New Volvos are as smooth as Irish coffee

The S60, which has been given an extra injection of urban finesse.

To add to the shopping fun (or confusion!) the prices XC60 range from R464,800 to R622,600; the V60 prices start at R340,000 and go up to R537,900 and the S60 kicks off at R329,600 and climbs all the way to R526,700.

But then of course you still need to price in whatever non-standard optional extras you want to tick off on the shopping wish list to further inflate the sales person's commission cheque.

You'll need to do your homework

The list of fancy standard and add-on kit on the re-polished range is exhausting enough even just to glance through, so prospective buyers need to do a lot of advance homework to decide between seat options, wheel sizes, tail pipes, transmissions, flappy paddles on the steering wheel or not, body colours, various digital display systems, personalised car keys, whether to opt for an Integrated system navigation with voice commands, which one of the four sound systems to go for and also to choose between buying now or to wait for the R-Design versions that will be here later in the year...decisions, decisions, the list just goes on and on and on.

The one outstanding feature of the new range and one that is certain to grab the imagination, attention (and wallets) of the permanently connected addicts, is a system Volvo calls Sensus Connected Touch which enables connectivity and Internet in the car and turns the 7-inch display into a state-of-the-art infrared, beam-scanned touch screen connected either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or the driver's mobile phone.

One feature that is certain to grab the imagination, attention (and wallets) of the permanently connected addicts, is a system Volvo calls Sensus Connected Touch.

click to enlarge

This system provides full Internet browsing (except when driving), Internet streaming of music, Internet radio (TuneIn and Orange Live Radio) with thousands of channels from all over the world, on-line (Google) Map and Search, Embedded Connected 3D navigation, weather information, a number of native and web applications, App Store for new functions and updates as well as a Volvo service locator.

It is also makes it possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car. Described as being "exceptionally user-friendly", you can find the track you want just by saying its name. The voice-activated system works on all music sources connected to the Volvo Sensus Connected Touch and it can even read out Wikipedia information about interesting landmarks en-route via the audio system.

I will ask the questions!

In order to better understand the detailed DNA of the different vehicles, prospective buyers also need to set aside a good hour or two to interrogate a Volvo salesperson about features and systems such as Adaptive Digital Display, Pedestrian and Cyclists detection, Driver Alert, Active High Beam and Cornering Lighting, Road Sign Information, Blind Spot Information, Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert, Driver Alert etc.

The V60... prettier both inside and outside.

At the launch of the smartened and updated 60 range I drove various models and although it is impossible to go into too much detail of each model, there are certain things which are common to all the variants: they are all prettier both inside and outside, the interiors are even more elegant, the seating is sassier, the ride feel a tad more confident and smoother - in short, just about everything is better than before. Probably, with the exception of the German über-wagens, these considerably upgraded Volvos have better specifications at the best value for money prices than just about everything else on wheels in this country right now.

XC60 gets a jab or two

The vehicle that impressed me most at the launch was Volvo's best-selling model, the Armani-suited XC60 SUV, which has been given an extra injection of urban finesse, including a re-designed grille and front end which gives it a wider more masculine stance, particularly when fitted with optional 20-inch wheels.

The XC60... these considerably upgraded Volvos have better specifications at the best value for money prices than just about everything else on wheels in this country right now.

The living quarters have also been spruced up with new wood inlays and metal frames around the light controls and air vents. New interior additions include wood inlays, textile B-pillars and silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls.

Also new is a three-split (40/20/40) rear seat that can be configured into two separate seats with an armrest in the middle, or three seats with safety belts for each occupant. The seat cushions are fixed and the backrest(s) can be individually folded.

And you used to just lift it...

A new practical addition is an optional power tailgate can be opened automatically in three ways - via the remote control; a button in the light panel; or by opening the tailgate with the handle.

Although not exactly a small vehicle, the CX60 feels light and nimble and surprisingly confident, even when being hustled along quite enthusiastically. Much of its cornering ability has to do with Corner Traction Control which is a standard feature on the new model. The system helps to avoid understeer by applying just the right amount of brake force to the inner wheels while powering the outer wheels when accelerating out of a corner.

No more straining to open the tailgate... you have a choice of how you want to do it.

This, in conjunction with All Wheel Drive, gives it enough extra grip to make it feel solid and steady, even in torrential downpours such as we experienced during the launch driving session in the Western Cape.

There are 15 different derivatives of the CX60 to choose from, ranging from a powerful 3-litre T6 petrol version that pumps out 224kW and 440Nm of torque and is linked to a six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission to a refined five-cylinder D5 turbo diesel that produces 158kW and 440Nm of torque and is my model of choice. The D5 with All Wheel Drive and automatic gearbox has fuel consumption of 6.4-litres/100km and a CO2 emissions rate of only 169g/km).

This is really a lovable big hunk of sophisticated motoring with classy manners and an outstanding ride.... Volvo at its best and living proof of why so many South Africans have forsaken ye olde worlde station wagons for modern SUV's.

To me the sophisticated new Volvo 60s are as smooth and sassy as sipping a creamy Irish coffee at a beach bar on an exotic island at sunset....

Volvo-S60 Specifications

Volvo-V60 Specifications

Volvo-XC60 Specifications