New for 2009-Volvo

Jeff Youngs | Dec 31, 2008
FAST FACTS
  • All-new XC60 joins the automaker's SUV lineup

  • Standard 5-speed automatic transmission for S40

  • S80 3.2 features standard Rainsensor windshield wipers

  • V50 T5 model discontinued, but V50 T5 all-wheel-drive (AWD) model continues

  • New Technology package for V70

  • XC90 V8 Sport model discontinued, replaced by XC90 V8 R-Design

2009 Volvo C30

For the second year of the Volvo C30's life, Versions 1.0 and 2.0 have been changed to C30 T5 and C30 R-Design. The T5 retains the same turbocharged engine, and features changes like the Volvo rear badge lettering that now is spread farther apart. Other additions include a seat belt reminder and a new Preferred package that includes a power driver's seat, front fog lights, trip computer, leather parking brake cover, Keyless Drive, and a Dynaudio sound system. The R-Design vehicles for Volvo are more sport-oriented in appearance, with color-coordinated accent body trim, rear or roof spoiler, 5-spoke aluminum wheels, and bold upholstery. There's also special R-Design badging and other unique accents. The C30 R-Design will come with a sport steering wheel and pedals, a high-performance audio system, 17-inch Serapis alloy wheels as a no-cost option, and other features befitting a sporty hatchback.

2009 Volvo C70

The C70 hardtop convertible carries on for 2009 with minor changes. Bluetooth hands-free phone interface is now standard; a seat belt reminder has been added to the rear seats; and the leather sport-shift knob includes an aluminum inlay, which also has been added to the center control panel, center console and door handle surrounds. The aluminum inlay replaces the Swedish-look Nordic Light Oak wood, which now becomes an option. The one-touch-down all-windows switch has been deleted, but now the power side windows will automatically lower when the top goes down. There are two new exterior colors, and Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (detects vehicles in the driver's blind spots) is a stand-alone option.

2009 Volvo S40

2008 saw a revised exterior and interior styling for the S40, so 2009 brings only minor changes to the premium compact sedan. Three trim levels continue: the 2.4i, T5 and T5 AWD. Both T5s get the R-Design elements standard. The entry 2.4i will now come with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch "Spartacus" wheels, front fog lights, power moonroof, power driver's seat, and a trip computer. The R-Design elements that are standard on the T5 and T5 AWD models include unique design elements like a sport body kit with spoiler, matte finish side-view mirrors, and a sport shift knob. The DVD-based navigation system receives an improved driver interface that includes an extended point-of-interest menu, a bird's-eye view of the map, detailed intersection information, and building footprints.

2009 Volvo S60

All S60 trim levels stay the same for 2009. The three carryover models include the 2.5T, 2.5T AWD and T5. The sport sedans add more standard features, like leather seats, power glass sunroof and genuine wood inlays on the 2.5T and AWD version. Everything from the Premium package also moves to the standard features column for 2009. The top-level trim for the S60, with the 257-hp turbocharged inline 5-cylinder engine, adds standard premium leather seating, rear park assist, high-intensity-discharge headlamps, and brushed aluminum door handles.

2009 Volvo S80

Since the S80 luxury sedan is only two years into its cycle, the 2009 model changes are not big ones. The 3.2 gets a lot of features standard, such as Rainsensor wipers, satellite radio-prepped, watch-dial instrument cluster, and Bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface. The T6 AWD gets all those plus optional 18-inch Fortuna diamond-cut wheels and the optional Volvo dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. The top S80 V8 AWD model is designed to appeal to luxury seekers. Standard items for 2009 include: massage/ventilated seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, front and rear park assist,Sirius satellite radio, and high-pressure headlamp washers, as well as the carryover 311-hp, 4.4-liter V-8 engine.

2009 Volvo V50

The big news for 2009 is the discontinuation of the T5 turbo V50. A fairly extensive update happened to the sportwagon last year, so changes are minor for 2009. Over a dozen items have been added as standard equipment to the entry 2.4i wagon. The T5 AWD version now gets the R-Design moniker, and all the design elements that go along with it, such as a sport shift knob, special badging, floor mats, aluminum sport pedals, and R-Design inlays. A standard Dynamic Sport Suspension with settings that go from comfort to firm depending on your driving desires. The AWD also offers a Dynaudio sound system package that will crank up the tunes and transfer the sound through a 12-speaker system. Stand-alone options include the Blind Spot Information System and high-intensity-discharge headlamps.

2009 Volvo V70

Volvo's V70 wagon moves into 2009 with few changes as it was an all-new model last year. As with all other Volvo models for 2009, the V70 gets a standard Bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface. Front fog lamps also come standard on the single trim level. There are four new exterior colors, five packages, and six stand-alone options. The Collision Avoidance package features adaptive cruise control, Collision Warning with Auto Brake, Distance Alert, Driver Alert Control, and a lane-departure-warning system.

2009 Volvo XC60

The only all-new Volvo model for 2009 is the XC60, the little brother in the XC line. It fits into the small premium utility segment, which means it also can be classified as a crossover, and is almost 8 inches shorter than the XC70. The XC60 is powered by an inline, 6-cylinder, turbocharged T6 engine that makes 281 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic shifting. Standard items include AWD and a comprehensive list of safety technologies.

Volvo names the XC60 as the safest Volvo ever. The City Safety system monitors traffic in front of the vehicle and if it recognizes that the driver is not applying the brakes, the system will pre-charge and even apply the brakes if it senses no driver interaction.

An available Dynaudio sound system delivers 650 watts of power, and a new panorama glass roof provides an open feel to all occupants.

2009 Volvo XC70

The XC70 from Volvo may be considered one of the first "crossover" vehicles. A third-generation platform was introduced in 2008. This year, Volvo adds a T6 AWD model to the XC lineup to complement the 3.2. T6 AWD features a new 3.0-liter, turbocharged, 24-valve, inline 6-cylinder powerplant that produces 281 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. It's the same inline 6 that Volvo uses in many of its other vehicles. The new T6 is equipped with 17-inch "Sargas" alloy wheels, dual tailpipes, T6 badging on the rear, and optional 18-inch "Minos" rims with matching-size tires. The interior is adorned with cross-brushed aluminum inlays and a watch-dial instrument cluster. The 3.2's minor changes for 2009 include standard Bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface, a new Technology package that includes high-intensity-discharge headlamps, Dynaudio sound system, and Sirius satellite radio. Stand-alone options for both trims include a DVD-based navigation system, Blind Spot Information System, and the Personal Car Communicator that includes Keyless Drive, and the heartbeat sensor, which can sense a human presence in the vehicle.

2009 Volvo XC90

The XC90, top-end of the SUV chain for Volvo, has a little give and take for 2009. What it takes away is the V8 Sport model, but it gives two new trims: the 3.2 R-Design and the V8 R-Design. That brings the total to four trims, including the regular 3.2 and V8 versions.

Changes to the 3.2 include a step up in wheel/tire size from 17 to 18 inches, and standard power rear-door child safety locks. There are a host of new packages including a Technology package and a Convenience Plus package that includes the Volvo Navigation system II with remote control and Real Time Traffic. The V8 also offers the same packages as the 3.2, but adds a new Executive package that will be arriving later in the model year and includes 19-inch wheels, soft leather seating, leather door panels, wood inlays, heated front and rear seats, and other luxury touches. The R-Design models will feature unique R-Design badging and interior details that highlight the sporty image. Both XC90 R-Design models also will receive R-Design tuned suspension and steering, with the 3.2 getting a Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension, and the V8 getting 20-inch wheels and tires.

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