Volvo XC70 2009 News

And the car industry is not immune from being saddled with these potentially damaging problems.Apart from Ford's recent problems with brake hoses and brake booster valves on E-Gas Falcons the other ‘big two’ carmakers have had their fair share of recalls.Holden has had five recalls for its VE Commodore and Statesman range since its introduction in 2006, involving things like fuel vapor lines, fuel lines and defective valves on LPG cars.ToyotaToyota had a range of recalls for its Camry, HiLux, RAV4, Yaris and LandCruiser over the past three years. Most, like a headlight dimmer switch on a Camry, have been minor. Others, like the potential fire hazard stemming from a poorly installed insulator pad on a Yaris, raised alarm bells among some customers.NissanLast week Nissan was forced to recall 11,743 Maximas and 4972 Muranos because of a vibrating air intake in the engine bay.AudiEven the luxury German brands are not immune. Last year Audi had to recall its TT for a piece of rear side trim in its cars that unless fixed, could potentially injure passengers.Mercedes-Benz This year Mercedes-Benz has recalled its M-Class off-roader for a possible glitch in its electric rear hatch. It was also forced to recall S-Class sedans fitted with active body control because of problems with the front lower ball joints on its suspension. On some high-mileage vehicles, the front suspension could fracture on rough roads. Faulty left and right windows in the Viano van also required the replacement.BMWOf the German carmakers, BMW has fared better. It has not had a official government recall since 2006.Volvo Volvo has had three recalls this year of its S80, XC70, V70 and new XC60 for engine cooling fan problems and windscreen wiper problems with the S80 and XC70.JaguarJaguar, once widely ridiculed for its poor quality cars, has come a long way over the past few years. Jaguars these days have no less, or no more, problems with recalls than some of the other luxury brands. Last year it experienced some minor problems with the XF range involving wiring and rear seatbelts.In all cases, recalls by carmakers are handled quickly and responsibly. If you want to check out whether your vehicle has had a recall, go to www.recalls.gov.au

With images of the heaving seas and elegant, minimalist ocean-going yachts, Volvo is launching two special versions of the XC70 and XC90 models to celebrate the staging of the 2008/2009 Volvo Ocean Race. Honouring a race that will take competitors on an eight-month extreme adventure covering 37,025 nautical miles and visiting ports including Cochin in India, Galway in Ireland and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the limited edition Volvo Ocean Race XC70 and XC90 models capture the spirit with materials that echo those used in the magnificent vessels that compete in the event. The stitching on the upholstery traces its roots to sail making. The aluminium detailing on the mats resemble clews, and the design of the unique wheels has been inspired by the movement of the ocean's waves, says Lennart Stegland, president of the special vehicles division at Volvo Cars. The Volvo Ocean Race XC70 embraces 3.2 and 3.2 LE models, as well as D5 and D5 LE, while the XC90 Volvo Ocean Race includes 3.2, D5 and V8 models. Both models will be offered in a choice of two exclusive Volvo Ocean Race colours: Ocean Blue or Electric Silver. The Volvo Ocean Race XC90 model uses unique-design, six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels in Silver stone/Diamond cut with Ocean Blue body finish, or Light grey/Diamond cut with Electric Silver finish. The XC90s bright chrome outer air intake, side window trims and tailgate mouldings are compli-mented by silver-painted aluminium roof rails, while alloy-look front and rear skid plates emphasize the adventurous nature of the car. Inside, the XC90 Ocean Race model's leather seats, in Soft Beige or Off Black, utilise special cross-stitching and are complimented by unique door panels, along with brushed aluminium inlays in the glove compartment, rear tunnel and centre console. The XC70 Ocean Race features unique 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, colour-matched like the XC90 Ocean Race with Ocean Blue or Electric Silver external finish. Exterior highlights on the XC70 include bright chrome side window trims, silver painted aluminium roof rails and front and rear skid plates. The XC70 Ocean Race interior also features cross-stitched leather upholstery in Soft Beige or Off Black, unique Ocean Race door panels and tread plate, and a cross-stitched luggage area cover with a brushed-aluminium cassette bearing the VOR emblem. Both XC90 and XC70 Ocean Race models also feature special VOR badging on the front guards. Pricing XC70 3.2 VOR - $61,200 XC70 D5 VOR - $63,200 XC90 3.2 VOR - $73,200 XC90 D5 VOR - $76,200 XC90 V8 VOR - $89,200  

Volvo Australia is vigorously debating whether the local arm will take the next generation of the V70, which was revealed this week in Europe. However, the basic body shape will come to Australia regardless, as the underpinnings for the new XC70 crossover. Ironically it's the XC70's popularity that could kill off the V70 station wagon here, where it outsells the V70 five to one. "We are very sure what we're going to do with the XC70 in Australia, but about the V70 we're not so sure," Volvo Australia spokesman Todd Hallenbeck says. "The decision on the V70 is about 50/50 at the moment. We're looking at it from a very practical point of view. If we aren't going to sell enough of them we won't bring it here at all, because bringing the car means we'll also have to stock spare parts, do its advertising, and all those other costs. "The V70 is the most popular car sold in Sweden, so the Swedes are wondering why we're considering not having a car they regard as the heart of the Volvo brand. "To counter that we are one of the strongest countries for the XC70 and XC90, and they understand that the XC has been the key to Volvo's success here. That (station wagon) buyer has moved into the XC70 and XC90." "But we're not saying that traditional Volvo buyer no longer exists. That's what we're debating at the moment. A decision is expected within two months. The debate is between those who have seen the new V70 and think it could do well here and those who look at sales data for the present model. "The traditional argument is Volvo was always the family-oriented station wagon brand. We still are, but that family is seeing the practicality of XC rather than V70. "We are also aware that the smaller V50 is continuing to grow each year. Now we need to find out if the market still exists for a larger station wagon." The new V70 is 15 per cent stronger than the current model. It has slightly more room inside, particularly for rear passengers, and, according to Volvo, is safer than the older model. New safety measures include a dual-height, integrated child booster seat at the rear, and electronic stability control as standard. Styling cues borrow heavily from other new-generation Volvos, the front bearing a resemblance to the C70 coupe convertible and the tail lights modelled on the C30 hatch. If Australia chooses to take the V70 it will be available in front-wheel-drive only, so it won't cannibalise sales from the more expensive XC70 all-wheel-drive. Volvo is yet to reveal the XC70 cross-country version, but Hallenbeck says there will be greater differentiation between the basic wagon and the crossover version than with the existing model. "The XC70 won't just look like a V70 with extra plastic cladding and a higher ride height," he says. There will probably be a choice of two petrol engines for the new XC70. The entry-level model will probably be powered by a 3.2-litre inline six with 177kW and 320Nm, a step up from the current 2.5-litre inline five. The top-of-the-range model will have a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six with 212kW and 400Nm.