Volvo Reviews

Build it and they will come. That’s the rationale behind Volvo Australia’s decision to fund the development of a 50-car run of a Polestar-enhanced S60 sedan that Carsguide believes will cost around $115,000 when it arrives in late June.It’s a calculated toss of the dice for both the local arm of the Swedish carmaker and the Polestar performance division. If they get it right, Volvo won’t just be seen as a maker of safe cars and Polestar will have graduated from motorsport specialists to a factory performance outfit along the lines of RenaultSport.The rest of the Volvo empire is closely watching the Australian pilot programme to see if they too want a piece of the Polestar pacesetter.VALUEThe cost of the car has yet to be finalised but Braid says the price will be well north of $100,000. That buys Volvo’s top-spec S60 T6 R-Design with added drivetrain and suspension upgrades that have to be driven to be appreciated. Interior updates are limited to the steering wheel and seats.Polestar acknowledges the inside needs a more upmarket look to differentiate the product but says the first step is to concentrate on how the car drives, rather than how it looks. Audi’s S4 sedan is the closest competition at $120,000 … and with less Nm than the Volvo it lacks the mid-range surge of the Swedish car.TECHNOLOGYThis is the first Volvo to carry a Polestar badge on the front grille. Polestar has previously fitted its discrete blue-square logo on the rear of vehicles that have undergone ECU and transmission software upgrades but they can’t compare to this S60.The (manually) adjustable Ohlins suspension and chassis updates - a stiffer strut brace and upgraded anti-roll bars - have transformed the car into a seriously quick steerer without affecting compliance around town. The ECU upgrades and a bigger turbo endows the S60’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 257kW and 500+Nm and the transmission tweaks have accelerated the shift times of the six-speed auto in sports mode.The Haldex all-wheel-drive system has also been tuned to send more torque to the rear wheels and helps give the Volvo a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds using the launch control program.DESIGNThe custom wheels, black side -mirror covers, front splitters, a boot spoiler and rear diffuser are the visual cues this isn’t a regular S60. It is all fairly discrete to the point the “doof-doof” crew that pulls up alongside in a locally built V8 won’t have much of an idea they’re about to be hosed by a Volvo.  The seats have more bolstering in the sides and a grippy alcantara covering to stop backsides from shifting on the seat.SAFETYThe S60 is one of the safest mid-sized sedans on sale and Polestar’s upgrades have only enhanced that reputation. Improved suspension and brakes should ensure features like the six airbags and ultra-strong passenger cell aren’t needed. A “City Safe” collision prevention assistance program visually and audibly warns the driver of imminent crashes with vehicles in front.DRIVINGThis is one attractive Swede, visually and viscerally. Hit the starter button and a muted snarl announces this Volvo has an attitude, an impression that is only reinforced by the off-the-line acceleration.  The surprise is that’s the least of this show pony’s tricks. Polestar doesn’t want to challenge Benz’s AMG or BMW’s M divisions in terms of outright power, or what Braid calls “brochure bragging rights”.They do want a car that is more refined for day-to-day driving but can stick with the above duo when the roads start to wander off the straight and narrow. It will take a comparo to show if that’s the case but a seat-of-the-pants assessment indicates Volvo might just manage it on the right stretch of tarmac.Track days will be a different story though. The transmission is the weak link in an otherwise race-ready package. Having already limited the amount of torque the Polestar crew is prepared to pump out of the engine, the auto isn’t quick enough to kick down on hard corner exits.Manual mode isn’t much more responsive and the shifter is counter-intuitive, with a push towards the dash to grab a higher gear and a pull back to drop down the cogs. Polestar is already looking at paddle shifters and a dual-clutch transmission but that will take time, given the company’s insistence on testing to OEM standards. And at this stage, Australia is the only country to request the car, which limits the development budget.VERDICTPolestar’s take on building a driver’s car has produced what is probably the most family friendly four-door sedan doing the rounds. It lacks the feral ferocity of its European rivals but the AWD system gives it an edge in marginal conditions and in the right hands it will embarrass some of its better-known competitors.FACTOIDA Northern Territory man is the first to stake a claim on the S60 Polestar, having rang his local dealership to put down a deposit within hours of the first story appearing on the internet.Volvo S60 PolestarPrice: $115,000 (estimate)Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmService interval: 12 months/15,000kmCapped price servicing: NoCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder, 257kW/500+NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDThirst: 10.2L/100km, 243g/km CO2Dimension: 4.63m (L), 1.82m (W), 1.48m (H)Weight: 1648kgSpare: Repair kit/space-saver

