Volvo tweaks V70 R-Design for 2012

VOLVO Cars UK has added a plush S80 ‘Executive’ variant to its flagship model range and tweaked its top-spec R-Design V70, which could be part of the 2012 V70 line-up that goes on sale here late this year.

The updated R-Design sports version of the V70 wagon gets LED indicators in the door mirrors - with silk metal covers no less – as well as diamond-cut 18-inch ‘Ixion’ alloy wheels.

Inside, there is new ‘off black’ leather upholstery on, leather around the gear selector and redesigned black mats with contrasting stitching.

The R-Design also gains the Scandinavian brand’s ‘Sensus’ infotainment system which debuted in the S60 and V60 model lines last year. This in-dash system controls active and preventative safety features such as City Safety, Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Driver Alert System and Active Cruise Control.

The UK-version of the V70 R-Design is available across the wide array of petrol and diesel engine options available in that market, from the 84kW/270Nm 1.6-litre turbo-diesel DRIVe version through to the 224kW/440Nm T6 petrol range-topper.

Volvo Australia’s V70 line-up, which includes the current R-Design variant, is limited to the T6 engine.

Left: Volvo V70 R-Design interior. Below: Volvo S80 Executive edition exterior and interior.

Volvo Cars Australia public affairs manager Jaedene Hudson could not confirm at this stage if the new R-Design model would be a part of the 2012 V70 line-up, which she said was slated for arrival here in the fourth quarter of this year.

The S80 Executive, which Ms Hudson confirms will not be added the local line-up of Volvo’s flagship passenger model, gains a number of high-end interior enhancements.

These include an instrument panel topped in ‘espresso brown’ or ‘off black’ leather, ventilated soft leather seats with a massage function, an analogue clock in the central display and extra thick carpeting.

There is even an option that adds a rear seat bar fridge with Swedish crystal glasses.

"Both cars are designed around the growing number of people who appreciate the possibility of tailoring their cars to suit individual tastes” said senior vice-president product strategy at Volvo Cars Lex Kerssemakers.

“The Executive version of the S80 radiates exclusive luxury while our R-Design models are developed for buyers who want an extra sporty look." These additions follow recent updates of the V70, XC70 and S80 models ranges in the UK, which brought tweaks to the engines, new interior features and modest changes to the exterior styling.

External changes included new body colours – Biarritz Blue for the V70 and S80, Twilight Bronze for the XC70 – as well as headlamps redesigns, integrated LED indicators and new alloy wheel designs.

Internally, all three models get the Sensus infotainment system, as well as a new three-spoke steering wheels, enhanced décor inlays and redesigned interior lighting.

Ms Hudson could not confirm whether these upgrades would apply to local product, saying that “we haven’t finalised our plans for MY2012 yet”.