Volvo S80 2009 Review

I have a bookshelf made by me when I temporarily became a subcontractor to Ikea. You can tell I built it because there are some flaws.

The nail holes in the white plastic coating on the shelves, for example, is where I missed the instruction that indicated nails should go into the side without the pretty plastic finish.

While I waited for my wife to come down from the ceiling, I figured white paint or Liquid Paper would coat the holes and no-one would notice. It didn't work and every guest notices. If they miss the holes, then my wife is sure to point them out.

Life is supposed to be simple but you can see that we face frequent complications. Which is why I spent far too long looking for any flaws in Volvo's prestige saloon, the S80.

Like Ikea, it comes from Sweden and is refreshingly simple. So simple that the S80 is a hassle-free joy to drive yet so simple that in many people's eyes, it doesn't instantly reflect its near-$80,000 price tag.

That ignores the fact that the S80 — now in a petrol six-cylinder version to compliment the diesel and the V8 — is very well equipped and more than competitive with its BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Mercedes C-Class and Jaguar X-Type rivals.

Externally the S80 cleverly uses round-edged wedge and scalloped flank shapes to disguise its size. It is neat and, in an Ikea-ish way, so similar to the half-price S40 model as to be twins.

While it may look too much like its cheaper sister, it shares none of its drivetrain components or philosophy. This is a Volvo to fang. The turbocharged, inline six-cylinder engine stretches transversely between the MacPherson strut towers and drives through a six-speed sequential auto to all wheels. That's the first indication of its potential.

The 3-litre engine may sound a tad smallish but it's lively and thanks to the turbo and its intercooler, piles on the torque at low revs for sparkling acceleration. It is always relaxed and even near the top end of the tacho, you know it's breathing hard but it isn't suffering.

This is a better deal than the V8. Firstly, you'd save on fuel and on the $9000 price difference. And you won't be a lot worse off in performance. Certainly the in-line six cylinder is smooth and quiet — more so than the V8 — so the ride experience meets the car's price tag.

No need to slow too much for the corners, either, as the all-paw grip is prodigious in the dry and safely hangs on in wet conditions. Arguably, it'll beat its rivals hands down through the bends in the wet and probably in the dry as well. Yes, surprise, surprise, it's that good.

It's not as if you feel a lot of the action inside the cabin for the bodyroll is minimal. All this is quite unexpected. Especially as the cabin is so delicately trimmed and decorated to be more like the corner of a loungeroom. I have indicated the simplicity of the interior but it's also the use of colours and materials that makes it so appealing.

Some German rivals like black-on-black with dark wood as cabin decor but Volvo prefers pale pastels with satin-varnished and light-coloured timber trim and a bit of brushed metal as an accent. There is no central button to access the features, rather simple and well signposted switchgear.

The car is accessed and started by a keyless system. The parkbrake is an electronic button and the audio is a simple one-touch button arrangement. There is significant sound deadening so underway if there is virtually no engine and wind noise which means you can turn down the radio volume.

The seats are upholstered in soft leather and while I'd wish for more side support, are easy to get in and out. They also have heaters to produce possibly your only early morning winter smile.

It really is a surprisingly good car that has the round pole into round hole simplicity we've come to expect from the land of the meatball.

Just be sure to read the instructions.

Snapshot
Price: $79,950
Engine: 3-litre, inline 6-cyl, turbo, intercooler
Power: 210kW @ 5600rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 1500-4800rpm
Performance: 0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds
Economy (official): 12.0 litres/100km, tested): 12.2 litres/100km
Emissions: 286g/km (Corolla: 175g/km)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, sequential; all-wheel drive
Rating: 88/100
Rivals: Audi A6 2.8Q ($92,000) — 87/100; BMW 523i ($86,530) — 85/100; Honda Legend ($79,990) — 81/100; Jaguar 3.0 Luxury AWD ($79,150) — 79/100