Volvo upgrades V70, XC70 and S80

* V70, XC70 and S80 get improved engines * 1.6-litre DRIVe unit added to V70 and S80 ranges * More safety kit standard across all three ranges...

Volvo upgrades V70, XC70 and S80

Volvo has made a series of upgrades to its V70, XC70 and S80 ranges, including more efficient engines and improved safety equipment.

All three ranges are now available with the latest versions of the D3 and D5 turbodiesel engines. These have been optimised to improve their fuel economy and in the S80, both now average 57.7mpg. That's up from 53.3mpg in the current model. The D5 is also 10bhp more powerful

At the same time, the 1.6-litre DRIVe diesel engine joins the V70 and S80 ranges, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and a stop-start system. It is 5bhp more powerful than the previous DRIVe model, averages 62.8mpg and emits 119g/km of CO2 in both models.

Inside, the V70, XC70 and S80 now have the same Sensus infotainment system that appeared on the S60 and V60 last year.

All the information is displayed on a colour screen at the top of the centre console, and all the settings can be adjusted by either steering wheel-mounted controls or buttons just below the screen.

More safety as standard
The three models now come with Volvos City Safety system as standard, which can lessen the severity of low-speed rear-end collisions, or avoid them altogether. On top of that, the Pedestrian Detection system is also available. This uses sensors to alert the driver if a pedestrian is in front of the car, and if no action is taken, the car will automatically brake to avoid a collision.

Automatic versions of the three cars can also be specified with Adaptive Cruise Control, which will automatically maintain a set distance to the car in front at all speeds, right down to a standstill.

Last, but not least, the cars also come with a choice of new colours, redesigned headlights, new wheel designs and improved inlays and lighting in the cabin.

How much?
Prices for the uprated cars start from 25,995 for the V70, 25,245 for the S80 and 28,815 for the XC70.