The 2007 Volvo S80: Safety and Luxury in Perfect Harmony

Volvo has always been a symbol for safe cars, and it is apparent on the wide array of safety systems that their cars employ. All of their cars have integrated safety systems that have received high ratings from safety rating agencies. Another thing the company is known for is producing vehicles that not only performs well but are also reliable. Those are the traits of a Volvo but the company is now trying to give another dimension to their products, and that is the so called “Scandinavian luxury”. They attempt to show it off on their luxury sedan, the 2007 S80.

The S80’s latest version’s exterior design is not quite different than its predecessors though the newest version is designed to be more aerodynamic to increase its fuel efficiency and also increase its speed and acceleration. Buyers can choose between a 3.2 liter in-line 6-cylinder engine and a 4.4 liter V8 one. The V8 version gives a maximum output of 311 horsepower which is capable of giving the car enough power in keeping up with its luxury vehicle status. The power from the engine, no matter which one you choose, is transmitted to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission system that gives a smooth gear shifting thus giving the car a better drive. It also comes with an all wheel drive configuration which gives the car more stability and a better traction in different road conditions.

To further add to the comfort being offered to the car’s occupants, the suspension can be modified into its three different settings. These settings comprise of Comfort, Sport and Advanced. Drivers can choose among these three to suit their driving style or depending on the current road condition.

As a Volvo, it comes as no surprise that the car is packed with safety features which has become synonymous with the company’s name. The Volvo S80 employs the CWBS or the Collision Warning with Brake Support system which keeps the driver from rear-ending any car in front of it. A buzzer and a red light on the heads-up display warn the driver of the possible collision. The system not only warns the driver but also moves the brake caliper which is fitted with a Volvo brake dust shield close to the disc for faster brake deployment. Aside from the strategically placed airbags which are standard to any vehicle being manufactured today, the vehicle is also equipped with a whiplash protection system called WHIPS which serves to protect the occupants in cases of rear collision the neck and the spine particularly. Add to that the BLIS or the Blindspot Indicating System which is essentially an array of cameras that has the capacity to show the driver if any vehicle has entered his blind spot.

With the performance of the car and its set of safety systems, it would come as no surprise if this car climbs to the top of its class.