Volvo updates its '60 models

Volvo will reveal what the company calls a major renewal of its S60, V60 and XC60 models at the Geneva auto show in early March.

The changes will represent the most extensive development of existing models in the brand's history, Volvo says.

Strangely, while the S60 sedan and XC60 CUV are currently sold in North America, the V60 wagon configuration, which was at one time the signature Volvo body-style on this continent, is not available here. No word yet on whether or not that situation will change.

According to Lex Kerssemakers, senior vice-president, product strategy and vehicle line management at Volvo: "The S60 and XC60 are our best-selling models in several important markets. We have been listening very carefully to our customers in order to make improvements that ensure that we make these successful cars more attractive."

Attention to detail and straight-forward Scandinavian design, with simple shapes and surfaces without unnecessary clutter, are said to be the hallmarks of the new models.

S60 sedan

Both the exterior and interior of the new '60 models feature modest redesigns.

A new front-end design on the S60, with a wider grille and "wolf-eye" headlamps, is designed to increase its road presence.

Inside, upgrades include new upholstery colours, wood inlays and headliner, as well as silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls. There's also a newly available sport seat that provides side support from the thighs to the shoulders, while maintaining traditional Volvo comfort levels.

Changes to the seat-back help increase legroom for rear-seat passengers.

Under the skin, customers have a choice of three chassis types - Touring, Dynamic and Lower Sport Chassis (in combination with new 19-inch Bor wheel), previously available only on the R-Design version.

XC60 crossover utility vehicle

The XC60, gets a slightly different look, with a redesigned front-end that includes a new hood shape said to emphasize the car's wide, confident look.

The black exterior trim of previous models has been axed so black trim so the car is now all one body colour.

Inside changes parallel those of the S60, with new wood inlays, a new headliner and textile B-pillar coverings.

All-wheel-drive plus Corner Traction Control, which applies some braking force to the inner wheels while powering the outer wheels to accelerate out of a corner, enhances driver confidence in ally kinds of weather.

New technical features

Both S60 and XC60 models feature all-new Sensus Connected Touch technology that enables Internet connectivity in the car and turns the 7-inch display into a state-of-the-science infrared, beam-scanned touch screen that is said to be usable even when wearing gloves. It also makes it possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car.

An Adaptive Digital Display, utilizing a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display gives the driver a choice of three graphic themes: Elegance theme, with a traditional appearance; Eco theme with green background illumination and a tachometer centred in the instrument cluster.

Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters will be available in all S60 models and the XC60 T6.

A new Active High Beam Control eliminates the need to switch between low and high beams, automatically shading out only as much of the high beam as necessary to prevent dazzling of an oncoming driver, or one in a vehicle ahead.

For the added comfort of drivers in cold countries, a heated steering wheel will also be available, as will an electrically heated windshield and auto dim outside rear-view mirrors.

Volvo's IntelliSafe suite of safety systems includes the brand's City Safety technology as standard equipment. Also available are Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake, an enhanced Blind Sport Information System (BLIS) and newl-available Cross Traffic Alert.

No information is yet available on engine choices for North America.