Our long-term vision at Volvo is that by 2020 nobody will be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo. Ultimately, that means designing cars that do not crash. It's a unique and bold vision in our industry -- after all, we've committed ourselves to a specific date. Not only that, in typical Volvo style, our long-term vision has regard for others, too. Because cars that don't crash not only keep their passengers safe -- they also protect other road users, including pedestrians. We're working to achieve our Vision 2020 by teaming up with industry partners and government agencies, by fitting our cars with preventive and protective safety systems, and by studying how people behave in real-life traffic situations.

Volvo To Announce New Addition To U.S. Lineup At 2013 New York Auto Show

Just a week ago we brought you news that Volvo was considering reversing its decision to exclude the stylish V60 wagen from its U.S. lineup in order to provide local dealers with some fresh product.

Today, Volvo confirmed it will be bringing a V60 to next week’s 2013 New York Auto Show, but not because it’s about to announce local sales but because the car is a finalist in the show’s World Green Car of the Year awards.

Volvo’s diesel-electric V60 Plug-In Hybrid, which can return combined fuel economy as high as 124 mpg, has made it into the final round of voting, along with the Renault Zoe and Tesla Model S.

It is this ultra-frugal version of the V60 that will be showcased in New York next week.

However, we could still see Volvo announce its V60 for local sale. In addition to presenting its updated 2014 model range, Volvo also confirmed today that it will announce a new addition to its U.S. lineup at the New York Auto Show.

In addition to the V60, possibilities include the V40 hatchback and V40 Cross Country crossover. It’s unlikely Volvo will reintroduce its V70 wagon, which is still sold overseas.

As for fans hoping to see Volvo launch a plug-in hybrid in the U.S., the automaker said it plans to in “a few years.” Expect the Americanized plug-in to feature a gasoline-electric drivetrain as well as a crossover body. Volvo already previewed such a vehicle at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in the form of its XC60 Plug-In Hybrid concept.

Courtesy of Motor Authority

Here is your maintenance tip for the week!

Spark plugs do need changing

The advent of electronic ignition and on-board computers has eliminated the need for regular tune-ups, but you still need to change your spark plugs. Many manufacturers recommend changing plugs every 30,000 or 40,000 miles (48,000 or 64,000 km) to ensure good fuel mileage and engine performance. Some new cars come with long-life plugs (sometimes called double platinum plugs) that can last for 100,000 miles (160,000 km). If your car isn’t so equipped, make the switch after 30,000 miles. The extra cost is only a few dollars per spark plug. While you’re at it, change your spark plug wires as well. Their typical life is 50,000 miles (80,000 km). Deteriorated wires can cause those high-tech new spark plugs to foul.

Courtesy of Readers Digest

The unveiling included our new look S60, XC60, XC70 and S80 models -- all with changes based on feedback from the people that matter, our customers.

This 2010 Silver Volvo XC90 V8 SUV wants a test drive!

This Used Volvo XC90 V8 only has 52,187 miles on it and is priced at a super low rate, so hurry in today.

 

Features:

• Dual Xenon Headlights w/Active Bending Lights
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio w/6 Month Subscription
• Dynaudio Premium Sound System w/Dolby Pro Logic II
• Navigation System w/Real Time Traffic

For more great deals click here to visit our website.

Volvo's Outstanding Innovation!

Volvo Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake

The new Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake available on the S60, XC60, XC70 and S80. The feature consists of a radar unit integrated into the car's grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror, and a central control unit.

Simple Tips To Extend the Life of Your Car!

Park in the shade

Of course, a garage is always the ideal place to park your car. But if one isn’t available, minimize interior damage from UV sunlight and heat by always trying to park your car in the shade. If no shade is available or if you find parking under a tree results in bird droppings, use a car shade to minimize the sun’s impact. As a bonus, you’ll have a cooler car to step into on hot sunny days. Car shades come in two basic types: those that you unfold and place on the front windshield and rear window, or pleated types that attach to the windshield posts (with adhesive), window frames (with Velcro), or the windows themselves (with suction cups).

Courtesy of Readers Digest

I hope everyone has a happy and safe St. Patty's Day weekend. Remember not to drink and drive. Click 'Like' if you agree.

Thanks Callie for such a pleasant review!

 "Sandberg Volvo is a great rarity. They will have our continued business and we will be buying our next Volvo from them." - Callie B.

Click here for more positive reviews.

2013 Volvo S60 T5 has the right stuff

As you go shopping for a small luxury sport sedan, think about which manufacturers would make you’re A list. Probably Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, and Mercedes Benz.

… But why not Volvo?

Our recent week with the S60 T5 proved to us that if Volvo isn’t on your shopping list, it should be. It checks all the boxes – stylish exterior, comfortable interior, great power, exemplary safety features, and a blast to drive.

