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  • Aesthetics wise, Volvo has got the formula right. The very thing that captures your attention first would be the very sporty looking bonnet with its cuts and creases, and the extremely rakish windscreen. Throw in unpainted plastic cladding that runs all round, faux scuff plates (front and rear) and sleek silver roof rails, what you get is a jacked up hatch back with an off-roader presence. 
    DOCUMENTED: 03.04.2013 | 20:43 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Dull And Drab No More | Volvo V40 Cross Country

    Volvo's V40 Cross Country is style and substance all rolled into one.

    Photos: Joel Tam It’s the age of having the best of both worlds. Consumers these days demand an amalgam of sorts, and often se ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, V40, Cross Country, Hatchback
    • Aesthetics wise, Volvo has got the formula right. The very thing that captures your attention first would be the very sporty looking bonnet with its cuts and creases, and the extremely rakish windscreen. Throw in unpainted plastic cladding that runs all round, faux scuff plates (front and rear) and sleek silver roof rails, what you get is a jacked up hatch back with an off-roader presence. 
    • As for the interior, in comparison to the exterior, it is nowhere as stylish. The design within the car offers a more subdued mood, and the interior seems to echo the very design vibe carried by its fellow stable mates. Though a tad drab, it might not necessarily be a bad thing at all as most of the bits are well constructed, and tastefully trimmed in black and aluminium.
    • Some areas, like the floating centre console and the sculpted door-pads do provide a tinge of peppiness, but that’s as far as it goes. Some parts that really appeal to me are the transparent LED illuminated gear selector, massive full-length glass roof and the fully digital dashboard instrument cluster (which has a switchable colour mode function to suit your mood - see photos below) featuring a high resolution TFT screen. In terms of space, the V40 Cross Country T4 can comfortably seat four adults and carry a substantial amount of stuff with its 335 litres boot.
  • The interior is lavished with leather seats, a Panoramic Glass Roof and an optional two-tone upholstery. The Raw Copper exterior launch colour is echoed in the contrasting stitching. Further emphasis of the colour can be made by choosing the Copper Dawn centre stack inlay.
    DOCUMENTED: 22.01.2013 | 15:42 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Volvo V40 Cross Country Lands In Singapore

    Volvo’s newly launched V40 Cross Country promises to blend capable ruggedness and expressive elegance.

    Creating a practical, go everywhere car that is reliable and comfortable enough for everyday use, while being desirable and safe at the s ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, V40, Cross Country, Turbo, Wearnes Automotive
    • The interior is lavished with leather seats, a Panoramic Glass Roof and an optional two-tone upholstery. The Raw Copper exterior launch colour is echoed in the contrasting stitching. Further emphasis of the colour can be made by choosing the Copper Dawn centre stack inlay.
    • The fixed panoramic glass roof fits neatly against the top edge of the windscreen, giving the illusion of one large glass panel. This creates a sporty coupe style look that also gives the interior a light, spacious feel. Tint on the panel ensures the interior maintains a comfortable temperature even on the sunniest days.
    • Lots of innovate safety features ensures the car is safe during normal usage. To prevent a crash from occurring in the first place, The Volvo Sensus infotainment system, a fully graphic interactive and active TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display displays the most important information in any given situation right in front of the driver, making it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. The functions can be operated from the steering wheel or via controls located directly below the colour screen.
  • Volvo Car Corporation estimates to sell about 7,500 units of limited edition Volvo Ocean Race cars, which include the Volvo V60, V70, XC60 and XC70. The four largest markets are expected to be Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Italy. Other markets outside Europe that will be involved in the race will also sell the cars. Wearnes Automotive has managed to secure just ten units of the Volvo XC60, even though Singapore is not involved in the race.
    DOCUMENTED: 17.04.2012 | 12:34 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Updated XC90 And Limited Edition XC60 For Local SUV Fans

    Although Volvo has been largely quiet in the SUV market, the updated XC90 and limited edition XC60 should excite fans of the brand