The all-new Volvo V40 takes the premium hatchback to a new level. As well as arguably being the most stylish Volvo for many years, it’s undoubtedly the most intelligent and safe car in its segment. Indeed it can show many far more expensive cars a thing or two in these important fields.DESIGNAs well as the sleek body, Scandinavian simplicity and ergonomic design abound in the Volvo V40’s cabin. The T5 we tested had quality materials on sculpted R-Design sports seats with contrasting stitching; gearshift knob LED-illuminated from the inside and LEDs in the door panel storage pockets.If there’s anything we didn’t like it was the over-abundance of black inside our test car. The low roofline will have most occupants ducking to get in and out. A panoramic sunroof limits headroom. Legroom in the rear is adequate and shoulder space not overly cramped for three people of average build.TECHNOLOGYThe innovative Volvo Sensus infotainment system, in which information is presented on a five- or seven-inch colour screen depending on the model, in the upper instrument panel, makes it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. All functions can be operated from the steering wheel or via controls located directly below the screen.Volvo My Car allows access to a wide range of settings, such as for City Safety, Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Driver Alert System, Active Cruise Control, lighting, door mirrors, climate unit, central locking and the audio system.With the optional multimedia audio system, Volvo Sensus comes upgraded with a seven-inch screen that also displays information and images from the navigation system, phone, reversing camera, DVD player and more.A new digital instrument cluster directly in front of the driver uses a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display to present the most important information in any situation. The driver can choose between three graphic themes: Elegance, a traditional amber illumination; Eco, a green background illumination, designed to create an environmentally-inspired look.An Eco meter, plus current and accumulated fuel consumption figures are displayed. The driver gets a green light when eco-driving is optimal. The third theme, Performance, provides a sporting red background illumination.Vehicle speed is shown digitally in the centre of the display. The right display includes a power meter – a gauge that informs the driver how much power is available and how much power is being used at any time.Below the armrest is a storage compartment suitable for CDs and other small items, while the glove compartment includes space for two cans or bottles. The latter are cooled by air from the climate control system.SAFETYA major new safety feature is a world-first pedestrian airbag technology. Most serious head injuries involving pedestrians are caused by the hard structure directly under the bonnet, the lower edge of the windscreen and the windscreen pillars.Seven sensors in the front of the new Volvo V40 transmit signals to a control unit. When the car hits an object, the signals change, and if the car thinks the object is a human leg the pedestrian protection system reacts.The bonnet rear hinges are released and the bonnet lifts to get it away from the hard surfaces under it. The pedestrian airbag is activated. The airbag covers the entire windscreen wiper recess, about a third of the windscreen and the lower part of the A-pillars.Before this amazing technology springs into action, the V40 has already done its best to avoid the collision. The car ‘looks’ down for pedestrians and other risks and if need be applies full auto braking. This is part of the existing Volvo City Safety system and in its latest development it operates to avoid, or at least minimise, collisions at speeds up to 50 km/h.Keeping the car out of trouble are lane keeping aid with automatic steering, automatic road sign Information, park assist, active high beam headlights and a cross traffic alert radar system. These aren’t all standard in every model, contact your Volvo dealer for full specifications and optional charges.ENGINEThis high-performance Volvo V40 T5 R-design can cover the zero to 100 km/h acceleration test in just 6.1 seconds thanks to its five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged engine putting out 187 kW of power and 360 Nm of torque.Interestingly, this powerplant is a relative of that used in the latest Ford Falcon with EcoBoost and there’s speculation Ford Australia may bring out a high-performance Falcon using an adaptation of the Volvo five-cylinder unit.In the R-Design Volvo the engine drives though a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, with a manual mode for sporting occasions. We feel it should have steering wheel paddles to add to the excitement.DRIVINGThe Volvo has smooth acceleration thanks not only to the design of the engine, but also because of impressively fast gear shifts. Steering is direct and produces positive feedback of the type that’s enjoyed by enthusiastic drivers.The Sport chassis, standard on the T5 R-Design, is 10 mm lower than the standard set-up. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, resulting in extra-responsive driving with sharper control.Steering has electrical power assistance and can be optioned in three ways: City, with a high degree of power support for easy manoeuvring; Normal offers more road response at higher speeds; and Sport, adds a dynamic character. Thank goodness for the body-hugging sports-style seats as it grips hard in all modes.The stiffer suspension works well on better bitumen surfaces, but supplies a harsh ride on surfaces that have seen better days. Recent heavy rain on the Gold Coast didn’t do the test car any favours, with pot holes and washouts jolting the body all too frequently.With a large C-pillar and small rear window reversing could be hazardous but for assistance from sensors all round the car. Auto dimming headlamps reduce glare for oncoming traffic, cornering lights are controlled by steering input.Daytime running lights, a safety feature invented by Volvo decades before the rest of the world caught onto the idea, provide improved visibility of the V40 to all other road users, be they drivers or pedestrians.VERDICTVolvo Cars is working towards its vision that by 2020, nobody should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo. A seemingly impossible target to our way of thinking, but the V40 certainly showcases the incredible amount of intelligent thinking the Swedish marque continues to put into safety.MODEL RANGEV40 D2 Kinetic 1.6-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $34,990 (manual)V40 D4 Kinetic 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $39,990 (manual)V40 D4 Kinetic 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $41,990 (automatic)V40 D4 Luxury 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $45,990 (automatic)V40 T4 Kinetic 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $41,990 (automatic)V40 T4 Luxury 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $45,990 (automatic)V40 T5 R-Design 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $49,990 (automatic)Volvo V40 T5 R-Design 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagonPrice: from $49,990Engine: 2.5-litre 5-cylinder, 187kW/360Nm Transmission: 6-speed auto, FWD Turning circle: 11.7 mKerb weight: 1468 kgFuel tank capacity: 62 litresAcceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.1 secMaximum speed: 250 km/hThirst: 8.1L/100 km, CO2 189 g/kmBrakes: Ventilated discs (front); ABS with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Steering: Electric power assistedWheels: Alloy 7.5 x 18-inch IXION II R-Design

Pragmatic buyers are opting to down-size but still want all the accoutrements from a larger luxury car.

The traditionally neutral Swedes have fired a volley in the newest motor market segment compact prestige machines. Never have so many European badges been so affordable. Volvo's V40, released in a few weeks and tested by Carsguide this week, is the newcomer. Adjudged the safest car in the history of Euro crash testing, it is the first car on the market to boast an airbag for pedestrians. But its time in the sun could be limited."There's going to be a massive battle between Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class, BMW's 1 Series and the Lexus CT as well. Volume in that segment is growing and we're looking at it, we don't know how far it will go,'' Volvo Car Australia managing director Matt Braid says.He might well add Volkswagen's impending Mark 7 Golf to list, given that some 50 per cent of the variants sold are those priced from $35,000 -- the entry point into this arena.The V40 range arrives in Kinetic, Luxury and R-Design trim levels, sharing some parts of its floorpan with the Ford Focus but boasting a large amount of Volvo development and design above the floor sill.A Kinetic in the D2 turbodiesel gives Volvo a sharp entry point for the V40  $34,990 for the six-speed manual. Standard fare across the range includes USB and Bluetooth connections, wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, climate control, rear parking sensors, reach and rake adjustable steering, power-adjustable driver's seat, cloth trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.Power-adjustable, retractable and heated exterior mirrors, 16in alloy wheels (and a space-saver spare), ambient