Category: Volvo

The XC90 is the largest of Volvo’s three SUVs. There are four grades: Momentum, Inscription, R-Design and the Recharge plugin hybrid. The current model dates back to 2015, while Volvo has been upgrading the tech and gradually replacing the original powertrains with hybrid or plug-in hybrid setups. One of the car’s defining features is the large, vertically mounted tablet-style infotainment touchscreen from which the driver is able to control most of the functions of the vehicle. Being a Volvo, safety and more recently reduced engine emissions are a given and… Read more

Recharge is the fully electric version of Volvo’s XC40 small-medium SUV. Until recently there was just the one electric model, but now you get to choose from two. One has a single electric motor, the other comes with two of them — or ‘twin’ motors as they are known. STYLING Volvo XC40’s exterior styling is chunky, compact and functional. The wheels are standouts. A blanked-out radiator grille signifies this is the fully electric version of the small SUV, in other words – no cooling required. Although designed to seat five,… Read more

It’s not quite the 374kW beast that we drove in Sweden a few years ago, but it’s a Volvo S60 nevertheless. These days that means a rather sedate 183kW executive sedan that doesn’t use much fuel because it’s a hybrid. The S60 remains a practical alternative to the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, for those not keen on German fare — and interestingly, it’s now built in the United States. Inscription is Volvo’s mid-spec grade in terms of equipment, sitting between the Momentum and sporty R-Design grades…. Read more

I have fond memories of Volvo’s XC70. Designed along the same lines as the Subaru Outback, Passat Alltrack and Audi Allroad, the XC70 went missing in 2016, a victim of the SUV revolution. But small practical wagons still enjoy a loyal, if modest, following and the spirit of XC lives on in the V60 and V90 Cross Country. And we’re glad to say the V60 Cross Country is of- fered here. STYLING There’s just the one model, priced from $64,990. It’s available in a choice of 10 colours, with Denim… Read more

We’ve always thought of the XC60 as the Goldilocks of the Volvo SUV range, not too big and not too small — just the right size. The mid-sized XC60 has been part of the lineup since 2008, with the second and latest generation of the five-seater arriving in 2017. It’s now available only in hybrid form. It’s available in four grades – B5 Momentum, B5 Inscription, B6 R-Design and the Recharge PHEV. The first three are equipped with a mild, self-charging hybrid system in two states of tune, while the… Read more

Our road test car this week is a Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin, which was particularly interesting as our family car is a Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription that we have owned for three years. It will be fascinating to find out how the two compare both in performance and the latest in technology. And decide if we hold onto our existing car or go the electric route. STYLING These days Volvo is one of world’s automotive style leaders and in my opinion the XC40 is the best shape from the company… Read more