When I say ‘little known’, I would be absolutely wrong because as a brand ‘Volvo’ is much deep rooted in the Indian psyche than even the three pointed star. But brand Volvo is more known for its fantastically comfortable commercial buses than its cars.

Anyways, the Swedes have launched the 2012 Volvo XC60 at a much cheaper price tag of 34.4 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). How did they manage to reduce the price you ask?

Well, essentially they downsized the old D5 engine to make a D3 version. Now this inline in-line five cylinder turbo diesel engine produces 163 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to an automatic six-speed transmission with four-wheel drive system. This engine will play a much bigger role as Volvo plans to launch our favorite Volvo – S60 with the same engine on the 15th of this month.

The Volvo XC60 will directly compete against Audi Q5, Land Rover Freelander 2 and BMW X3. Strangely, the Volvo XC60 is much cheaper than the German rivals despite the fact that the Germans are assembled in India and the XC60 is imported as a CBU. However, only 7 service stations across India are certainly a point of worry.

Fiat has started testing the rebadged Dodge Dart in China. Many in India falsely believe the rebadged Dart is the new or successor to the Linea. This is incorrect as with a facelift in the pipeline, the current Linea has some more time before hanging up its boots. Fiat’s version of the Dart may use the Linea badge. It’s bigger than the Linea, uses a 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine (like the Linea’s 1.4 T-Jet) and is a C-Segment car.

Fiat’s 500 may be the most stylish small car ever made in Italy, but the wave of new competition could sideline the little champion. Introduced back in 2007, Fiat should be mulling a facelift operation, and the launch the 500L gave plenty of clues on the makeover, if one is to happen soon.

The headlights may be pulled back into the bonnet and the the bumpers could be heavily designed.

Volvo is said to have to change its mind on developing a competitor for the S-Class and 7 Series. Its new owner Geely could have influenced the decision to build a range-topping S100, based around the Concept Universe shown at last year’s Beijing Auto Show. A revised concept car moving closer towards production is expected to be on view at this year Beijing Show that’s opens its doors in April.

On the heels of the 2013 XC90′s launch, Volvo is understood to be prepping the facelift of the S80 sedan for an immediate release. Images of a cosmetically reworked S80 hit the interwebs recently featuring a three-dimensional grille, a continuous lip, new alloy wheels, U-shaped front bumper, and extensions from the rear bumper carved out over the exhaust tips.

Volvo is unlikely to introduce a new engine or gearbox on the S80 facelift.

Recently it was learned that Volvo is working on the S80 successor to come out after the next gen XC90 in 2014-15. The facelift seen here has to have enough zing to hold out until the replacement is ready to head out. If the design language is similar to the S60, the next generation S80 can give its German rivals a few headaches.

[Source - http://auto.163.com]

Much of the focus is on the Chinese market where Volvo wants to grow multifold. Volvo is developing a full array of products and the flagship XC90 is yet to max out its potential in China partly due to its outdated looks. Sure Volvo may have incorporated more than 322 changes on the 2013 model, but it does not pip the Q7 or the GL-Class in refinement, features or fuel efficiency.

The successor to the XC90 is under development and early reports detail its uncanny resemblance to the XC60. Having said that, the XC90 is not a fatter XC60. The rendering carried by AutoMotorSport.se maybe an indication of the replacement’s design direction.

The new XC90 debuts in 2014 with newly developed four-cylinder turbo and naturally aspirated engines replacing the older V8 motors. Plug-in hybrids are also in the offing but when and where it isn’t clear. Shortly after its introduction, the S80 successor is set to follow.

[Source - AutoMotorSport.se]

Providing the fire power to the front wheels of the XC60 Plug-In hybrid is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 280 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.  A small generator sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission provides an extra 46 hp to the front wheels during acceleration.

Providing the green power is an electric motor generating 70 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque and feeding it to the rear wheels, pushing the total output to 350HP

Both generator and electric motor are fed by a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack located under the rear cargo floor. It takes 3.5 hours to fully charge via a 220-volt outlet or 7.5 hours with a 110-volt outlet.

[Source: CarAndDriver.com]

Volvo XC90 exterior changes:

• New color-coordinated trim
• Revised bumpers
• Sill moldings and wheel arches.
• Headlamps with LED running lights and redesigned Tail lamps
• Silver scruff plate
• Two new colors – Twilight Bronze and Flaminco Red

Volvo XC90 interior changes:

• Sanded silver aluminum inlays
• White instrument lighting
• Leather tailgate strap
• Wood rimmed steering wheel
• Higher-end Premium Plus and Platinum trim levels gain special Sovereign hide soft leather and walnut wood

Under the hood, XC90s continues the 3.2-liter straight six, which generates 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque. A six-speed automatic puts power to either the front or all four wheels, depending on specification.

This model could be Volvo India’s first launch of 2012. The XC90 is brought into India through the CBU route.

[Source: Autoweek.com]

Volvo’s recent efforts of design have produced some astonishing results such as the S60, XC60 and the C30. The company has almost reinvented itself from the dodgy designs of the past. In order to keep the torch burning, the company has released four sketches of the XC90 representing the four different design direction.

Sure, they may look pretty similar from a hawk eye perspective but remember the devil is always in the details.

Our favorite design is the second one  simply because it is something fresh that we have never seen before. Irrespective of the design, the new Volvo XC90 will be built on a Scalable Platform Architecture with a four-cylinder pot with a generous dollop of turbocharging. The company is also focusing on developing KERS technology for their future vehicles.

The new XC90 makes its debut in 2014 so pick your favorite now. Remember Volvo is listening!

Source: CarandDriver

2012 Volvo XC90 interiors

• 3-spoke steering wheel
• Aluminum trim as standard
• watch dial-like instrument panel design with white lighting
• split tailgate
• leather grab handle for third row passengers
• A top-end Executive variant equipped with soft leather seats that have ventilation and massage functions

2012 Volvo XC90 Image Gallery

2012 Volvo XC90 exterior styling changes

• Daytime Running Lights
• Silver bumper and roof rails as standard
• Body colored lower door moulding
• LED brake lights, dual light tail lamps
• six-spoke 18 inch alloy wheels

The 2012 XC90 will provide yet another opportunity for Volvo India to talk and advertise its products. The XC90 in its upgraded form also gives customers who are looking for a seven seater the ready upgrade in the same showroom space.