For 2013, not much has changed for the S60 which has been around in its current form since 2011. The base T5 engine configuration carries over with the same horsepower  and torque specs, but updated configuration provides for increased acceleration and a much-improved sport mode which make the car much quicker to 60 MPH than in years past.

On the outside, the S60 is curvy and distinctive, while still maintaining some distinct Volvo flavor reminiscent of the old, boxy Volvos of days past. Perhaps our only quibble on the outside – and it’s a minor one – is that the 17” wheels our tester came fitted with looked to be a little on the small side relative to the shape and size of the vehicle; choosing an 18” option would be recommended.

As one sits in the cabin, the word “sophisticated” instantly leaps to mind. The interior is refined and comfortable with soft leather seating contrasted by cool brushed metal surfaces around controls and around gauges in the dash. Front seats are spacious and comfortable, although the back is somewhat cramped and lacking in legroom. Taller drivers may find entry a bit challenging due to the angle between seat, steering wheel, and door.

There are some unique Volvo-isms present everywhere, such as the simple-to-use “Mode Man” control to direct airflow and storage available behind entertainment and climate controls. Controls and displays are thoughtful and logical – Volvo is one of the few to still use quite a number of buttons for stereo and phone control, and we prefer the feel of physical buttons to the integrated display systems we frequently see in luxury cars these days. In particular, Volvo’s setup of physical buttons with an integrated display is much appreciated – the display, although small, keeps clock, climate, radio, and phone information presented at all times. Despite generally being one of the better integrated setups we’ve seen, there are, as always, a few operations that feel like they take more steps than they should, such as changing the radio band.

A curious control available to the driver is the ability to electrically lower the rear headrests. We assume that this is to provide better visibility out the rear window in tight quarters, but because the headrests will fold 90 degrees forward, we also suspect it could be used to provide a correction to unruly passengers in the back seat. We also wonder about the placement of a cigarette lighter directly between the front cupholders, raising the possibility of putting it along with any electronics plugged into it in harm’s way from spilled beverages and the like.

Driving the S60 is a pleasure. Steering is crisp and responsive, and the amount of power available from the base T5 engine is surprising – so much so that we went back to verify that we were indeed driving the T5 and not the more powerful T6 – with a good deal of torque at low RPM. There is the slightest hint of turbo lag present when your foot is to the floor, but it’s brief and followed by powerful engine response belying the S60’s 250 HP – the turbo makes the vehicle perform and respond like a far more powerful vehicle. Power is put out to all wheels via a 6-speed shiftable automatic, and the all-wheel drive system makes the vehicle competent and stable on all roads we could throw at it, including some fairly slushy and icy conditions. All told, we averaged 26 MPG, not bad for a car with such power.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Volvo review without some discussion of safety. The S60 continues in Volvo’s storied history on this front, providing as standard equipment ABS, traction and stability control, full-length side curtain airbags, front seat side airbags, front head restraints designed to reduce whiplash injury, and Volvo’s City Safety feature which uses an infrared laser mounted by the rearview mirror to sense other vehicles or stationary objects and can apply brakes to assist in avoiding a low-speed collision. Although this feature is not unique anymore, Volvo is a pioneer of the technology and the only manufacturer to provide this as a standard feature across every trim on the S60 and on most of the rest of their product line. An optional package not equipped on our tester provides for even more advanced safety features, including pedestrian detection, warnings for driver inattention, lane departure, and imminent collision with automatic braking.

All told, Volvo’s S60 is a fun-to-drive, quirky, comfortable, and pleasant entry-level luxury sedan that compares well against it’s more traditional competition. Perhaps the most compelling part of the tale, however, is its value – our tester carried an as-built price of $38,170.00 which places the S60 thousands below a comparably equipped vehicle from the likes of BMW or Mercedes – in fact, in the configuration we tested, the S60 came very nicely equipped for less than the base price of BMW’s 328i xDrive. If you’re looking at smaller luxury cars, we strongly recommend you jump at the chance to try out an S60.

Specifications
2013 Volvo S60 T5

 

Base Price: $31,900.00

Price as Tested: $38,170.00

Engine Type: Turbochargered five-cylinder with DOHC continuously variable valve timing

Engine Size: 2.5 liter

Horsepower: 250 @ 5,500 RPM

Torque (lb-ft): 266 @ 1,800 RPM

Transmission: 6-speed Geartronic shiftable automatic with sport mode

Wheelbase / Length (in): 109.3 / 182.2

Curb Weight: 3,548

Pounds per HP: 14.2

Fuel Capacity (gal): 17.8

Fuel Requirement: Regular unleaded

Tires: Continental ContiProContact; 235/45VR17

Brakes: Ventilated disc

Suspension, front/rear: Macpherson strut / Multi-link

Drivetrain: All-wheel drive

EPA Fuel Economy - MPG city / highway / observed: 20 / 29 / 26

Towing capacity (lb):

