Volvo play the value-for-money card by implanting a compact, new D3 diesel motor into the feature-packed S80
Volvo have been part of the Indian luxury car scene for almost four years now, but in spite of having good brand recognition they have not managed to make their way into most car buyers’ shopping list. It seems that Swedish models have been overshadowed by the shining marques like audi, bMW and Mercedes. In order to make an impact, volvo are now offering what most of us can’t resist: great value for money. the company has introduced a new D3 diesel engine, which gives the car a compelling price, while keeping the impressive list of safety equipment intact.
Diesel cars are the flavour of the moment and the new 2.0-litre, five-cylinder diesel motor already has things working in its favour. the D3 is equipped with a common rail system with piezo-electric injectors, volvo’s penta evC-D for electronic shift and throttle response, it is lightweight and pretty compact. It produces 400 nm, the same amount of torque as the older D5, although the power output has dropped marginally by 20 pS to 165 pS. for its size, the engine is pretty powerful, but when mounted on a large car like the S80, which weighs over 1,600 kg, it feels overwhelmed and remains a couple of seconds slower than the D5 in the 0-to-100 km/h run. however, it feels more apt for city driving conditions thanks to its linear flow of torque. there is hardly any turbo lag and the smooth surge goes all the way up to 3,500 revolutions per minute, beyond which it starts to peter out. It has the typical diesel’s strong mid-range once you’re past the 2,000 rpM mark and overtaking slow-moving traffic goes like a breeze.
The engine is not the most refined, but volvo have used good noise dampers that make sure that the noise does not creep into the cabin. It feels best when the seamless six-speed transmission is in the ‘D’ mode and the car luxuriously ferries you around town, in no great haste. the S80 feels relaxed at slower speeds and the ride is pliant and comfortable. the handling isn’t that enthusiastic, because it does have a fair amount of body movement and doesn’t feel very settled during sharp turns.
The interior offers the same quality material for which volvo cars are known. the seats are very comfortable and the front ones are electrically adjustable, though rear leg-room could have been better. You also get a sun-roof, seven-inch screen, leather upholstery, climate control, traction control and active headlamps along with the City Safety automatic braking technology as standard. It is and looks solid, comes very well loaded, relaxed and comfortable in most conditions.
Volvo had a very tempting introductory price, which, unfortunately, is no longer in force, and being a CBU, the S80 is now offered at Rs 41.79 lakh (OTR, Pune). This brings it closer to the BMW 520d and Audi A6 2.0 Tdi, which cost another Rs 3 lakh and Rs 6 lakh more respectively. A price difference most luxury car-buyers might oversee for a more established product.
For its size, the engine is pretty powerful, but when mounted on a large car like the S80, which weighs over 1,600 kg, it feels overwhelmed
Story: Sarmad Kadiri
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