    Photos: Low Fai Ming & Volvo   Tradition continues when, for the fourth time in its history, Volvo Cars' Special Veh ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, Wearnes Automotive, XC90, XC60, Limited Edition Volvo, Volvo XC90 Refreshed, Volvo XC60 Volvo Ocean Race
    • Volvo Car Corporation estimates to sell about 7,500 units of limited edition Volvo Ocean Race cars, which include the Volvo V60, V70, XC60 and XC70. The four largest markets are expected to be Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Italy. Other markets outside Europe that will be involved in the race will also sell the cars. Wearnes Automotive has managed to secure just ten units of the Volvo XC60, even though Singapore is not involved in the race.
    • Customers can choose between two luxurious exterior colours, Volvo Ocean Blue II or Electric Silver, in conjunction with the sail-inspired leather upholstery in off-black and soft beige. Other features are the uniquely designed aluminium wheels, chromed detailing and the Volvo Ocean Race emblem gleaming on the front fender.
    • Inside the car, the seats and door panels feature an added level of craftsmanship. The load cover displays the Volvo Ocean Race logo in print with stitching and sheet detailing, there are textile floor mats with clew-inspired details in aluminium and the tread plate in aluminium is embossed with the text
  • A number of Volvo vehicles, with OCBC Cycle Singapore 2012 branding, will be on the roads in Singapore to promote the event in the build up to 2nd to 4th March. Volvo will also provide a fleet of 7-seater Volvo XC90 SUVs and V70 luxury wagons for the transportation of VIPs and professional cyclists throughout the event week.
    DOCUMENTED: 03.02.2012 | 11:22 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Volvo Officially Partners The OCBC Cycle Singapore 2012

    A fleet of XC90 SUVs and V70 wagons will be used as official cars

    Photos courtesy of volvocars.com   Spectrum Worldwide announced that Volvo has signed on as the Official Vehicle Partner for ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, Wearnes Automotive, OCBC Cycle Singapore, OCBC, Spectrum Worldwide
    • A number of Volvo vehicles, with OCBC Cycle Singapore 2012 branding, will be on the roads in Singapore to promote the event in the build up to 2nd to 4th March. Volvo will also provide a fleet of 7-seater Volvo XC90 SUVs and V70 luxury wagons for the transportation of VIPs and professional cyclists throughout the event week.
    • “Volvo has always been a strong supporter of sporting events; hence, we are certainly pleased and privileged to be part of such a renowned experience. With our Volvo XC90 and V70 reflecting common athletic traits of dynamic performance, agility and excellence, their presence at the event will help to echo the vigour of the OCBC Cycle Singapore 2012”, said Mr Victor Kwan, General Manager, Wearnes Automotive Pte Ltd (Volvo).
    • In addition, Volvo will run a unique promotion whereby the cars will be sold to the public prior to the Professional Criterium on Friday, 2 March. The buyers will receive added benefits, such as exclusive discounts and signed event merchandise. An OCBC Cycle Singapore 2012 roadshow will also take place at the Volvo showroom in mid-February.
  • The Volvo S60 T6 R-Design is an excellent package. Handsome, sporty, well-built and really quick to boot. It may not have started out wanting to crush the competition, but if Volvo can give us more feedback and a meatier steering feel, they might just be able to.
    DOCUMENTED: 27.10.2011 | 07:48 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Brutally Honest | Volvo S60 T6 R-Design

    Stupendously rapid and yet relaxing to drive and be in, the Volvo S60 T6 now gets an even sportier makeover from the company's R-Design wardrobe.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming The feeling of having 440 Nm of torque at your disposal is very similar to having a gun. You simply point and s ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, S60, T6, Turbocharged, R-Design, Sedan, Swede
    • The Volvo S60 T6 R-Design is an excellent package. Handsome, sporty, well-built and really quick to boot. It may not have started out wanting to crush the competition, but if Volvo can give us more feedback and a meatier steering feel, they might just be able to.
    • The R-Design wardrobe adorns the S60 with a new athletic front kit, and a rear bumper that features duplex-styled chrome exhaust tailpipes sticking out of a sporty diffuser. 18
    • The car is lowered and stiffened up via shorter and stiffer springs. This really changes the look of the car and it now sits 15 mm lower and is 15% stiffer than the stock springs. You can't really feel the difference though, as the car features Monotube damping at the rear, allowing a more pliant ride whether you're cruising or chucking the car round a series of bends.
  • “With such stringent certification and assured peace of mind from one of Singapore’s top premium car distributors, Volvo Selekt by Wearnes Automotive is the safest way to buy any pre-owned car”, says Goran Larson, President, Asia Region, Volvo Cars Corporation.
    DOCUMENTED: 24.08.2011 | 15:11 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Wearnes Automotive First In Asia To Introduce Volvo Selekt

    Wearnes Automotive is the first dealer in Asia to be authorised to retail pre-owned Volvos under the stringent Volvo Selekt programme.

