The year may not have reached the halfway point but that hasn't stopped Volvo describing its updated range as the '2014 models'. There are new engines for the V40 and the mid-range and large saloons, estates and XC models have received a series of updates too.
Emissions are reduced for petrol and diesel V40 models; with the option of all-wheel drive on the Cross Country. Entry to the range is the €27,595 D2 with 115hp diesel power and CO2 emissions of 105g/km (108g/km in the V40 Cross Country). For the first time automatic transmission is available with this engine for an extra €2,250. New to the range is the five-cylinder, 2.0-litre diesel engine with 177hp in the V40 D4. For drivers who prefer petrol power there is a choice between the 120hp T2 and 180hp T4. Emissions are 124- and 129g/km respectively with fuel consumption given as 5.3- or 5.5 litres per 100km with manual transmission. The T4 can be ordered with all-wheel drive in Cross Country guise; this is the most expensive version at €45,445.
A range of improvements to the S60, V60 and XC60 are designed to enhance the appearance and appeal of these cars. All the so-called '60 series' get an interior and exterior redesign. Key to this is simple shapes and surfaces without superfluous clutter. On the outside the focus is on increased road presence by emphasising the horizontal elements of the styling. In addition the black trim on the XC60 has been changed to body colour for a more uniform appearance.
The interior features new upholstery colours, new headlining and new wood inlays; Volvo describes the impression created as 'like being in a warm Swedish house on a cold night'. Four chassis options are available on the S60 and V60: Touring, Dynamic, Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) and Lower Sport Chassis (previously only available on R-Design versions). The XC60 now comes with Corner Traction Control - Volvo's torque vectoring system - as standard. Prices start at €33,595 for the S60 with the V60 costing an extra €2,350 and the XC60 a further €3,550. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be as low as 3.9 litres/100km and 103g/km for the entry-level D2 S60.
The S80 incorporates new design elements intended to provide a more upmarket look. At the front there are rectangular daytime running lights and a wider front grille. New bumpers at both ends contribute to a 'wider and lower' look and the exterior features chrome highlights. Prices start at €37,245 for the D2 version, with CO2 emissions of 108g/km.
A similar series of visual changes have been made to the V70 series (available from €39,795). Both saloon and estate models can be specified with Volvo's 'Inscription' bespoke range of options that allow customers to personalise their car. The engine range matches the S80 with fuel consumption from 4.5 litres/100km and 119g/km for the D2 engine with manual transmission.
For the XC70 the design theme is 'rugged sophistication' with skid-plates to provide protection on uneven surfaces and hard-wearing black paint below the belt line that now extends to the fog light surrounds. Other changes include matt silver touches, a redesigned front grille and new tail lamps. Entry to the XC70 range costs €46,545 for the 163hp D4, front-wheel drive version. Volvo quotes 139g/km CO2 emissions for both D4 and the 215hp D5 models with manual transmission and all-wheel drive.
Technical highlights on the 60 series and the S80, V70 and XC70 include active high-beam headlamps. These eliminate the need to manually switch between dipped and main beam as sensors automatically detect a car approaching and shade part of the beam to prevent dazzling the other driver.
Volvo Ireland has also announced that all models will now come as standard with Bluetooth.