Geneva show: Volvo grilles the S80

VOLVO revealed its facelifted S80 at the Geneva motor show last night, with the Swedish company’s flagship saloon getting the new-look corporate grille seen on the recently launched XC60 crossover.

Mechanically, the big news is a new range of diesel engines, including the recently introduced 81kW/240Nm 1.6-litre emissions/economy leader (called DRIVe) that will only come to Australia in the small C30 in the second half of 2009.

There is also a new 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel that comes in two guises (153kW and 130kW, both with 420Nm), which is expected to replace the 136kW/400Nm unit currently fitted to the Australian model S80 D5.

Slated for a fourth quarter arrival in Australia, the facelifted S80 features new chrome detailing across the lower front air intakes, on the lower door strips and under the tail-lights as well as the more extrovert grille with its prominent badge.

A number of interior trim refinements and a new steering wheel design complete the facelift.

Volvo Cars president and CEO Stephen Odell said the new S80 should be experienced and not just seen.

“The atmosphere inside is both more comfortable and luxurious,” said Mr Odell. “We’ve also made the interior more driver-oriented, with a new steering wheel and upgraded instruments.

“Customers in this segment are often very brand-loyal. In order to appear on the radar of customers currently driving competitor cars, we have to offer something that is extra. We do this by offering exclusiveness and comfort of the absolute top level in combination with world-leading safety.”

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