    Having distributed Volvos for more than 30 years in Singapore, Wearnes Automotive is now also the first dealer in Asia to have cleared th ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, Wearnes Automotive, Volvo Selekt, Pre-owned
    • “With such stringent certification and assured peace of mind from one of Singapore’s top premium car distributors, Volvo Selekt by Wearnes Automotive is the safest way to buy any pre-owned car”, says Goran Larson, President, Asia Region, Volvo Cars Corporation.
    • The expansive Volvo Selekt showroom is housed within the current Volvo premises at 249 Alexandra Road, together with the new car showroom and the service centre, making it a comprehensive one-stop facility. Volvo Selekt customers will enjoy the same comforts of a new car-buying experience as well as quality aftersales service at the authorised Volvo Service Centre.
  • With the introduction of the new Polestar power optimisation tuning, Volvo cars can now produce higher power output and better torque in the range where the engine works most often in.
    DOCUMENTED: 11.08.2011 | 12:16 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    The New Polestar Power Optimisation For Volvos

    Drive a Volvo? Been looking for Volvo-approved tuning options? Well, here's your answer.

    The partnership between Volvo and Polestar was founded in 1996 in collaboration with Volvo's racing efforts. Since then, Polestar ha ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Polestar Power Optimisation
    • With the introduction of the new Polestar power optimisation tuning, Volvo cars can now produce higher power output and better torque in the range where the engine works most often in.
    • This results in improved performances and higher safety in situations where extra power is needed, particularly when overtaking. All these without increasing the certified fuel consumption or affecting the original Volvo Warranty and speed inhibitor. Volvo owners no longer need to take risks with
    • It is also available for existing cars on the road. Polestar power optimisation is available for the 2.0T, 2.5T and T6 variants of the S60, XC60, S80, V70 and XC90. Power increase ranges between 8.2% to 18.2%.
  • The dashing new S60 is not all that new, but the engine that is mated to this T4 variant, makes it even more appealing. First found in the V60 T4, then on the S80 T4, the 1.6 GTDi (No it's not a diesel, it stands for Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) is a potent 180 bhp powerplant that delivers a surprisingly sporty drive.
    DOCUMENTED: 02.08.2011 | 04:40 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Swede As Honey | Volvo S60 T4

    Well-appointed, handsome and a pretty quick steer. Volvo's sportiest drive is about to show you why it is the perfect car for the Singaporean who wants everything.

    Photos: Joel Tam So you want to buy a new car. You make a checklist - It's got to be stylish, modern and big enough to ferry you ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, S60, T4, Turbocharged, 1.6, Sedan, Swede
    • The dashing new S60 is not all that new, but the engine that is mated to this T4 variant, makes it even more appealing. First found in the V60 T4, then on the S80 T4, the 1.6 GTDi (No it's not a diesel, it stands for Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) is a potent 180 bhp powerplant that delivers a surprisingly sporty drive.
    • 'Sporty' isn't something usually associated with Volvos, but this car comes pretty close to owning that term. Not only does it drive well, it looks pretty foxy too. Especially in R-design trim, the high boot with wrap-around lamps, rear bumper with dual integrated exhaust pipes and alloy wheels, all serve to add to the dynamic package.
    • Step inside and the stylish lines continue their flow all around you. Inspired by race tracks, the lines on the door panels and dashboard have been sculpted with athletic flair.
  • Power aside, the Volvo S80 is all about ferrying 'towkays' around in a fair amount of comfort and style. It does this well - as it has been doing for many years now.
    DOCUMENTED: 19.06.2011 | 00:32 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Big Car + Small Engine = ? | Volvo S80 T4

    Volvo's S80 flagship sedan has been fitted with a 1.6-litre engine. Yup. Flagship. 1600cc. We tell you how something that sounds so wrong can feel so right.

    Photos: Joel Tam People who love to drive, revel in piloting cars that are small in size but big on power. Volvo however, has produc ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, S80, 1.6, Turbocharged
    • Power aside, the Volvo S80 is all about ferrying 'towkays' around in a fair amount of comfort and style. It does this well - as it has been doing for many years now.
    • This second generation S80 has graced our roads for the past four years and while it may not possess the new Volvo design language found in the new S60, it still cuts a rather handsome profile.
    • T4 badging is a smart move.
  • Jetex Sports Exhausts feature fully polished exhaust tips, mufflers and resonators. Full Cat-Back system with quad pipes as seen here on this Volkswagen Scirocco.
    DOCUMENTED: 18.06.2011 | 15:55 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Jetex Sports Exhaust Lands In Singapore

    The popular sports exhaust brand from Sweden and the UK has appointed JD Performance as the distributor, and they in turn have not wasted time by appointing dealers island wide.

