Volvo S80 2007 review

The Volvo flagship is the S80 saloon, a large sedan with plenty of interior space and comfort as well as a good, long boot.

It feels solid and while it's no razor-sharp sports sedan it does have poise and balance. On test was the front-wheel-drive S80 with diesel engine priced at $71,950. A 3.2-litre, 175kW six-cylinder and a lusty 232kW, 4.4-litre V8 are the petrol engine versions. They are all-wheel-drive and cost $75,950 and $95,950 respectively.

The diesel's five-cylinder transverse engine sits ahead of the front axle line - a recipe for understeer, which can be detected as the load builds up on corners, yet the tyres hang on without complaint.

At steady speed, even on the highway, there is no engine noise. This S80 drove up Willunga Hill at 100km/h (1800rpm) with no need to change down a gear in its six-speed sequential automatic.

Admittedly, helped by cruises to Goolwa and through the Hills to Murray Bridge, we averaged 6.9 litres/100km.

There's much to like about the Volvo S80. Comfortable leather seats the front ones can be heated and with three memory settings.

Shock absorbers can be set to comfortable, sport and the even firmer advanced to keep the body flatter for 'advanced' driving.

The dual-zone climate control is a beauty, showing the Swedish ability to clear within a minute or two a windscreen iced on the outside.

Volvo safety includes a host of airbags, stability control and special head restraints. Rear head restraints fold out of the way at the flick of a switch for better visibility. The parking sonar helps, too.

Small Torque

Volvo S80 D5

Price: $71,950,

Engine: Inline five-cylinder, turbocharged diesel, dohc.

Power: 136kW at 4000rpm.

Torque: 400Nm at 2000rpm-2750rpm.

Transmission: Six-speed sequential shift automatic, front-wheel-drive.

Brakes: Ventilated front discs, solid rear discs. ABS.

Fuel: 7.2 litres/100km (claimed). Tank 70 litres.

Wheels/tyres: 17in alloy; 225/50 tyres. Space saver spare.

Dimensions: 4851mm long, 1861mm wide, 1493mm high; 1587kg. Tows 2000kg.

Also consider: Peugeot 307 SV diesel, 150kW, $61,990. Audi A6 quattro diesel, 165kW, $99,900. Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI diesel, 105kW from $70,490. Chrysler 300C CRD diesel, 160kW, $57,990.

S80 D5 options: 18in wheels, 245/40 tyres $1500, interior clean zone $250, metallic paint $1350, sat-nav $3950, heated rear seats $495, sunroof $2650, BLIS warning system $1200, active cruise control $2950.