of the D5 Drive-E engine is increased to 233 hp and 500 Nm of torque (up from 225 hp and 470 Nm), while the T6 Drive-E is boosted to 334 hp and 440 Nm (from 320 hp and 400 Nm).
With the Polestar Performance Optimisation, the D4 Drive-E offers 200 hp and 440 Nm (up from 190 hp and 400 Nm), while the output of the T5 Drive-E is raised to 253 hp and 400 Nm (from 245 hp and 350 Nm).
The D4 Drive-E upgrades are available in the S60, V40, V40 Cross Country, V60 and XC60, and the T5 Drive-E enhancements are offered in the V40 and V40 Cross Country.
The price of the D4, D5 (release timing and availability may vary), T5 and T6 Polestar upgrades is £835, including VAT and fitting. The work can be carried out now at any authorised Volvo dealer, and should take about 30 minutes to complete.
Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: "These new Polestar Performance Optimisations make our cars and Drive-E engines even more dynamic and desirable. The combination of increased power and torque - especially at medium revs - and the changes to make the entire drivetrain more responsive ensure that owners will really feel the difference these optimisations make."
Finally, until the end of December 2015, all model-year 2005 to model-year 2015 all-wheel-drive Volvos can be upgraded with the Polestar Performance Optimisation at the discounted price of £620, saving £215.
The Polestar upgrades do not affect the certified emissions and fuel consumption figures, service intervals or Volvo warranty cover.
Volvo to launch reflective LifePaint for cyclists
Volvo is launching its LifePaint reflective spray, aimed at increasing the visibility and safety of cyclists on the road.
It follows a successful limited pilot back in April 2015, and will be available in participating Volvo dealers from 24th October in time for darker nights, when the clocks go back. The reflective spray is designed to react to a car's headlights, alerting drivers to the presence of cyclists in the dark.
The unique illuminating safety paint is invisible by daylight, but in the dark reflects light in the same direction as the light source, shining brightly to illuminate the objects it has been sprayed on. The LifePaint is transparent, can be washed off and can be applied to clothes, shoes, helmets, pushchairs and children's backpacks - even dog leads and collars.
The product, first distributed through six London bike shops, ran out within 24 hours creating massive demand for wider distribution. The inspiration for the paint came from Intellisafe - Volvo's pedestrian and cyclist detection system, enhanced to work in darkness on the all-new Volvo XC90 which was introduced to the UK in June this year. The technology uses a combination of radar sensors and cameras to identify other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and automatically brake if the driver fails to take the necessary action.
Nick Connor, Managing Director at Volvo Car UK, said: "Every year more than 19,000 cyclists are injured on the UK's roads. At Volvo, we believe that the best way to survive a crash is not to crash at all, and are committed to making the roads a safer place by reducing the number of accidents. "Volvo is a world-leader in safety technology, and we are proud to be extending our reach beyond just those driving our cars. By making cyclists increasingly visible as well as increasing the safety capabilities of our cars, we are doing our utmost to protect everyone on the road."