Volvo S80

The interiors have also been upgraded and the S80 now comes with a customisable instrument cluster and a new dashboard layout. The S80 is also the most spacious and most comfortable car in tis segment. The cabin is beautifully designed to be practical and very stylish. There is plenty of room for all occupants, the quality is also top notch and everything seems to be right where it belongs.

The S80 comes with two diesel variants and both are very well refined. The lower variant is the 1984cc 5-cylinder turbodiesel with 160bhp and 400Nm of torque. The higher variant is the 2400cc 5-cylinder turbodiesel unit that pumps out 212bhp and 440Nm of torque. Both engines are equally refined, and both are also mated to a brilliant 6-speed automatic transmission.

The lower spec engine has a good amount of torque and provides a good acceleration, but it does feel a little underpowered. The refinement is good and its overall performance is good for the city. However, the high spec engine provides instantaneous power delivery to the front wheels and the higher torque allows the car to race from a stand still to 100kmph in just 8seconds. The 2400cc diesel unit is the preferred engine in terms of overall performance, but both engine variants provide the same ride quality and smooth comfort thanks to the incredible suspension setup. On the highway the car feels really good and the handling is also very good. The transmission is also very good and gear changes are smooth. Overall the performance and ride quality is very good, but compared to its German rivals it is not as engaging to drive.

The lower spec diesel unit provides a fuel economy of around 13kmpl, while the higher spec engine provides around 12kmpl.

The S80 does come with some very good features such as power steering with mounted controls, power windows, electronic climate control, interior air quality system, panoramic glass roof, rain sensors, cruise control, high performance audios system with a 7-inch touchscreen display and in-car internet connectivity.

Volvo is the leader in automotive safety so you can expect the best technology. Some features include Blind Spot Information Display, ABS with traction control, advanced stability control, Driver alert control, Lane departure warning, engine drag control, Active bending lights, multiple dual stage airbags, and parking sensors.

The quality of the car is top notch. The exteriors panels are fitted nicely and made up of premium components, and the interiors exude the most premium and luxurious cabin. The engines are also very well refined and all other components are good quality. There is not much cabin noise in the cabin and the ride quality is superb. The only problem might be that servicing might be expensive, but then again Volvo cars rarely breakdown or need repair. Spare parts will also be expensive, but on the whole the car is very reliable.

The S80 has a good value for money mainly because of its features and safety technology.

The S80 is a very good mid-size luxury sedan. It might be priced lower than the 5 Series and the E Class, but it comes with more features and the technology in this car is simply amazing. The higher spec engine is very good and the driving dynamics are good. This car is the whole package with its performance, comfort and technology.