Volvo News

Volvo Cars has found drivers and their dogs are much more stressed while travelling when the latter is unrestrained, with more than twice as much unsafe behind-the-wheel behaviours occurring.The study, conducted in conjunction with The Harris Roll, looked at the actions of 15 US drivers and their dogs while on the road, and tallied 649 instances where dogs would climb onto the driver’s lap or hang their heads out the window.In comparison, unsafe driving behaviours dropped to 274 examples when the dogs were secured.Similarly, Volvo found drivers to be more distracted, taking their eyes off the road, with dogs moving around in the back than if they were restrained.As a result, both driver and dog heart rates were increased during the journey.Veterinary specialist Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro said: “While pets roaming around the car can be cute and convenient, it poses serious risk for both divers and their pets, both in terms of causing distractions and increasing the changes of serious injury in the event of an accident.“Unfortunately, in my field, we see the potential devastating consequences regularly, many of which can be avoided by simply ensuring our animals are safely secured,” she said.The report, which builds on a 2018 study, also uncovered that millennials are more likely to pamper their furry friends, with more than half spending over $US50 on a birthday party, a third would pay more than $US100 for doggy day care and designer clothes, and 40 per cent would take leave from work after they got a new pet.Millennials also showed a higher preference for taking their dogs on road trips over family and partners, while nearly one third of respondents think their car is not safe enough to travel with canine companion.Of course, Volvo – as well as other manufacturers – offer pet-orientated car accessories such as harnesses, load compartment dividers, gates and steel grilles to keep furry friends safe.

Brighten up your winter with some of the best deals of the year now on sale at your local car dealer.

Volvo Car Australia has introduced a new mid-size SUV flagship in the form of the plug-in hybrid XC60 T8 Polestar, which is priced at $99,990 before on-road costs and replaces the outgoing T8 R-Design.Sharing a similar petrol-electric T8 powertrain, the new XC60 Polestar will produce 246kW/430Nm from its turbo- and supercharged 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine, as well as an additional 65kW/240Nm from an electric motor, for a combined output of 311kW/670Nm.With the former driving the front axle and the latter spinning the rear wheels, the XC60 T8 Polestar will blitz the zero-to-100km/h sprint in just 5.2 seconds thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission.Outpunching the likes of the 260kW/500Nm Audi SQ5, 265kW/500Nm BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG 270kW/520Nm GLC43, the Volvo’s plug-in electric powertrain will also enable an emissions-free driving range of 45km.Tweaks from Polestar result in a punchier mid-range and faster shift times, while cosmetically the new flagship XC60 wears a unique front grille, gloss-black exterior highlights and 21-inch wheels.Inside, the Polestar-tuned mid-size SUV retains the XC60’s 12.3-inch digital instrumentation, portrait-orientated multimedia touchscreen, dual-zone climate control and Nappa leather upholstery, however the new flagship adds unique ‘Metal Mesh’ interior inlays, sports steering wheel and contrasting seat belts.First deliveries of the XC60 T8 Polestar will start at the end of August.

Volvo Car Australia has recalled its 3828 of its vehicles for a defect that could cause the engine intake manifold to melt or deform due to a potential valve leak.

A new version of the Volvo XC40 compact luxury SUV is set to offer the brand an enticing price point that'll see it compete with mainstream rivals such as the Mazda CX-5.

A bulletproof version of the Volvo XC90 SUV has been revealed, and it apparently gives the car the ability to survive a bomb blast. Reportedly under development for more than two years after receiving “numerous requests” for such a car, Volvo claims the armoured XC90 is rated for ‘VR8’ protection. This means that it has ballistic protection from every direction, and will protect you against explosives.This is because the windows in the XC90 Armoured can be up to 50mm thick, and the steel armour is up to 10mm thick. There’s a fire suppression system in the engine bay, and an emergency escape hatch in the boot so occupants can escape the cabin if need be.Because of the upgrades, the XC90 Armoured reportedly weighs 4.49 tonnes, and upgraded suspension and brakes were fitted to cope with the added weight.Under the bonnet of the XC90 Armoured is the standard XC90’s T6 all-wheel drive powertrain, though Volvo is yet to disclose if it has been upgraded from the standard tune, which makes 235kW/400Nm."Production is carried out with extreme diligence, which is imperative in order to fulfil the exceptionally high requirements placed on this class of security product. We strive to ensure that the car retains its properties despite the extensive armouring," said Stephan Green, head of marketing at Volvo Special Vehicles."The armour is fitted discreetly to make the car barely distinguishable from a standard XC90. Every customer also has their own unique requirements, which we satisfy by means of customised production."The XC90 Armoured is priced from £450,000 (AUD$818,000) in the UK. A cheaper XC60 Armoured is also under development, as well as a less armoured XC90. The model is reportedly aimed primarily at Latin American countries.The XC90 Armoured is only available in left-hand drive, and therefore will not be sold in Australia.

New Swede mid-size S60 sedan and V60 wagon arrive to take aim at the Germans.

Volvo Car Australia has issued a safety recall for its model year 2016 XC90 SUV over a fault that could potentially cause a fire.

April’s cooling weather may be the perfect time to take to the road in a new vehicle made for the long-haul holiday. There is a fresh crop of SUVs on the market and with it, a few great deals to sweeten the purchase. Here’s some deals to help you get out and explore.

Yes, Australia's new-car market has mostly been a tale of doom and gloom in 2019, but there are some brands that defied the shrinking market to post record sales results in March.