Volvo launches revived S80 D5

Volvo has launched a refreshed S80 with few design tweaks on the outside and an environmentally friendly twin turbo Euro 5 diesel engine.The car now have 20hp more power and will have a maintenance free diesel particulate filter.

Volvo’s design language has always been conservative from the outset. There are no radical ‘Bangle’ lines on the S80, it’s a mature design meant to appeal and last a little longer than forever. On the outside, the new S80 looks larger and elegant. The headlamps have been positioned a bit lower than the previous S80 and it gets new designed alloy wheels and chrome touches at the fog lamps, front air induction grille and under the rear tail lamps.

The bonnet's characteristic V-shaped lines are extended all the way down into the bumper, and the typical Volvo tail lamps have a slimmer profile that blends in smoothly with the broad shoulders. The new car has the same overall length as its predecessor.

The atmosphere inside is both more comfortable and luxurious, and the interiors now feel more driver-oriented, aided by a new steering wheel and upgraded instrument cluster. The car gets soft, sumptuous leather seats with matched stitching accompanied by similar trimmed door panels. There are about 15 buttons more than one would ask for on the upgraded super-slim floating centre stack that now comes with a silk matte metal frame, similar to the one seen on the Volvo XC60. The metal effect can be found in the gear selector and around the starter button as well.

The new D5 engine now produces 205bhp, 20bhp more than the older engine and torque figures have increased as well with the new engine churning out 42.85kgm of torque as compared to 40.2kgm of the earlier engine.

Distinctive safety features include IDIS ( Intelligent information system),ABL ( Adaptive brake lights),RAB( Ready alert brakes),DSTC(Dynamic stability traction control),WHIPS ( Whip lash protection) and SIPS( Side impact protection system).

The new S80, as the current model will come with Volvo’s Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept (four-C) suspension system. It has three modes to play with – Comfort, Sport and Advanced. The Comfort mode irons out the occasional road irregularity, the Sport mode stiffens the dampers, while Advanced mode stiffens them even further for those max-attack driving days.

With these changes, Volvo claims it has enhanced the driving experience of the S80 and states that the new car will be a true lifestyle product with a combination of world-leading safety and refreshed looks, making it very hard to beat. The car will sell at an introductory price of Rs 38.7 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai and will come with a 2 years, 60,000km warranty and 24/7 road side assistance.