Volvo range receives 2009 revisions and double-clutch

A healthy dose of technical improvements and superficial enhancements, along with improved security, safety and occupant entertainment features are set to make Volvo's upcoming 2009 model range all the more appealing when they debut from July 2008.

Power folding mirrors and modified Volvo Communications Packs that incorporate the manufacturer-specific RTI Navigation Systems, Keyless Drive and hands-free Bluetooth functionality all characterise the 2009 model metamorphosis, accompanied by the full gamut of driving experience enhancements brought about by Volvo's on-going engineering and technical pioneering.

2009 Volvo S40 and V50 revisions

The 2009 Volvo S40 upper-medium segment saloon and V50 Sportswagon compact estate will have an adrenalin shot of manufacturer badge presence - manifesting itself as larger logo across both vehicles' bodywork – and bringing them in keeping with the styling of Volvo's current V70, XC70 and upcoming XC60.

Elsewhere, and the 09 model Volvo S40 and V50 have had optional RTI Navigation Systems bolstered by a new £1,500 driver interface, as well as a Family Pack that costs £260.

Engine-wise, and the 2.4-litre petrol block has been dismissed altogether, with entry to the S40 and V50 Volvo owners club now starting with the 1.6S S40 priced at £13,995, whilst the V50 remains unchanged at £15,995 for the same power plant. Electronic Climate Control, (EEC) Air Quality System, (AQS) Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, (DSTC) power windows and an MP3-compatible entertainment system is standardized across both base-level models.

Savile Grey has been added as an exterior wash to both models for 09, and a Bluetooth Hands free system is a £200 optional extra.

2009 Volvo C30 upgrades

The 2009 Volvo C30 compact hatchback has embraced the RTI Sat Nav found on the aforementioned new models and has a hard load cover included in the £14,995 asking price for the entry-level C30 1.6 R-Design Sport. The alternative soft load cover is offered as a free option on the new cornerstone C30 model, while the range has also dropped the 2.4i engine.

Not that this model is in any way lacking in any department given that it's interior boasts the Swedish manufacturer's IDIS system, cruise and MP3-compatible sound appendix to complement its sport R-Design exterior flourishes which now come in a new Savile Grey paint. 18” Midir alloys are a freebie option on the R-Design SE Sport variant.

2009 Volvo C70 embellished

The £25,750 Volvo C70 2.4IS Coupe Convertible has survived the engine cull that's seen wholesale casualties across other models.

Again EEC, Cruise and power windows are present and correct in standard guise, along with a high performance audio system and information centre. The freshly-enhanced RTI Sat Nav and Keyless Drive are free options, with Volvo's new Powershift transmission – available on the 2.0 D power plant only taking the form of a six-speed twin wet clutch assemblage - now being extended to the 09 C70 Coupe Convertible. Retailing for an extra £1,250 on the C70 2.0 D, the Powershift gearbox not only improves performance it also increases fuel efficiency.

Further Volvo badge prominence, Bluetooth hands free kit and a model-specific Vanilla Pearl paint job mark the 2009 Volvo C70 out from the current version.

Volvo XC70 improved

The 2009 model year Volvo XC70 premium segment estate benefits from a host of timely updates, including Active Bending Lights, heated washer nozzle jets, Load-Compensating Suspension and chronograph instrumentation dials making an appearance on the SE Lux variant.

Larger screen modulations to the 09 Volvo XC70s RSE – harnessing a digital TV option, DVD player and all the accompanying razzmatazz – will cost £1,350 in base format, however expect to pay an additional £50 premium for the digital TV option.

Volvo's new Driver Support Pack is also worth ticking the option box for as it now runs to BLIS, (Blind Spot Information System) ACC, Distance Alert and Collision Warning with Auto Brake and LDW, (Lane Departure Warning) and DAC (Driver Alert Control) all in a £1,500 'safety first' package. Peace of mind is addressed via a £600 Volvo Security Pack that incorporates PPC (Personal Car Communicator) with Heartbeat Sensor, Keyless Drive and laminated windows.

£31,035 gets UK Volvo buyers the entry-level XC70 D5 SE manual which comes with the unique new Caper Green Pearl exterior coloration.

2009 Volvo S80 receives additions

The 2009 Volvo S80 luxury saloon gets the heated washer nozzles and touched-up instrumentation afforded the XC70, and has new 17” Casini rims on offer too in SE Lux models. RSE with the Digi-TV option and the introduction of the Driver Support and Security Pack differentiates the upcoming model over the current.

The 09 Volvo S80 range gets under way with the £23,495 with the 2.0 SE, and encompasses the all-new environmentally-pleasing 2.5T FlexiFuel engine for £25,295. Caper Green Pearl will become the latest paint offering across the model range.

2009 Volvo S60 sees change

The 2009 Volvo S60 luxury medium segment will see its prices reduced over existing models in the range, with the foundation S60 2.0T SE commencing dealings from £19,995. The SE Sport variant receives will now feature an anti-theft alarm, Active Bending Lights and a headlamp cleaning facility as standard.

As mentioned recently, the forthcoming 2009 Volvo XC90 and V70 have witnessed many alterations, including the new R-Design sports chassis and styling pack.