    Photos: Dave Lim Volkswagens and Audis are without doubt one of the fastest growing brands in Singapore. That is why JD Performance, ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Jetex, JD Performance, Exhaust
    • Jetex Sports Exhausts feature fully polished exhaust tips, mufflers and resonators. Full Cat-Back system with quad pipes as seen here on this Volkswagen Scirocco.
    • Scirocco owners admire the quad pipe-equipped rear end of the black demo car.
    • Build up the revs and be entertained by
  • The interior of the Concept Universe is designed to be user-focused and uncluttered. While it is driver orientated in the front, rear passengers will be in great comfort. The controls, which includes touchscreen operation, senses the driver's hand and approaches it automatically. That brings controls within reach from the driver's seat.
    DOCUMENTED: 19.04.2011 | 17:49 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Volvo's Universe Of Concepts

    Is this what Volvo cars of the future will look like? Someone is certainly on a roll!

    As a preview of Volvo's next top-of-the-line sedan, the Concept Universe has been designed with futuristic touches such as the coupe- ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, Concept, Universe
    • The interior of the Concept Universe is designed to be user-focused and uncluttered. While it is driver orientated in the front, rear passengers will be in great comfort. The controls, which includes touchscreen operation, senses the driver's hand and approaches it automatically. That brings controls within reach from the driver's seat.
    • Volvo has cleverly blended the dynamic colour scheme of the front seats together with the calm colour scheme for those seated in the rear. Despite being full of futuristic touches, the concept also contains classic touches, using materials and textures to create a contemporary air of luxury. <br><br>
  • Despite all those nuances, the V60 responds nicely to corners with lots of grip. Go hard on the brakes, dive into the corner, exit with your foot on the accelerator and let the stability control figure out where to send the power to. Or, if you are feeling brave, enter the vehicle settings menu and turn the stability aid off. While this makes the car break away in predictable under steer once the limit is breached, it is a bit hard to get it to behave again.
    DOCUMENTED: 04.04.2011 | 16:58 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Hello Vogue Wagon! | Volvo V60 T4

    Once shunned, now gaining popularity, especially with young men who like cars to be practical and at the same time stylish. Now, how about a four-door coupe-like station wagon?

    Photos: Low Fai Ming There is quite a lot to like about station wagons such as the Volvo V60. Because they are based on sedans, wagon ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, V60, T4, Station, Wagon, Estate
    • Despite all those nuances, the V60 responds nicely to corners with lots of grip. Go hard on the brakes, dive into the corner, exit with your foot on the accelerator and let the stability control figure out where to send the power to. Or, if you are feeling brave, enter the vehicle settings menu and turn the stability aid off. While this makes the car break away in predictable under steer once the limit is breached, it is a bit hard to get it to behave again.
    • A short lesson on Volvo's racing history: In 1994, Volvo entered its 850 station wagon into the British Touring Car Championship. While the car never made it to the podium, it was a serious contender because wagons had the advantage of lower drag and more downforce. However, aerodynamic aids were allowed the year after and Volvo had to switch to a 850 sedan to remain competitive. This marketing exercise however, did boost the image of station wagons, even though the 850 was shaped like a brick. Fast-forward today, we have the sporty V60, touted to be “the best front-wheel drive car in the market”.
    • Look at it from the side and its coupe-inspired roof-line flows nicely to the rear, combined with its low pointy nose and curvaceous panels that separates it from the pack of station wagons here in Singapore. With the sloping roof-line, it does mean that getting into the rear in a flurry may result in a big bruise on the head. Once inside though, average Asian adults will be comfortable with ample head and leg room.
  • The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be presented at the 2011 Geneva motor show. A production-ready car, the V60 Plug-in hybrid has carbon dioxide emissions of below 50 g/km. The car can be driven on diesel power alone, as a diesel-electric hybrid, or as an electric-only car - technology that no other manufacturer can currently offer. The plug-in hybrid, which will be launched on the market in 2012, is the result of close cooperation between Volvo Cars and energy supplier Vattenfall.
    DOCUMENTED: 01.03.2011 | 12:45 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    The V60 Plug-in Hybrid Is Three Cars In One