interior lighting and LED daytime running lights. Stepping up to the D4 Kinetic pushes the price to $39,990 for the six-speed manual or $41,990 for the six-speed auto. The D4 Luxury is priced from $45,990 and is only available with the six-speed auto.Luxury additions includes a meatier sound system, 17in alloy wheels, 7-inch colour control screen, satellite navigation, a reversing camera, active xenon headlights, power adjustment for the passenger's seat and leather trim.The petrol T4 model range starts from $41,990 in Kinetic auto form, or the Luxury spec ups the ask to $45,990 - Volvo expects this model variant to account for much of the 800-1000 annual sales volume for its first full year on the market.The flagship is the T5 R-Design, a six-speed auto, slots into the price guide at $49,990. It adds R-Design specific interior trim throughout the cabin, model-specific bodykit and door mirrors, 18in alloy wheels, a front sliding armrest (which doesn't lock in) and nubuck textile and perforated leather sports seats. The value equation also includes free scheduled servicing for three years or 60,000km.The T4 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line five-cylinder, so don't take literally the ``T4, D2 and D4'' designations. Unlike most new cars from Europe, it lacks direct injection, but uses 95RON to produce 132kW/300Nm. The T5 ups the capacity to 2.5 and the output rises to 187kW/360Nm.On the diesel side of the equation, the D2 runs a 1.6-litre 84kW/270Nm direct-injection turbocharged four and a 2.0-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel with 130kW/400Nm. Only the D4 does it with an automatic. The instrumentation also has a three-way level of tailoring to suit different information needs, although it's sometimes difficult to decipher the tachometer quickly.The V40 makes a bold statement in this three-line design -- the sweeping roofline, the now-familiar shoulder line and the rising "rocker" line along the side of the floorpan. It is a sharp-looking hatch with a broad road stance and presence in spades.There's no mistaking it for anything but a Volvo and that carries over into the Swedish cabin theme, which is well laid-out and comfortable, if not overly spacious (particularly in the rear for adults). The bootspace is clever. A floor panel hides additional storage space and can be sat up to keep cargo in place, or folded completely flat with the rear seat backs.The much-vaunted pedestrian airbag is among the standard safety features, helping to win it NCAP's best-ever score. Other standard features include (deep breath) City Safety auto braking at up to 50km/h, traction and stability control that includes corner traction and engine drag control and a torque-vectoring system, plus pyrotechnic front and rear seatbelt pretensioners.The $5000 optional advanced safety features pack includes adaptive cruise control with collision warning and automatic braking and parking functions, blind spot and lane departure warning and a cross traffic warning. It's available only on Luxury and R-Design models.The V40 is also capable of "reading'' road speed limit signs and display them in the vehicle's high-tech instrument panel. Though there's not yet a link to the satnav mapping it will flash if you exceed the speed limit.The T4 Luxury model is the pick. Quiet and refined (although susceptible to tyre noise from coarse-chip bitumen), the T4 sits comfortably on the road during the urban stint, dealing with road ruts without real concern. The engine is a smooth and has a decent spread of torque. With the six-speed auto in mild-mannered mode it does the job without fuss. Pointing towards the hills, flick the transmission into the nicely aggressive Sport mode and the T4 makes solid progress on a twisting country road, with good body control and an absence of nose-heaviness. There's not as much feel through the steering as would be ideal for a sporting driver, not is it completely lifeless either.A stint in the little D2 does nothing to upset the good first impression of road manners, but the manual diesel drivetrain needs to be stirred along to make anything other than sedate progress. Fuel economy in the mid single digits despite hard work says much for the frugality of the diesel. The petrol did high single digits or just over 10l/100km.A quick run in the T5 exposed poorer ride quality degrade on the taller wheel/tyre package, albeit it with a solid increase in turn-in prowess. But the amount of grunt surging through the front end had it wandering a little. The D4 Kinetic also shows itself to be a good all-rounder, with a strong belt of torque and refinement from the engine bay. But the manual is a little snatchy under heavy torque, making the auto a better choice.Volvo's prestige compact looks sharp and has impeccable safety credentials. But it's up against the laser-cut pricing of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the inbound Golf. Stay tuned.

