Volvo S80 2004 Review

It has more features, more elegance, sharper steering and even a more powerful hi-fi, but without a change in price.

The Volvo S80 is still an expensive mid-sized sedan at $98,950 and you can pay even more if you want some of the options such as the intelligent suspension systems and traction control.

The aptly named FOUR-C system refers to Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept that adjusts the suspension at the touch of a button for sport driving or cruising comfort and includes braking controls to stabilise the vehicle and prevent loss of driver control.

At $3950, it's not cheap.

You can go further and add Dynamic Stability and Traction Control for another $2100 and automatic self-levelling suspension system for $1315 that makes the car sit flat through the twisties, without sacrificing ride comfort.

It's a lot of money, but it could be one of the best investments in primary safety you make.

Together, these systems virtually adjust for almost any ham-fisted driver input, keeping the car tracking true.

However, the aggressive and adventurous would probably only want to switch it off and enjoy the spirited performance from the 3-litre twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine.

It's sprightly and swift, without any aural pretensions. There is no sudden roar or "look at me" noises from engine or transmission, just a sudden blurring of scenery as it pulls away.

Outside, the Volvo now has a cleaner look with a simpler nose design, body-colour bumpers and side mouldings, subtle touches of chrome and a new grille. Inside, the car is classically elegant with highly lacquered walnut wood trim and steering wheel which is a delight to the touch. It also is available in leather.

The new three-spoke steering wheel features simple cruise and sound controls that are logical and easy to use.

The most notable interior improvement for 2004 is the instrument cluster which is stunning and again simple. Just one large dial and smaller dials either side with a couple of small digital displays.

The gloss black dials are rimmed with a fine line of brushed aluminium that really comes alive at night when they are lit, like the stage of a theatre. Not garish, but subtle, with shadings and a glistening sheen.

Notwithstanding their elegant beauty, the instruments also are very easy to read.

However, the same cannot be said for the helter-skelter array of buttons, knobs and switches in the centre console that controls the sound system, air-conditioning and integrated phone system.

Volvo also has boosted the power of the sound system to 75 watts with features including nine speakers and Dolby pro logic surround sound that could only be improved by quieter tyres.

Unfortunately, the Pirelli P6000s create too much road noise which fights with the music in the cabin. For $1945, the four-disc CD player can be boosted with a 10-disc CD player in the boot.

But boot space already is at a premium. It is long, but also shallow.

A sturdy one-piece steel boot lid replaces the two-piece aluminium fixture.

Driver and front passenger are well accommodated with ample space, comfortable but highly sprung leather seats that are electronically adjustable, and headrests in just the right position.

Rear passengers have adequate room except you cannot squeeze your feet under the seats in front, so your legs can become cramped.

While two rear passengers are well catered for with scalloped and contoured seating, a third passenger sits uncomfortably atop a ridge between the other two. And the seat bulges behind them where the centre armrest folds out to reveal a toddler's booster seat.

Rear passengers are protected from the sun by a pull-up sun curtain. Similar shades for the side windows are available at $490, or you can go for four laminated side windows at $990.

Either or both should be serious considerations for Queensland buyers.

Standard features on the S80 include speed-sensitive steering, Bi-Xenon headlights, headlight wipers, push-button retractable side mirrors, integrated phone system with handset, rear parking assist warning system, cabin air filter, heated front seats and more.

Noted for secondary safety systems, Volvo also includes a host of airbags in front, side and back, plus a special whiplash protection system.

With all this and more, you can start to see where the value lies in the S80.