    Volvo presents the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid - the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

    How about integrating the very best properties from three different car types into one, single attractive sports wagon? By simply pressing a ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, V60, Hybrid
    • The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be presented at the 2011 Geneva motor show. A production-ready car, the V60 Plug-in hybrid has carbon dioxide emissions of below 50 g/km. The car can be driven on diesel power alone, as a diesel-electric hybrid, or as an electric-only car - technology that no other manufacturer can currently offer. The plug-in hybrid, which will be launched on the market in 2012, is the result of close cooperation between Volvo Cars and energy supplier Vattenfall.
    • In the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid the buyer gets the very best properties of three distinct car types. At the touch of a button the driver can decide how he or she wants to drive. The
  • Christopher Wailes, Volvo Europe's Product & Pricing Manager also shared with us that the chassis is designed to position the V60 as the best front-wheel drive car on the market. The V60 also has stiffer springs, bushes, more suspension damping and a steering rack that is ten times faster than any Volvo. Advanced Stability Control with a new roll angle sensor helps to improve handling together with the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control.
    DOCUMENTED: 19.01.2011 | 05:50 GMT +8 | 1 COMMENTS

    Volvo V60 Powers Into Singapore

    Volvo claims that this red-hot sports wagon is their most dynamic model to date.

    Wearnes Automotive officially unveiled Volvo's latest estate, the V60 in Singapore yesterday. The T4 variant on offer has an aluminium GTDi ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, V60, T4, GTDi, Wearnes, 1.6 Turbo
    • Christopher Wailes, Volvo Europe's Product & Pricing Manager also shared with us that the chassis is designed to position the V60 as the best front-wheel drive car on the market. The V60 also has stiffer springs, bushes, more suspension damping and a steering rack that is ten times faster than any Volvo. Advanced Stability Control with a new roll angle sensor helps to improve handling together with the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control.
    • Like the S60, it gets Corner Traction Control which slows down the inner driven wheel when negotiating a bend and sends more power to the outside wheel to allow tighter cornering capabilities. It's also fitted with Volvo's smallest steering wheel to make it much more driver-orientated and partly to improve road feedback.
    • Volvo's fresh-looking Scandinavian design principles are found on the V60 as well, with smooth
  • DOCUMENTED: 03.12.2010 | 10:41 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Volvo Air Motion

    Imagine a vehicle lighter than a F1 race car. Experiencing the adrenaline rush of carving through the canyons with up to three friends and not using a drop of gasoline...

    During the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, a scale model of the Volvo Air Motion was on display and participated in the Design ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, Air Motion
    • Minimising weight and complexity, while maximising driving enjoyment, is the philosophy behind this vehicle. Thousands fewer components are employed than in a traditional car thanks to the powerful yet simple compressed air motors that replace a heavy internal combustion engine. The motors cool down under load rather than heat up, thus removing the need for heavy cooling systems. An integrated approach to designing the chassis, interior and suspension also contribute significantly. To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites are used. Powered by air turbines floating 1,000ft in the air they harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the compression. Aimed at the driving enthusiast, by a company synonymous with safety and environmental care, the Volvo Air Motion demonstrates the beauty and purity of Scandinavian design and delivers a guilt free, raw driving experience.
    • The Volvo Air Motion: Canyon Carver has been developed at Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC) that opened in 1986. VMCC is situated in Camarillo, California and comprises of Chris Benjamin, Dean Bakker, Steve Goodrich, Bjorn Wessman, Doug Frasher, Dean Shaw and Geza Loczi.
  • In terms of performance, Volvo claims that the all-new S60 is the most dynamically gifted car they have made thus far, even more so in the range topping T6 variant. Equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger, Volvo's 2,953cc inline-six churns out 304 bhp at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 440 Nm. Throw in a relatively quick shifting Geartronic automatic transmission (Volvo's version of a Tiptronic), the S60 T6 hurtles from zero to 100 in an impressive 6.5 seconds. In the handling department, the T6 comes with the Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept (Four-C) offering Comfort, Sport and Advanced modes as standard. Couple the chassis enhancement to an all-wheel-drive drive train with torque-vectoring, the S60 T6 is one great car to drive round bends, with the car's nose responding neatly and directly to nicely-weighted steering inputs. In fact we had so much fun with it, we took the car down the same twisty route over and over again just to explore the car's dynamic potential.
    DOCUMENTED: 12.11.2010 | 04:53 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Hitting The Swede Spot | Volvo S60 T6

    Dubbed as the sportiest Volvo ever, the all-new Volvo S60 is Volvo's answer to a dynamic performance sedan.

