Volvo: What's new for 2010

CONFIRMED FOR 2010:

C30: (photo) Volvo's svelte coupe gets new front-end styling and host of new standard equipment, including Bluetooth phone connectivity, cruise control, a trip computer, adjustable head restraints, leather-and-aluminum gearshift knob, and a leather-wrapped handbrake. R-Design models also get fog lights. The Preferred Package adds a power driver's seat and keyless ignition, the Climate Package now includes automatic climate control, a cabin filter, and a humidity sensor, and the new Multimedia Package bundles the Dynaudio stereo with SIRIUS satellite radio.

C70: (photo) Styling changes originally scheduled for 2010 have apparently been put off for 2011. Options have been shuffled; keyless ignition and rear parking assist are now stand-alone options, while a cabin air filter is now included in the Climate package. A new Dynamic Package includes 18" wheels, headlights that turn with the steering wheel, and a 3-spoke "sport" steering wheel.

S40: Manual transmissions, which were dropped in 2009, have returned for 2010; the 2.4i can be had with a 5-speed stick, while the T50 AWD R-Design comes with a 6-speed. (A 5-speed automatic is optional; front-drive T5s are still automatic-only.) Automatic climate control and a leather-and-aluminum gearshift are now standard on the 2.4i, which also offers navigation as an option. The Preferred Package now includes a moonroof, power front passenger's seat, and keyless ignition, while the Climate Package adds a cabin filter and humidity sensor.

S80: Volvo's flagship gets a new grille and a bit more chrome on the outside, along with upgraded cabin trim on the inside. The 3.2 liter engine is now available in a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) version; it delivers slightly less horsepower (225 hp vs. 235 for the ULEV-compliant 3.2) and its automatic transmission has a revised shift program for better fuel economy, although the PZEV's EPA estimates are the same (18/27) as the ULEV version. The T6 AWD now offers a sport-tuned suspension, part of an optional Dynamic Package, and the rear-seat refrigerator (complete with two crystal glasses), formerly available only on the S80 V8, is now offered on all S80 models. Speaking of the V8, it now comes with speed-sensitive steering as standard, and a sport-tuned suspension is an option. The navigation system has been updated, and several previously-available features have been shuffled among the S80's five available option packages.

V50: Volvo's smallest wagon can once again be had with a manual transmission, though only in racy T5 AWD form; a 5-speed automatic remains standard on the 2.4i (and optional on the T5). Other changes are similar to the V50's sedan sibling, the S40: Standard climate control and leather-and-aluminum gearshift, optional navigation for the 2.4i model, and new equipment for the Preferred and Climate packages.

V70: The big wagon gets a new R-Design model for 2010; it includes 18" wheels, a sport-tuned chassis, tailgate spoiler, and unique trim inside and out. It's powered by the same 3.2 liter inline six as the base-model V70, although that engine is now available in a 225 hp PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) version as well as the 235 hp ULEV version in last year's car. All V70s get a new grille and silver roof rails, and the optional navigation system has been updated for ease of use.

XC60: (photo) The XC60 is Volvo's first small CUV. This sleek 5-seater is offered in two models, the X60 3.2 and the X60 T6 AWD. The former gets a 3.2 liter inline six in either 235 hp ULEV form or cleaner 225 hp PZEV form; both engines power the front wheels. The T60 is powered by a 281 hp turbocharged 3-liter inline six that drives all four wheels. As you'd expect from a Volvo, the XC60 is brimming with safety equipment, including the new City Safety system. At speeds below 19 MPH, City Safety will automatically hit the brakes to avoid (or lessen the severity of) a collision.

XC70: The 3.2 model now offers a PZEV version of the engine with 10 fewer horsepower (225) than the standard engine. The 3.2 also gets a new grille, more chrome trim, and the navigation system has been updated. The T6 AWD model gets a host of new standard features, including leather upholstery, power passenger seat, integrated child booster seats, and wood interior trim.

XC90: Volvo's largest SUV gets a long list of new standard equipment, including leather seats with power adjustment for both driver and passenger, a third-row seat, three-row climate control, moonroof, rear park assist, and an integrated center booster seat. The 3.2 R-Design adds a compass in the rear view mirror, while the V8 gets a wood-trimmed cabin, heated front seats, headlight washers, cabin filter, and rain-sensing wipers. The V8 R-Design model has been discontinued.

BEYOND 2010:

C30: The 2011 C30 will get an updated front fascia to further differentiate it from the S40.

C70: For 2011, the C70 will get a host of new standard equipment, including an automatic transmission, SIRIUS satellite radio, and Sovereign Hide leather upholstery. Volvo values the additional equipment at $4,000, but the C70's price will not increase -- in fact it will drop by $50, to $40,800.