Base Trim Price: $31,750.00

Options and Charges

 

S60 Premier: $2,200.00 (Power glass moonroof, leather seating surfaces, auto dimming rearview mirror, accessory prep cable, power passenger seat, keyless drive with personal car communicator)

Climate Package: $700.00 (Heated front seats, interior air quality system, heated windshield washer nozzles)

Electronically controlled all-wheel drive with instant traction: $2,000.00

Trunk spoiler: $375.00

17” NJORD alloy wheels: $250.00

Delivery: $895.00

Price as tested: $38,170.00

Courtesy of: The Auto Channel

Take advantage of this great offer while it lasts!

For more great deals click here.

Volvo Cars has rolled out another Volvo world first in automotive safety at the Geneva Motor show 2013! The Cyclist Detection with full auto brake detects and automatically brakes for cyclists swerving out in front of the car.

How to Clean a Baby Car Seat

Not a day goes past I don’t get asked how to clean a baby car seat. As Mums you would know that you can expect your baby’s car seat to take quite the beating. From milk and vomit to juice spills, from poo explosions to crushed up sultanas, it can be quite the mission keeping your child’s car seat clean (not to mention the rest of your car). It is a good idea to clean the car seat as much as possible. You may want to do a good cleaning every time you clean out the rest of your car or you may only need to clean the car seat once or twice a year, depending on what habits your child has. If your bubby tends to be a spit up king, then you can expect the car seat to have quite a few stains. If your child has a tendency to want a snack in the car, then, again, you can expect more mess than a child that doesn’t eat in the car. 

• The first thing you will need to do is take the car seat out of the car and place it down on an old blanket. Take off all the baby toys that are attached to the seat as well.
• Get your vacuum and vacuum up all the dust, dirt, food and other larger particles. Try to get into the cracks of the seat as well as underneath the material by lifting it off. Use a furniture attachment to get into the hard to reach areas.
• If you can, remove the entire car seat cover and place it into the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Or, hand wash the car seat and leave it out in the sun to dry.
• If you can’t remove the entire car seat cover, then you can spot clean the really big stains and then leave the entire car seat in the sun to dry.
• For the plastic portion of your baby’s car seat you can use a gentle soap and water mixture. Use an old cloth to scrub the plastic as well as the arms which tend to get the dirtiest.
• Use a gentle mixture of soap and water to also wipe down the baby’s toys before placing them back on the car seat.
• Reinstall the car seat back into the car as per the manual. If you had a professional install the car seat, then you may need to return back to them and have them do it again. You don’t want to find out after it’s too late that the car seat was not correctly reinstalled after it was cleaned.

Now that your car seat is nice and clean, the key is to keep it this way. Apart from refusing to let your child eat in the car (which is something that usually keeps them quiet for at least part of the journey), is there anything else you can do? If you find the answer to this question, then let us know!


Source: Stay at Home Mum

Limited time offer on Volvo's C30!

                          

                                                                http://bit.ly/Wvu8ok

Volvo's XC60 is the new sexy!

The testdrive XC60 is a seashell metallic 2-liter gasoline-powered turbocharged direct injection T5 version which, for its size, would not be left behind in the acceleration department. Inside the hood is a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that can generate 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and torque of 320 Nm at 1,800 to 5,000 rpm.

The interior is elegant and comfortable, typical Volvo. Its floating console—slightly angled towards the driver—has a sporty and dynamic feel.

On paper, the top speed is 230 kph, making full use of the 6-speed powershift transmission. For stopping power, the brakes use the 4-channel ABS with electronic brake assist. Its front suspension is composed of a MacPherson strut, coil spring, hydraulic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, while its rear suspension is multilink independent suspension with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorber, stabilizer bar with automatic level adjuster.

Passengers in the three-section rear seat can be properly entertained with its Premium Sound, which comes with a 7-inch screen and three audio systems to choose from.

With all the technology packed inside this crossover, it’s a wonder that there’s still a lot of space left for cargo. The load area has a lockable load floor covering two storage areas, one for personal items and another for soiled or wet items. The cargo cover extends over the entire load area. The rear door prevents the floor hatch from being opened when the car is closed and locked.

Octance de-mystified

"If some is good, more is better" thinking does not apply to octane. Here the rule is to supply whatever octane the engine is rated for and call it done. Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power or mileage, only oil company profits.

Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane fuel but can burn 87 octane regular, thanks to the magic of knock sensors. In that case, run regular gas if puttering around surface streets, and premium fuel if full-throttle driving is part of your daily repertoire.

Courtesy of MSN Autos