Volvo South Africa has revitalized its entire range for the 2012 model year, but there are no radical or drastic changes to speak of here, instead a raft of specification upgrades to make the 'safe choice' just that little bit more luxurious and tantalizing.
Audio streaming is now available on all models, which basically allows you to listen to your playlists via the Bluetooth audio streaming connection, and two new specification levels (Excel and Elite) are offered in most of the line-ups.
Let's take a brief look at what's new on each specific model:
C30:
Three new option packs aim to give Volvo's youthful three-door hatch a sportier edge, these being the Sport Pack, Techno Pack and R-Design Plus Pack. What's more, buyers can also opt for new 17-inch, five-spoke 'Spider' alloy wheels while Bluetooth with audio streaming is now available as an option.
C70:
You can now add some bling factor to Volvo's four-seat coupe-convertible with the option of a full silver roof and A-pillar, while a new rear spoiler is also available. Other new options include Beachwood (off-black) leather seats with Dark Oak trim and for the exterior you can now opt for LED daytime running lights with brightwork and chrome strip on the back bumper.
S40 & V50:
This compact sedan and wagon range receives a more advanced interior movement sensor and also offers the 'Spider' wheel option as per their C30 sibling.
S60 & V60:
The biggest change on the newly introduced S60 sedan and V60 wagon is a power boost for the D5 turbodiesel engine, which now puts out 158kW and 440Nm (up from 151 and 420). The models also get upgraded bi-xenon headlights with manual asymmetric control and R-Design models can now be had with off-black leather seats.
S80 and XC70:
Volvo's flagship sedan and second-in-command SUV receive the most comprehensive update in the 2012 range, the highlights being the latest colour-screen Sensus infotainment system (first introduced in the S60) and some engine upgrades. Also inherited from the S60 is Volvo's Pedestrian Detection system that can brake for the driver at speeds of below 35km/h and higher-performance versions of the D3 and D5 turbodiesel engines.
The D5 engine is available in both models and is good for 158kW and 440Nm, with claimed combined consumption amounting to 6.1 l/100km in the S80 version. The D3 motor, only available in the S80, produces 120kW and 400Nm.
Other upgrades include the addition of Biarritz Blue (S80) and Twilight Bronze (XC70) to the colour palette, redesigned headlights as well as two new wheel designs for the S80 and one for the XC70. Inside both models, you'll find a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel, enhanced décor inlays and redesigned interior lighting.
XC60:
The 2012 XC60 makes life a little easier for owners with an upgraded, self-opening tailgate with a smoother operation than the previous one. The diesel version also gets the 158kW/440Nm D5 engine upgrade while a new 19-inch Fenrir black chrome wheel option becomes available.
XC90:
Volvo's biggest crossover not only receives the aforementioned D5 diesel engine upgrade, but a 154kW/320Nm T5 petrol engine has also been added to the range.