Try as it might Volvo can't seem to shake its reputation for being boring and stodgy, even though the company is now part of the Ford empire and its cars are closely related to models carrying the blue oval.NEWUnder the Ford banner the cars carrying the Volvo slash are a far cry from the old Volvos, but still it seems the Volvo badge is enough to deter possible buyers from stopping off at its dealerships when out shopping for a prestige car.Take, for instance, the mid-sized S60 sedan, which is a well equipped, decent driving, attractive car by any measure, and yet it struggles for traction against rivals from BMW and Audi and the like that are the new aspirational makes.With the choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive the S60 chassis is capable of handling any type of road that comes its way with impressive aplomb. Equipped with ABS brakes and stability control there are no situations it can't deal with safely. Show it a flowing road and it comes up trumps.Not only does it handle impressively it also rides well, soaking up all sorts of road surfaces without fuss. If it drives nicely it also looks good with its distinctively Volvo front, smooth flowing lines and athletic profile.There's a good choice of petrol and diesel engines to give you the performance or economy you want, starting with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four through to a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, with a couple of five-cylinder turbo-diesels in the midst of the range. Some criticised the auto transmission, which was said to be slow reacting and was often found wanting in its gear selection.NOWThe S60 released in 2010 is still relatively new to the market having been on the road for only a couple of years or so, so it's to be expected that there will be few reports of problems and our research with Volvo service specialists suggest that there is little to report at this stage of the car's life.Even though it's early days for the S60 it's still important that any car under consideration for purchase be checked for condition. It would be unusual for a car so new to be neglected when it comes to servicing, but it's still better to check its service record rather than assuming it has been done. Check inside and out for any signs of wear and tear that might bring the value down.It's also worth mentioning at this stage that with the Volvo brand on the nose with many people, rightly or wrongly, the resale value can be adversely affected. That applies equally when you're buying and when you are selling.It also needs to be noted that the S60 doesn't have a spare wheel, and there's no provision for carrying one. The only option is to carry a can of puncture repair foam.SMITHY SAYSLook beyond the brand and you'll find a decent car in the S60. Take a look.Volvo S60Price new: $51,990 to $69,990Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo, 132 kW/240 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 177 kW/320 Nm; 3.0-litre V6 turbo, 224 kW/440 Nm; 2.0-litre 5-cyl turbo-diesel, 120 kW/400 Nm; 2.4-litre 5-cyl turbo-diesel, 151 kW/420 NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWD, AWDEconomy: 7.4 L/100 km (T4), 8.6 L/100 km (T5), 10.2 L/100 km (T6), 5.9 L/100 km (D3), 7.1 L/100 km (D5)Body: 4-door sedanVariants: T4, T5, T6, D3, D5Safety: 5-star ANCAPCOMING UPHave you bought a Great Wall ute? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

Graham Smith reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Volvo C30 as a used buy.

Picture this. The boss tells you that everyone at work is going to get a tattoo of the company logo to show their loyalty. Tick . . . tick . . . tick . . . would you do it?The crazy, fun-loving Swedes at Volvo's skunkworks Polestar have done exactly that all 30 of them (they're so passionate about their brand). Launched in 1996, Polestar has been involved in motor racing for many years but has only recently turned its expert hand to building a go fast, road-going Volvo.The result is completely insane. Polestar has built only one of the cars so far and word has it that it will soon be in the hands of noted collector, US talk show host Jay Leno. The price? A cool $US300,000.THE GOODSWith a turbo-charged 3.0-litre six, the all-wheel drive S60 Polestar produces an astounding 374kW of power (or 508 horsepower in the old money) and thumping 575Nm of torque. It has a top speed of more than 300km/h and blasts from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.DISASTER STRIKESSorry Jay. But there could be a slight holdup. For one thing, we blew the clutch driving the beast at Volvo's proving ground outside Gothenburg. Well, not personally, but we were part of a crew of Aussie journos that put the car in the pits.THE DETAILSFinished in stunning blue with gunmetal 19 in alloys, the S60 Polestar is a whole lotta car. Planning for a production version is still in the early stages, but the good news is that Australia is one of three countries that will be getting it  along with the UK and US.Sitting 30mm lower than the already sporty T6 on which it is