Edmunds Daily
Volvo
November 1, 2009
Safe to say, when a distracted driver runs his car into a pedestrian, it's more than likely the pedestrian will suffer the most damage. So Volvo, the automaker best known for obsessing over the safety of its cars' occupants, is now focusing on protecting the people around its cars, as well.
Next fall, the redone 2011 Volvo S60 will be offered with a new technology tagged "Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Safety" - which not only predicts when a pedestrian is likely to cross into the car's path and warns the driver, but also takes over braking if the driver fails to respond. The aim is to have the car avoid hitting the pedestrian altogether, if possible, or at least to lessen the impact if a collision of car and person is inescapable.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (3)
- Paul Seredynski November 1, 2009, 5:30 PM
- Categories:
- Volvo
October 19, 2009
As Volvo's first dedicated crossover, the 2010 XC60 has helped the Swedish automaker move further away from its dowdy and outdated image of building only safe and sturdy but bland and boxy vehicles. With the XC60, Volvo has created a sexy and sporty crossover while bolstering the company's reputation for innovative safety technology and also offering the kind of cool gadgets that appeal to geeks as well as regular folks.
The T6 AWD version that we tested (sticker $44,240) had all the bells and whistles: premium audio, navigation, Bluetooth and safety and convenience features galore. But we found that the vehicle's tech experience can be very hit or miss.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (7)
- Doug Newcomb October 19, 2009, 5:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Technology, Car Audio and Electronics, Test Cars and Car Reviews, Volvo
September 23, 2009
Some cars get more credit than they deserve, while others languish in obscurity because of any number of factors -- lack of brand prestige, poor advertising, odd styling. Yet here are five from popular segments that are certainly worth a test drive.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (7)
- James Riswick September 23, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Buick, Ford, Hyundai, Subaru, Test Cars and Car Reviews, Volvo
September 8, 2009
My first car -- a used 1975 Dodge Royal Monaco -- used to stall in the middle of intersections in the dead of winter, even if I had warmed it up quite a while. This was a pretty frightening experience for a 16-year-old. Then came fuel injection in the '80s and, later, more advanced electronic control units (ECUs), and things improved greatly.
Now, though, Volvo is recalling almost 12,000 cars for an electrical system software problem that could cause the car to stall suddenly after driving a short distance at idle -- potentially resulting in a crash. Model year and vehicles affected by the recall are 2008-2010 Volvo S80, 2009-2010 Volvo XC70, and 2010 XC60.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (2)
- Joanne Helperin September 8, 2009, 10:46 AM
- Categories:
- Car Safety, Vehicle Recalls, Volvo
September 1, 2009
Volvo is offering a 3-month trial subscription of the Sirius Everything package on certified pre-owned Volvos sold after today. That's half the trial time that the company's new 2010 vehicles will offer.
Families thinking of a CPO Volvo (and tired of listening to the whining) can use a $299 aftermarket kit to add Sirius' Backseat TV. The $6.99/mo. upgrade streams live Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network to the kiddies while front seaters listen, gratefully, to more intelligent fare. Viva la difference.
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (0)
- Joanne Helperin September 1, 2009, 9:50 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Audio and Electronics, Volvo
August 13, 2009
Americans don't like wagons. Never mind about the killer combination of versatility and drivability; coolness counts in this country, and the old-fashioned station wagon hasn't been hip since the mullet went out of style. But now traditional body-on-frame SUVs have fallen from grace as well, victims of volatile gas prices, inherent packaging inefficiencies and a burgeoning sense that bigger isn't always better. That's where so-called crossovers come in: car-like underneath but SUV-like in appearance and elevation, they're the latest in wagons for those who wouldn't be caught dead in one.
Our quarry in this Edmunds Comparison Test is the best new entrant in the rapidly expanding Compact Luxury Crossover segment. The field consists of four notables that have joined the ranks within the past year: the 2009 Audi Q5, 2010 Cadillac SRX, 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 and 2010 Volvo XC60. Since we limited ourselves to rookies, respected veterans like the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Infiniti EX35 went uninvited. As for the redesigned 2010 Lexus RX350, we determined that its midsize interior dimensions and doughy ride would clash with this crew's intimate cabins and capable suspenders.
