Autoblog UK

Volvo is launching several new models at the IAA in Frankfurt. The C30 will play a special role with a new range of colours to meet customers' wishes. There are now a total of five different colours available for the entry-model. In addition, a new orange metallic paint as well as two sets of wheels not available before will be on offer. White rims can be specified for the first time. In the cockpit, there are likewise new colour combinations in dark brown and grey-beige. Other fabrics in bright colours such as orange, green or blue and red-blue leather trim can be had. Outside, the front of the car in particular has been given a total make-over. The contours of the bumpers have been revamped, there are bigger air vents and newly- designed headlamps plus a larger company badge. The C30 is the first vehicle in the Swedish line-up to have a honey-comb grille.

Nobody can say precisely how many lives have been saved by the three-point safety belt since the 1960s, as no standard global statistics have been kept during this period, but it is estimated that the figure could be as high as one million. This invention has additionally prevented many serious injuries.

So there are very few people who can claim to have saved as many lives as Nils Bohlin. The Volvo engineer first presented his three-point safety belt on 13th August 1959. This was the date on which the lifesaving device was first fitted to the cabin of a Volvo PV544. Volvo still lead the way in terms of safety innovations and, despite the more recent introduction of airbags and other features, the humble safety belt remains the most important development in the history of road safety. The video clip presented here provides a brief review of how the safety belt has developed and of possible future advances in safety equipment.

The Swedes are upgrading their models. The Volvo XC60 will be going into the 2010 range with new engines, front-wheel drive and improved equipment. The engine compartment will be able to feature a choice between one of two diesels or a petrol engine. It is the XC60 2.4D DRIVe that will in future represent the entry model of the model range. This vehicle features a new 175bhp diesel engine with a cubic capacity of 2.4 litres, providing a top speed of 127mph. The 2.4D is the first XC60 to be available with front-wheel drive and with a six-speed manual box, it apparently consumes a mere 47mpg.

Apart from the engines, Volvo has also optimised the equipment options. The basic version alone already offers climate control. Apart from that, diverse extras have been added to various equipment options.

Mattias Vöcks is an engineer with the Swedish performance tuner Koenigsegg. In his free time, he converts Swedish classics, dressing them up with modern technology and large V8 engines. At the SEMA in Los Angeles, he caused a great stir in 2006 upon appearing with a tuned-up 1967 Amazon.

Now he wants to have a crack at the P1800 and plans to launch this original Volvo as a mini series with just a few minor changes. Of course this car will also be fitted with the most modern technology. The power pack is apparently going to be the 4.4 litre V8 from the Volvo XC 90 which, with a turbocharger, can develop 600bhp. It will be interesting to see whether this Swedish gentleman gets it to market.

Let's forget for one moment the tantalising pictures of the new S60 Concept and focus on its predecessor. Up to now, the S60 has been as bourgeois a Volvo as you could want. Angular design, straight-laced with a characteristically beefy pair of shoulders which are further accentuated by the rear light panels. Scandinavian cool plus all the typical Volvo insignia.

The S60 Concept recently unveiled shows us where the new S60 is heading and carries on in a somewhat more radical fashion from where the XC60 left off. Out with the plain straight lines and in with curve appeal and plenty of details.

Is this the end of 'hard-line Volvo design'? After the beefy back-end look of the current S60, the recently-presented XC60 showed the new design aspirations of the Swedes. And it is certainly ready to stand up and be counted! It's particularly because Volvo has succeeded in almost fully concealing the strong technical links to diverse Ford models and thus not letting the premium aspirations of the brand be put under question.

Photos are now being released of the S60 successor which will be available in 2010. A distinct and stylish radiator grille is of course one of the key components in contemporary car design (particularly in the premium segment). As much so as a roof that slopes downwards to the rear in coupé style, ending with a short and tidy tail end with just a hint of being stepped. The lateral characteristics are however a little reminiscent of the Audi A5.

The age of the massive and ponderous high-end SUV is past.

Ultimately, you just can't ignore the environmental debate going on around you. First it was the customers; now the manufacturers have started to take notice. So what are they doing about it? Simply shifting the disaster area one level down and calling it the new 'Small Premium Utility' class. A linguistic ploy of self-justification in a marketing world that pays lip service to 'green' principles.

The reality looks different. These wannabe compact SUVs have little in common with the target compact range. At least as regards dimensions. Who needs that?

The latest example of this class is the Volvo XC60, derived from the Kuga.
This compact high-seater from Sweden presents itself in a completely new brand design and yet still retains the characteristics of a Volvo.

At Volvo, they don't mind challenges. It is far less likely to be up against the Tiguan, Kuga or Koleos than the brand new Audi Q5, Mercedes GLK and BMW X3. In other words, the high-end compact SUVs.

The Audi Q5 looks just as you would expect - a monster grille on the front and two headlamps with LEDs but little more besides. (The novelty is beginning to wear off.) The Mercedes will inspire with its sharp lines; at least they've got bold ideas in Stuttgart. The X3 is already starting to look its age and awaiting replacement.

In view of the predominantly German competition, the XC60 could certainly prove to be a success, not least because it represents a credible alternative.