based, the guards and front and rear aprons have all been replaced with pumped out, carbon-fibre panels to accommodate the larger, wider wheels shod with 265/35 Michelins.The track is 20mm wider and the body has been braced and reinforced to accommodate the extra demands of the powertrain that produces a massive 67 per cent more power. Power is fed to all four wheels through a six-speed manual tranny, Haldex clutch and limited slip rear diff.PERFORMANCEBloody quick. It's difficult to get off the line cleanly, but hits hard once the big Garrett turbocharger kicks in. It brakes hard too, late and deep into corners, with six-pot Brembo stoppers up front.THE COMPETITIONAlthough it hasn't signed off on the project its obvious Volvo plans to build a production version.How close it is in spec to the original remains to be seen? It will more than likely be determined by the competition, BMW's M3 and the Benz C63 AMG sedans not forgetting the Lexus IS-F. The cheapest, the IS-F, is priced from $127,000.TOO MUCH?It's almost too much car, especially on the tight circuit with little room for runoff. The engine revs to 7100rpm before the rev limiter kicks in which happens quickly, with holographic LEDs to indicate its time to change up. The thing is the production version will really need to be offered with a self-shifter, whether it's an auto or twin clutch.They are so much better at getting off the line quickly and, for those attracted by the lure of this tasty morsel  that's what it's all about. OZ Volvo Cars Australia is of course keen to get hold of the car, more for the halo effect that it will have on the brand than sales it will generate. Certainly, no one in their right mind could label this another "boring" Volvo  not by any stretch of the imagination.Volvo S60 PolestarPrice: from $US300,000Weight: 1640kgEngine: 3.0-litre six turbo-charged, 374kW/575NmTransmission: six-speed manual, all wheel driveTop speed: over 300kmph0-100kmph: 3.9 secs

VALUE from $42,990VALUE from $54,990Making the S60 look horribly over-priced, the Allure is standard with front and rear parking sensors (and parallel parking measurement), heated door mirrors, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, quad-zone climate control, rainsensing wipers, daytime running lights and much more.At $12,000 more than the Peugeot, the Volvo is awfully pricey. It gets, as standard, all of the usual equipment such as Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, electrically adjustable front seats and leather. But satnav is a $4K-plus option and it gets only rear sensors. Front sensors add $325. Hmmm.TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGYThe 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel makes 120kW/340Nm with almost 80 per cent of the grunt available from just off idle. The smooth six-speed automatic helps with impressive fuel use of 5.7L/100km. Its electrically assisted power steering is miles better than the Swede's.The 2.0-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel puts out 120kW/400Nm via a six-speed Powershift transmission - Ford's excellent take on a DSG. Fuel use is 5.7L/100km. The electrically assisted steering is far too disconnected. For $4175 you can add Volvo's active chassis control, Four-C.DESIGNDESIGNInside and out, Peugeot's designers have excelled and the 508 in either sedan or wagon guise is stunning.There isn't a single hiccup in the design. There's a heap of room front and rear and the quality of the materials is impressive, as is the boot space, 497 litres.The S60 has a swooping coupe-like look. The dash layout is pretty good but it lacks the quality look and feel of the 508's interior. There's decent room front and rear and ample steering and seating adjustment, yet you never feel totally comfortable behind the wheel. Boot space is only 380 litres.SAFETYSAFETYIt has a five-star ANCAP rating and six airbags as standard. Passive safety elements complement its active systems. The steering column and brake pedal are collapsible and there are seat belt pre-tensioners, stability and traction control among many other items.It's a Volvo, so just how safe is it? The S60 gets a five-star ANCAP rating and, as standard, City Safety (to avoid rearenders at up to 30km/h), six airbags, stability control, ABS with Ready Alert Brakes, seat belt pre-tensioners and Intelligent Driver Information System.DRIVINGDRIVINGThe typically French well-damped ride doesn't fall apart when you ask more from the car. There's barely a shudder on coarser bitumen. The steering is well weighted, the brakes are strong, all adding to the sense the 508 is more expensive than it really is.The chassis allows for spirited driving with impressive body control. Plenty of grip, too. The brakes are strong, even if the pedal is a little dead. The wellmatched engine and gearbox deliver strong, smooth oomph to flatten hills and make overtaking a cinch.FINAL POINTSFINAL POINTSVerdictThe 508 makes sense fiscally, it makes sense visually and in a driverly sense. As for the Volvo, well, it's good, but the Peugeot really does hit it for six.  