    Photos: Joel Tam The Swedish manufacturer's magnum opus till date, the all-new Volvo S60 though sold under Sino ownership (I feel a gag ref ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, S60, T6
    • In terms of performance, Volvo claims that the all-new S60 is the most dynamically gifted car they have made thus far, even more so in the range topping T6 variant. Equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger, Volvo's 2,953cc inline-six churns out 304 bhp at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 440 Nm. Throw in a relatively quick shifting Geartronic automatic transmission (Volvo's version of a Tiptronic), the S60 T6 hurtles from zero to 100 in an impressive 6.5 seconds. In the handling department, the T6 comes with the Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept (Four-C) offering Comfort, Sport and Advanced modes as standard. Couple the chassis enhancement to an all-wheel-drive drive train with torque-vectoring, the S60 T6 is one great car to drive round bends, with the car's nose responding neatly and directly to nicely-weighted steering inputs. In fact we had so much fun with it, we took the car down the same twisty route over and over again just to explore the car's dynamic potential.
    • Although manufactured in Ghent, Belgium, the all-new Volvo S60 has its design conceived in true Scandinavian fashion. Truly a work of art, the S60 like many new sedans in recent times, subscribes to the 'coupe' styled notion for its aesthetic inspiration with its large 18 inch alloy wheels, short front overhangs, rakish windscreen, sloping roof line and a sporty looking rear like many other coupe styled 'sport backs'. New design cues aside, the all-new S60 still retains Volvo's traditional identity such as the egg crate looking radiator grille, wide shoulder haunches and a nose reminiscent of the recently facelifted C30 and C70. To top it all off, the icing on the S60 is the sporty silver trim for the car's front lip, side skirts and rear diffuser.
    • If the S60's exterior is veering towards the left of the field and away from Volvo's usual fare, the interior is unmistakeably Volvo. But although the standard offering of Volvo's floating center stack still exists, this time round it is slightly tilted towards the driver which honestly doesn't sit well (pun intended) with an 'all things symmetrical' me, but in truth it does make things easier for the driver when he or she wants to adjust the car's cabin temperature or sound system volume on the four rotary knobs that surround a host of other buttons. Other amenities that one can look forward to in this car include refinements to the fascia plastics, lovely soft leather seats, plenty of storage space around the driver and many more, all which add up to a well designed high quality interior.
  • Among the foremost challenges in the development of hybrids and electric cars are the size, weight and cost of the current generation of batteries. In order to deliver sufficient capacity using today's technology, it is necessary to fit large batteries, which in turn increases the car's weight. Earlier this year, a materials development project was launched by Imperial College in London that brought together nine European companies and institutes. Volvo Cars is the only car manufacturer participating in the project. With the help of 35 million SEK (approx. 3.5 million EURO) in financial support from the European Union (EU), a composite blend of carbon fibres and polymer resin is being developed that can store and charge more energy faster than conventional batteries can. At the same time, the material is extremely strong and pliant, which means it can be shaped for use in building the car's body panels. According to calculations, the car's weight could be cut by as much as 15 percent if steel body panels were replaced with the new material. The project will continue for three years. In the first stage, work focuses both on developing the composite material so it can store more energy and on studying ways of producing the material on an industrial scale. Only in the final stage will the battery be fitted to a car.
    DOCUMENTED: 25.10.2010 | 09:14 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Tomorrow's Volvo Car

    Can body panels serve as a car's battery?

    Imagine a car which body also serves as a rechargeable battery. A battery that stores braking energy while you drive and that also stores en ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, Hybrid, Electric, Green
    • Among the foremost challenges in the development of hybrids and electric cars are the size, weight and cost of the current generation of batteries. In order to deliver sufficient capacity using today's technology, it is necessary to fit large batteries, which in turn increases the car's weight. Earlier this year, a materials development project was launched by Imperial College in London that brought together nine European companies and institutes. Volvo Cars is the only car manufacturer participating in the project. With the help of 35 million SEK (approx. 3.5 million EURO) in financial support from the European Union (EU), a composite blend of carbon fibres and polymer resin is being developed that can store and charge more energy faster than conventional batteries can. At the same time, the material is extremely strong and pliant, which means it can be shaped for use in building the car's body panels. According to calculations, the car's weight could be cut by as much as 15 percent if steel body panels were replaced with the new material. The project will continue for three years. In the first stage, work focuses both on developing the composite material so it can store more energy and on studying ways of producing the material on an industrial scale. Only in the final stage will the battery be fitted to a car.
  • Virtually all the lines were penned to carve out the dynamic profile. The C-pillar of the all-new S60 stretches sensually all the way to the tail lamps, and the slim coupe-like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear. The dip in the middle of the double wave visually pushes the car down. This enhances the stance and makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and the short overhangs front and rear also emphasise the sports car feel.
    DOCUMENTED: 20.10.2010 | 11:47 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    All-New Volvo S60

