Volvo has now officially revealed its updated '60' range, which comprises the S60 saloon, V60 wagon and XC60 crossover, and the company implies this is a lot more than just a facelift:
"This is the most extensive development of existing models in our company's history," said Volvo's product strategy VP Lex Kerssemakers.
"We have been listening very carefully to our customers in order to make improvements that ensure that we make these successful cars more attractive."
The biggest visual changes take place at the front end of the models, where we see a wider grille that's no longer framed by chrome and which incorporates a bigger ironmark badge. Bigger, single-unit headlamps also add to the more confident look that Volvo is trying to create.
New wheel options have been made available to give customers a wider selection and this includes a range of 19-inch options in the S60/V60 and 20-inch choices in the XC60.
Moving inside, the whole theme of "Scandinavian luxury" that Volvo likes to boast about is enhanced by new upholstery colours, wood inlays, headliner and 'silk' metal frames around the air vents and light controls.
IT’S WELL CONNECTED
More exciting, however, is the availability of Volvo's new Sensus Connected Touch infotainment system. It basically turns the car into a WiFi hotspot and also connects with the music system to allow live streaming, online traffic info and warnings, free parking locator, and internet browsing (the latter only when the vehicle is stationary). It'll even read out Wikipedia information on places you pass and another unique touch is an infrared functionality that allows occupants to use the seven-inch touch-screen even while wearing gloves.
The Adaptive Digital Display, first seen in the new V40, is also now available in the '60' models.
Another innovation is the Active High Beam Control that, according to Volvo, eliminates the need for drivers to switch between high-beam and low-beam lights. When the Volvo detects a vehicle in front, it shades out only as much of the beam as is necessary to prevent dazzling the occupants of the other vehicle.
While there is no word on any power output increases for the engines, Volvo has listed fuel economy improvements for the range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.
Volvo SA expects the first units to land on local shores around November this year.