Shoppers in this segment want more than just typical crossover virtues like good visibility, secure handling and stout styling. They're also after an upscale cabin, premium features and confident power. Practicality counts, too, and that includes price, as these "CUVs" start at less than $40,000 -- well shy of cost-no-object territory. Details below on our winner by a hair, our loser in a landslide, and the wholly respectable tie for second place.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (27)
- Josh Sadlier August 13, 2009, 12:00 AM
- Categories:
- Audi, Cadillac, Comparison Road Tests, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo
July 21, 2009
Smeared greasepaint reveals how curtain airbags can protect a driver's head from hitting hard surfaces.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) usually tests 4-door family cars, but recently responded to public demand by conducting front, side, and rear tests of 2009 coupes, including the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Scion tC, all small models, plus the midsize Volvo C30. The 2009 Ford Focus and 2009 Volvo C30 took top honors.
In the side-impact test, which simulates being struck by a pickup or SUV, all five cars were judged "Good" or "Acceptable. Notably, while the other four coupes were rated "Good" in the frontal offset sets, the Scion tC was rated only acceptable.
Continue reading...
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (0)
- Joanne Helperin July 21, 2009, 12:01 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Safety, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Subaru, Volvo
- Technorati Tags:
- Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, IIHS Crash Test, Scion tC, Volvo C30
June 4, 2009
Like cute little bunnies, compact luxury crossovers are multiplying, starting with the Acura RDX and BMW X3 a few years ago and now expanding with a new 2010 litter, including the Audi Q5, the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 and this, the 2010 Volvo XC60 T6. It's Animal Planet right in your driveway. This Volvo might seem like a "me-too!" vehicle, but after spending some quality time with the XC60, Mr. Romans came away impressed. It seems those snowbound Swedes might know a thing about building small SUVs after all. What took them so long?
Check out the full 2010 Volvo XC60 T6 Test Drive and tell us what you think about this important addition to the Volvo family. Also which of these baby luxury crossovers would you take home?
James Riswick, Automotive Editor
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (0)
- James Riswick June 4, 2009, 10:01 AM
- Categories:
- Test Cars and Car Reviews, Volvo
June 3, 2009
In the midst of June gloom, Volvo, Ford and Chrysler are trying to brighten their sales with special incentives.
Volvo:
The Swedish automaker will offer extended warranty coverage with its Safe + Sound Coverage Plan on all its vehicles except the new XC60 SUV. It runs from June 2 to 30 and includes:
5 year, 60,000-mile warranty (versus 4 years, 50,000)
5 years complimentary factory scheduled maintenance (versus 3 years miles)
5 years of roadside assistance (versus 4 years)
5 years Wear & Tear Coverage (includes free replacement of wiper blades and brake pads and rotors).
Ford:
The Blue Oval's Drive the Ford Difference is offering 0-percent financing and three months worth of payments on all its 2009 Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles (other than hybrids and the Shelby GT500). There are smaller incentives available on 2010 models, excluding the redesigned Mustang. Also, Ford will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure every time a customer test drives a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury.
Chrysler:
From June 2 to July 1, Chrysler will offer 0-percent financing for 60 months through GMAC on select 2009 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles or up to $4,000 cash. Current Chrysler Group vehicle owners are eligible for $1,000 on most 2008 and 2009 vehicles. There's a further $1,000 available to qualified members of participating credit unions.
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (0)
- James Riswick June 3, 2009, 10:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Ford, Vehicle Incentives and Rebates, Volvo
May 26, 2009
Older car buyers are a diverse bunch. Still, there are certain themes that reveal themselves when analyzing their needs. These themes tend to be dictated by the physical challenges that many face in their golden years.
The choices listed in our top 10 vehicles for seniors stand out for the skill with which they address these themes.
Our mix of vehicles covers all the bases. There's a minivan for seniors who need extra passenger capacity, and there are compact cars for those who appreciate the parking convenience that smaller vehicles provide. Our list also includes technology-laden luxury cars, a couple of spacious full-size sedans and an innovative SUV.
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (7)
- Warren Clarke May 26, 2009, 11:00 AM
- Categories:
- Audi, Automotive Technology, BMW, Car Buying, Car Safety, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuels, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Tuesday's Top 10 List, Volvo
- Technorati Tags:
- car buying advice, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Seniors, Toyota
May 8, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogsphere.