    With its extrovert attitude never seen before in Volvo showrooms, the all-new Volvo S60 makes its entry into the highly competitive CD premium segment.

    The all-new S60 is sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo, but it is still an unmistakeable representative of S ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Volvo, S60, Wearnes Automotive
    • Virtually all the lines were penned to carve out the dynamic profile. The C-pillar of the all-new S60 stretches sensually all the way to the tail lamps, and the slim coupe-like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear. The dip in the middle of the double wave visually pushes the car down. This enhances the stance and makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and the short overhangs front and rear also emphasise the sports car feel.
    • And without doubt the most dynamic car model Volvo has ever presented, the all-new S60 is also exceptional in terms of performance. The sedan can be specified with a choice of two chassis. In Singapore, the newly developed dynamic chassis is standard. The software in the AWD (All Wheel Drive) system is also modified to allow the four-wheel drive variant (four-wheel drive is standard in the T6) of the all-new Volvo S60 to fully exploit the sporty new chassis. All variants of the new S60 can be specified with the advanced, self-adjusting FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis. The FOUR-C active chassis has been modified and refined for better control and more comfortable feel compared to previous Volvos and is backed up by a range of electronic systems that sharpen the sporty driving experience even further.
    • Interior wise, the all-new S60 takes Volvo cars to a new dimension in terms of exclusive quality. As such, the interior of the all-new S60 is lavish in terms of its driver-oriented details, but it is still a five-seater car offering comfortable space for all its occupants. The sculpted outer rear seats give the passenger in the middle welcome side support. Knee space in the rear seat has increased by 30 mm compared with the previous-generation S60. The rear seat splits 40/60 and the boot opening has been made 107 mm wider than in the previous-generation S60.
  • So what is it about this car that appeals? Well for starters, the C30 is a looker that would definitely attract the yuppie crowd with its stylish and chic design, turning heads as it cruises down Shenton Way.
    DOCUMENTED: 27.05.2010 | 14:07 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Swede Dreams Are Made Of These | Volvo C30

    Volvo's iteration of a funky and chic lifestyle car seems to improve by leaps and bounds, more so with this snazzy new C30 T5 that we test drove.

    Photos: Joel Tam At first glance, one might regard this 230bhp Ford-sourced turbocharged 2.5-litre five pot three door as Volvo's renditi ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Wearnes Automotive, Volvo, C30, T5, SM Motors
    • So what is it about this car that appeals? Well for starters, the C30 is a looker that would definitely attract the yuppie crowd with its stylish and chic design, turning heads as it cruises down Shenton Way.
    • At first glance, the Volvo C30 is a S40 sedan sans the two rear doors with a hatch thrown in for good sporty measure. But why a C30 over any other continental make of the same genre? Isn’t Volvo famed for being dull, drab and sensible? A car bought by doddering old men and women who love driving Swedish tanks around town for its famed safety in built? The statement is true, but that was the past, and modern day Volvos as compared to their predecessors are as different as chalk and cheese in terms of looks, or you might call it truly progressive evolution in terms of innovation and design. Either way, Volvos are no longer ugly looking cars.
    • So what dispels the notion of Volvos being ugly cars? Well, the C30 does just that, as it looks the part, enticing many potential buyers with its more aggressive interpretation of the S40 front, headlights set well back from the grille, broad rear haunches and a deep all-glass rear hatch, making it look like a toned down version of the Volvo 3CC concept car. Our test car also came with white 17 inch Styx rims, making it very sporty looking, now who would resist such a car? And that's not all, for the new C30 also boasts of other funky design elements that makes it a fashionably fun car to drive, with its black plastic lower valances adorning the flared wheel arches and a roof spoiler that looks like a baseball cap worn backwards.