Do you really need to take out a second mortgage to afford a super sedan? If you’re looking for a muscle car without the brash looks, a super sedan without the GT price tag, Volvo -- with Polestar's help -- has the answer.DESIGNThe S60 Polestar looks subtly butch from every angle. From the quad exhausts and raked rear venturi, to the diamond cut 19-in Heico rims and wide open mouth -- ready to devour everything in its path. There is no doubt this is a headturner, and the test car’s fiery red finish further turned up the heat.INTERIORThe interior is very Ken with no hint of Barbie. Sporty, yet quietly understated. The seats are über supportive and comfortable, double stitched leather with an almost techni-fibre feel, fully electric with driver memory, and complemented by the rally-inspired steering wheel -- perfectly sculpted for fast driving.The instrument panel is clear and focused with the looks of a well-engineered sports watch. The only downside was the integrated audio satnav system. It’s typically Swedish with a menu for every setting and control, but is awkward to use without reading an entire manual. Entering a simple address proved quite a challenge. Best option: leave it off and enjoy the drive.VALUEWith a list price starting at $82,990 (incl. GST & LCT) and every feature under the sun, this presents a truly awesome value proposition. For build and exclusivity, it’s a cut above the FPV and HSV ranges, and sits very competitively against the BMW M5 and AMG models at almost half the price. Although not quite as quick as the others, it would be very hard to beat the S60 Polestar on value.SAFETYThe S60 gets a full five-star ANCAP crash rating. It has a distinguished list of non-invasive driver aids and safety features, being careful not to detract from the driving experience, yet providing that extra level of Swedish sensibility.From the active bi-xenon headlights bending round the corners, to the crash sensors all round to prevent those little knocks and scratches, I found them all useful at the right times, and invisible when not required. The traction control system proved to be well calibrated, only kicking in when pushed beyond reasonable limits on wet and twisty country lanes, unlike some others which are constantly spoiling your fun.DRIVING AND PERFORMANCETaking the S60 Polestar for a drive is an emotional all-sensory engaging experience. Squeeze, growl, push-push-push, change, whoosh. Repeat. And again. The never-ending stream of torque and power is relentless, all the way to the red line before the next gear is mercifully engaged, and the rush starts over again. Once the throttle is wide open, this car is brutal. Its power delivery is savage, corners arriving in mere moments and suddenly demanding immediate engagement of the anchors.Turn-in is a dream, with full confidence in the all-wheel drive system and oodles of traction from the P-Zero tyres to glide you round the corner onto the next straight, ready for the orchestra to kick off another explosive earfull of delight.  The drivetrain delivery is so well sorted and efficient, it feels like it has a lot more than the 242kW and 480Nm of torque quoted. The chassis dynamics are smooth and glued to the road, contrary to some reports, even on the bumpiest and roughest of country surfaces. The S60 Polestar is equally capable and comfortable just running around town as a daily driver.VERDICTThe Volvo S60 Polestar is all about driving, for the sheer indulgence and exhilaration. For a large super saloon, it felt like a mid-sized rally car. I was like a kid in a candy store and never wanted to leave it or put it down, just wanting to take it out for another drive and do it all over again. I hate traffic lights, but I found myself begging for reds.Only 50 have been built as a local experiment by Volvo Cars Australia in collaboration with Polestar, so exclusivity is guaranteed for some time to come. When I think of Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati, to a lesser extent this almost equates to AMG, BMW M and the Volvo S60 Polestar. This one's a keeper.Volvo S60 PolestarPrice: From $82,990Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbocharged 242kW/480NmTransmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel driveThirst: 10.2L/100km; 243g Co2 per km