Edmunds Inside Line: GM Recalls V8-Powered 2010 Camaro SS
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro just debuted, and already there's a recall. A potential short in the engine compartment could cause the vehicle to stall without the ability to restart, and it could even result in an engine compartment fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects 1,243 SS-model Camaros. Chevrolet will start calling owners on May 6, and it anticipates mailing letters on May 18. Curious Camaro drivers can call Chevy at (800) 630-2438.
Edmunds Inside Line: Volvo Recalls 2007-08 S80 and 2008 XC70 and V70
Not to be outdone, Volvo has issued recalls of its own, and they're more sweeping, affecting two model years of the S80 luxury sedan ('07 and '08) as well as the '08 XC70 and V70 wagons. The issue is a software problem may cause the windshield wipers to malfunction, according to NHTSA. Volvo dealers will inspect the central electronic module and upgrade the software for free. The recall is expected to begin in May. Owners can contact Volvo at (800) 458-1552.
Edmunds.com: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Test Drive
The new Silverado Hybrid is the first truck to employ the same "dual-mode" kind of hybrid technology popularized by the Toyota Prius. Unfortunately, the Silverado's hybrid powertrain is a little too complex for its own good in normal operation. Our comprehensive Silverado Hybrid Test Drive has all the details.
Edmunds AutoObserver: Moment Of Truth For "Cash For Clunkers" Program
As the federal government's Cash for Clunkers bill makes its way through Congress, AutoObserver reports that any delay in passage may hurt short-term demand as buyers wait for the bill to pass before trading in their old gas-guzzlers. "Congress needs to pull the trigger," according to Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl. "The more the publicity on cash for clunkers, the more likely sales will drop off as people wait." Read Michelle Krebs' full article here.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (0)
- Josh Sadlier May 8, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Safety, Chevrolet, Edmunds Roundup, Volvo
April 14, 2009
In a recent feature story, we detailed the latest advances in safety tech -- when they would be available and on which vehicles. But you don't always have to buy a new car to get the cutting-edge safety features found on the latest models, since some of the same suppliers also offer similar technology through the mobile-electronics aftermarket.
Southern California's iconic car audio chain Al & Ed's, for example, announced yesterday that it will offer Mobileye's AWS-4000 and AWS-2000 accident-avoidance systems. Mobileye supplies similar systems to automakers such as BMW, General Motors and Volvo, and the company's technology is behind Volvo's City Safety system in the new XC60.
Like City Safety, the Mobileye AWS-4000 and AWS-2000 are camera-based systems that detect and measure the distance between its host vehicle and vehicles in front as well as lane markers. If the system calculates that you're too close to either, it will issue a warning.
The AWS-4000 (which Al & Ed's sells for $1,299 and is pictured above) comes with a camera and integrated processor, a pair of speakers that provide audible/directional warnings and a display-control unit for visual/directional warnings. The AWS-2000 ($999) includes the camera/processor and a single speaker with a volume control.
As with the night-vision system from FLIR, a company that also supplies technology to both automakers and the aftermarket, the Mobileye systems aren't cheap. But they may be less expensive than an auto accident.
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (1)
- Doug Newcomb April 14, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Technology, BMW, Car Safety, Car Tech Tuesdays, General Motors, Volvo
- Technorati Tags:
- Auto Safety, Auto Technology, BMW, General Motors, Night Vision, Volvo
April 7, 2009
We live in an age in which car gadgets allow us to do more than ever behind the wheel: make hands-free phone calls, receive and send text messages, search for the best gas prices and restaurants, listen to our entire music library and more. But of all the cool car technology available, the most significant advances are the ones that could save your life. Or at least a trip to the hospital or the body shop.
In a recent Edmunds feature, we highlight the latest safety technology from BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo that you'll see in showrooms soon. From cameras and sensors that help a driver see what's around a vehicle to Volvo's City Safety (shown above) that provides automatic braking in stop-and-go traffic, these innovative features represent the cutting-edge of available auto safety technology.
And could someday become as common as seatbelts and airbags.
- Posted by
- Permalink | Comments (0)
- Doug Newcomb April 7, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Technology, BMW, Car Safety, Car Tech Tuesdays, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo
- Technorati Tags:
- BMW, Car Safety, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo
