As most vehicles age into their lifeline, the 2007 Volvo XC90 just gets better and better, really more refined, and in its case the styling is enhanced with a new grille, bumpers and taillights.

The car gets an all-new 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that replaces the previous five cylinder, resulting in 235 horsepower, an increase of 27 hp, and an identical 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Volvo is still offering the V8 option that develops 311 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The new 6-cylinder and the V8 both meet the stringent ULEV II emissions standards.

The new six-cylinder produces enough power so that potential buyers don’t have to automatically default to the V8 if they’re looking to ensure they have enough power. It receives color-coordinated side moldings and door handles while the V8 gains aluminum roof rails and color-coordinated wheel arch moldings. Both models sport new outside mirrors with integrated turn signals that flash three times with light pressure on the turn signal stalk.

An upgraded interior features a standard leather gearshift for the cylinder.

Changes for the V8 include new watch-dial instruments and optional Sovereign Hide Chestnut Brown leather upholstery. Selecting the Touring Package for the V8 adds new Sapeli wood inlays including the gearshift knob and steering wheel, plus 18-inch “Camulus” alloy wheels to its already excellent Volvo parts. An auxiliary input, MP3 capability and satellite radio preparation is standard on both models.

Volvo maintains its benchmark status with the XC 90 because as Volvo’s most popular selling vehicle in the U.S., it’s done something other high-end brands haven’t been able to do — and that is really reflect the brand’s values and identity through design and performance. There’s a couple other high-end SUV makers that always leave you with the impression all they’ve done is slap their badge on a truck because they wanted to give their customers the option to have a high-end SUV. For the moment these other brands shall remain nameless.

But the focus here is on the Volvo XC90 that delivers a traditional SUV driving experience. It doesn’t have the car-like characteristics of the newer crossovers. SUVs got popular because of the upright, high-performance, near-truck-like driving characteristics which you get with the XC90.

For someone looking for a high-end SUV, the Volvo XC90 remains a great car. The center console dominated by two large round dials for audio controls, the rest of the panel comprised of easy-to-read flush black buttons. And you’ve got to love the little human graphic sitting in a seat that guide you on the climate control functions. The dash and driver cockpit includes laptops and cellphones.

Steering wheel mounted controls are clean and simple to understand without diving for the driver’s manual. They include audio and cruise control functions with flat black buttons on the wheel’s center padded area, and Volvo has put easy to use front and rear wipers on the right stalk, with light controls on the left stalk, both mounted on the column.

It comes with third row seating that’s standard with the eight-cylinder engine and optional with the six.

It has “active” Bi-Xenon headlights with beams that swivel up to 15 degrees for enhanced nighttime visibility [that cost $800]. A high-power Dynaudio sound system is offered on the V8. An auxiliary input, MP3 capability and satellite radio preparation is standard on both models. Available on both models is Volvo’s state-of-the-art digital video Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

Adhering to Volvo’s core value of safety, all XC90 models are equipped with Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Side impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable Curtains for all three rows.

The 2007 Volvo XC90 with the 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine starts at $36,135, while the V8 begins at $46,425; both have a destination charge of $695. Some option packages to look out for are the climate package that includes heated seats, for $675, as well as the navigation system that goes for $2,120. The all-wheel drive package our tester had runs $1,850.

Easter is known as a hot buying season for auto enthusiasts. But Volvo has additional three good reasons to be jubilant about Easter. This is because its trio of models has scooped awards in the Used Car Honours 2007. The commendations for the XC90, S60, and V50 were published by Auto Express magazine. In connection to this, the Swedish automaker has expressed its plans to offer a wider range of older models through Volvo Selected Used Cars, its approved pre-owned scheme.

At the Auto Express Used Car awards, the Volvo XC90, the acclaimed SUV from the automaker, was adjudged an outright winner in the off-road 4×4 category. There was further success for the Volvo S60 sedan and the Volvo V50 sports wagon. The cars both achieved the Commended status in the compact executive and estate car classes respectively.

Volvo has already established an impressive history in prestigious awards. As a fact, this is the second year that the XC90 has scooped the honor for the Best 4×4 Off-roader. Additionally, this is the third year in succession that Volvo has claimed three trophies.

For the 2007 Auto Express awards, judges have intimated full praise for the Volvo trio. They have this to say: “The Volvo XC90 is still the must-have off-roader. A top Euro NCAP rating and the marque’s reputation for dealer service and reliability combine to make the XC90 a desirable used car that’s also a sensible buy.”

The Volvo XC90, a mid-size luxury crossover SUV which has debuted at the New York Auto Show, is sharing the P2 platform with its siblings – the Volvo S80 and other larger Volvo cars. The remarkable Volvo XC90 parts include the 4.4 L Yamaha V8 engine that produces 311 units of horsepower and 325 ft•lbf of torque. For this model year, the car was updated to deliver a subtly-restyled front and rear, and a more luxurious interior.

In regards with the Volvo S60, judges have this to say: “When it comes to value in this sector, there’s only one place to look. With plenty of kit, loads of space and some of the most relaxing seats we’ve experienced, the Volvo S60 is a soothing choice.” They also gave unrestricted praises in favor of the V50. They said, “With a 417-litre boot that grows to 1,307 litres, the Volvo V50 isn’t the biggest load-lugger, but it’s one of the most stylish. Top-rate safety and build quality complete the package.”

Accepting the prestigious awards was Anne Woodward, the used car programme manager. “Our continued success in the used car market is reflected in the number of visitors to our website, www.volvoselectedusedcars.com, where 280,000 used Volvos are viewed online each month – and that’s a significant increase on last year’s figure.”

Woodward also intimated the automaker’s plans that will appeal to cost-conscious motorists looking to buy a used Volvo. “Last year 12 percent of our used car sales were of vehicles aged three to four years. In 2007 our goal is to get that much nearer to 20 percent. Offering a wider range of older models means more customers than ever will be able to afford a Selected Used Volvo. And that means more people will benefit from the high standards of vehicle preparation and guaranteed peace-of-mind motoring provided by our franchised dealer network,” she said.

The Volvo XC90, since its introduction to the market, has been a success story for the Ford Motor Co. owned brand – the Sweden-based car manufacturer Volvo. Its cutting edge design and its package of safety systems makes this model a sure hit for buyers. While power from its engine is enough for the normal demands on it, competitors in its class continually raise the bar when it comes to power and the company is developing new concepts and design for their engines to cope up. A solution is needed in order for the company to be a serious competitor in the crossover SUV market which is showing no sign of slowing down in spite of expectations against it doing so.

The acquisition of Ford Motor Company of the brand proved invaluable in finding the solution to the power problem that the company is facing – that is power in their cars. The original engines employed by the Volvo XC90 are a 2.5-liter in-line, five-cylinder engine with 208 horsepower; and a 2.6-liter in-line, six-cylinder turbocharged engine with an output of 268 horsepower. Both designs are compact and could easily fit into the car’s ample engine compartment. However, the problem is that the Volvo XC90 is larger and heavier than other Volvo cars which employs the same engines. The power produced by both engine even the souped up six-cylinder one is just enough to give the car decent acceleration and speed, and this shortage of power is being exploited by its competitor which uses much bigger engines thus having more power.

While increasing turbo boost can significantly increase power, it would not work with the Volvo XC90 given its size. Its towing capacity will also be reduced to make sure that the turbocharger will not be overworked. Using a bigger engine is also an option, using a V8 engine just like its competitors would surely increase the vehicle’s power but a problem arises again. A big V8 engine would not fit in the car’s compartment which is designed to accommodate in-line engines. This is where the Ford Motor Company comes in. Its extensive resources will give the Volvo model the V8 engine it needs for more power.

A Ford car once used an unusual V8 which was designed based on Ford’s Duratec V6. This V8 engine is unusual since it uses a 60-degree angle between the two banks unlike most V8s which uses a 90-degree angle for balance. This production of the engine was discontinued since it has low sales. The engine produced 237 horsepower which will be no improvement to the original turbocharged in-line six-cylinder but the design of the engine can be used to develop a larger engine. And this is what the company did, joining forces with Yamaha, and they have produced a 4.4-liter V8 engine which gives 43 more horses than the original engine.

The uniquely designed V8 is a great step for the company; they now have more power to hide under the hood of their Volvo XC90, and along with it come a wide array of reliable parts like the Volvo distributor rotor which makes sure that all 8 cylinders will fire on their proper order. The development of the V8 for the Volvo XC90 is a great leap forward for the company, with it the Volvo XC90 has become a serious competitor in its class.

Volvo is easily recognized worldwide as a global leader in the automotive industry. For nearly a century now, the Swedish company took the European market by storm with an astounding lineup of high-quality models. Volvo’s passion and progression established them as one of the best automobile manufacturers.

Volvo cars are much celebrated in the United States and in many continents being regarded as the safest cars every made. Particularly, their line of station wagons proved to be their best seller. Executive class wagons such as the Volvo V40 and V70 are among the international favorites garnering awards and recognition. But surprisingly, Volvo defied conventional expectations and released a mid-size luxury crossover SUV out in the market. This particular model will become Volvo’s top selling vehicle in the US and their best selling model worldwide.

The Volvo XC90 is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger luxury SUV. The XC90 V8 sport model is a first time in the company’s 77-year history to include safety-conscious, environmentally sensitive eight-cylinder engines. The result is a SUV that leads its competitors in fuel efficiency and emissions. The vehicle boasts of four catalytic converters plus an elevated idling speed making it the only gasoline powered V8 to achieve the US governments Ultra Low Emission Vehicle requirements. The Volvo XC90 parts are mainly the best features of this SUV. The interior and exterior car parts are made from the best grade of materials to ensure that the vehicular systems run in the finest condition. Volvo XC90 parts are released out in the market to give the consumers steady supply when it comes to maintenance and replacements.

The mere design of the vehicle alone is a testament to Volvo’s unwaivering commitment to the public. Not only is the XC90 a tough off-road SUV, it also offers the luxurious touch of Volvo’s wagons. It goes without saying that Volvo’s standards are exemplary, designed to meet and exceed this generation’s need for safety and innovation.

The Swedish car manufacturer’s arm in North America recently reported their sales figures for the month of May. Volvo Cars of North America, LLC reported that they have sold 9,208 cars and light trucks in the United States and Puerto Rico combined. The said sales output marks a decrease of 9.2 percent as compared to the number of vehicles they sold for the same month last year.

Including Canada and Mexico, the total sales for Volvo Cars of North America is reported to be 10,636 units. That sales output represents an 8.4 percent reduction compared to May of last year’s sales output. In Canada, Volvo sales are down by 5 percent while in Mexico, sales increased by 10.5 percent. In Canada, Volvo sold 1,166 cars and light trucks while in Mexico, sales amounted to 263 units.

The midsize luxury crossover SUV is still the best selling auto model for Volvo in the United States, including Puerto Rico, and Canada. In Mexico, the best selling car model for Volvo is the S40.

Volvo sold 2,626 units of the XC90 in the United States including Puerto Rico. The increasing popularity of the crossover SUV is reflected in the 8.8 percent sales increase. While the month of May saw an increase in the sale of the XC90, year to date sale is down by 4.8 percent. Last year’s first five months saw Volvo sell 13,563 Volvo XC90s which are known for their safety and smooth ride thanks to Volvo shocks. After five months this year, Volvo has only managed to sell 12,914 units of the XC90.

In Canada, the XC90 suffered a sales decrease of 24.2 percent. Volvo sold 229 units of the XC90 in Canada last month and that number is lower than the 302 units they have sold in the country last year for the same month. Year to date sale is also reduced by 24.4 percent. From last year’s 1,294 units of the XC90 sold for the first five months, Volvo has only managed to sell 978 units of the XC90 after five months this year.

In Mexico, the best-selling car model is the S40 although the demand for it has decreased. Last month, Volvo sold 91 units of the S40 and that number is down by 20.2 percent as compared to May of last year’s 114 units sold. The XC90 in Mexico meanwhile is steadily gaining ground with an increase in sale of 2.4 percent when Volvo sold two more XC90 last month than on May of 2006. Volvo sold 87 units of the XC90 last month and 85 units last year for the month of May.

In the United States, the highest gainer in Volvo’s lineup last month is the convertible C70. Volvo sold 572 units of the convertible last month, 1,872 percent more than the 29 C70s sold last year for the same month. In Canada, the highest gainer is the luxury sedan S80 with 177.8 percent more units sold this year’s May than last year’s. Volvo sold 75 units of the S80 in Canada last month while last year, they only sold 27 S80s for the month of May. In Mexico, the XC90 is the highest gainer. Volvo’s sale in Mexico is helped by the introduction of the S80 and the C30 at the said country.

Volvo’s future auto design is leading a new direction. Recently, a preview of what is to come is made available to some lucky journalists and enthusiasts. Volvo earlier pulls wraps off its all-new XC60 Concept which showcases fresh and striking design.

XC60 Concept is set to be introduced in Detroit’s auto show next month. There, dealers and enthusiasts alike can take their first look at the future design of Volvo under the administration of Steve Mattin, the automaker’s new guru. In an interview, Mattin said that the XC60 concept will indicate Volvo’s new design DNA. He added, “It will have technical as well as design innovation. But it’s a real concept car, not just a disguised production car.” In other words, its relationship to the real thing will be as the 2000 ACC concept was to the XC90. “It takes the emotion of the C30 a step further.”

Mattin also gave the metes and bounds of the future design of the automaker. He said, “We need to be recognizable as Volvo. We’re still about Scandinavian simplicity; we can’t be playful or do styling for the sake of styling. Volvos last a long time, so our design must have legs. But we can’t be too simple or we’d edge toward blandness. And we can’t change; we must be fresh. I want to broaden our design and have more variation between car lines.”

XC60 combines the power of Volvo XC90 vintage car truck parts and the elegance of C30 auto parts to pave way for a remarkable new XC. The vehicle has an elegant glass roof, catchy front grille with angles positioning lights on its sides, sophisticated interior, and comfortable ergonomics.

According to enthusiasts, the future of Volvo design is anything but bland. Volvo president Fredrik Arp said, “The XC60 will be as important as the C30 in expanding the brand’s sales.” Arp added that the concept is a good indicator of what the production model will look like.

Volvo expects that the new XC will capture the desires of modern day owners which have active urban lifestyle. The automaker also intends to follow up the concept version with the production venture before the end of the decade.

Volvo is a brand of vehicles which has gained fame and fortune for being one of the manufacturers of safe and family friendly vehicles. Such a reputation has not only been displayed through the vehicles, Volvo V40 parts, and other Volvo products that the company manufactures, but the reputation for safety and family friendliness has been seen through various recognition and accolades that the company has been receiving through their products.

Just most recently, one of the vehicles in the Volvo stable of vehicles has took home yet another trophy. This time around, it was the Volvo XC90 which has given the company another round of honor by being bestowed with the highest rating for the Top Safety Pick choices. The Top Safety Pick choices are part of the 2007 safety awards handed out by the country’s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or the IIHS. The awards also very much recognize vehicles that offer and give passengers the best and utmost protection for various crashes – front, rear, and side – which are based on the ratings after doing broad crash tests.

Adrian Lund is the president of IIHS and he explains their crash tests, “Our crash tests cover the most common kinds of real world collisions. Designating Top Safety Pick winners based on our tests makes it easier for consumers to identify vehicles that afford the best overall protection without sifting through multiple sets of comparative test results.”

The tests this year sure was no easy feat. You see, the IIHS had actually added a new criteria and requirement so that the vehicles who would like to take home the top rating could take one step ahead of the rest. This year, the IIHS added the electronic stability control as a standard requirement for vehicles. According to the IIHS, such a move has been done not as to spite vehicle manufacturers but because of valid reasons. You see, the ESC actually greatly reduces the risk of crashes because it allows drivers have and maintain control of their vehicles despite emergency moves on the road.

The director of Volvo’s safety center, Ingrid Skogsmo, was very much delighted by the award that the Volvo XC90 took home. He did say, “Integrated safety technology is part of the Volvo DNA to focus on real world safety. An award like this validates Volvo’s commitment to safety and explains why the XC90 is the best selling European SUV in the United States.”

Whoosh down the roads. Feel the exhilaration to speed on the roads with Volvo XC90 D5 AWD car with fine comfort and good performance.

Key Features Volvo XC90 D5 AWD gives superb performance as it is powered by 5-cylinder, D5, 2400cc, DOHC, turbo charged diesel engine. Its good performance is credited to its 185PS power at 4000rpm and torque of 400Nm at 2000rpm. With a fuel system operating on diesel, this car gives a mileage of 9 kmpl on highways, which is below common expectations. One thing that makes this car really fit to run the race in modern automobile industry is its Cruise Control feature. This feature makes long journeys less tiresome. Volvo XC90 D5 AWD comes loaded with AC, power windows, power steering, central locking, remote boot, and remote fuel filler for user’s convenience. Entertainment is no more a problem, as it also has MP3 System installed. This car is really comfort-oriented, as it provides for electrically adjustable driver’s seat and steering adjustment too. User’s safety is being taken care of with the incorporation of SIPS airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Emergency brake light, Volvo guard alarm, whiplash protection system for front seat, and pyrotechnical pretensioners for both front and rear seats in Volvo XC90 D5 AWD. That is not all; there are other passive safety features too.

Design Volvo XC90 D5 AWD is a utility vehicle classified in the D+ segment of entry-level luxury cars. It reflects good sense of design by its use of body-colored bumpers. Plus, its sturdy make is revealed through the 17-inch alloy wheels, and lockable wheel bolts for these wheels.

Cons Being equipped with ABS and Fog Lamps, Volvo XC90 D5 AWD gives you a feeling of safety; but having cruise control necessitates inclusion of traction control and electronic stability program. This car does not have foldable rear seats and tinted glass. These are minor concerns, yet ones that could strangle user’s comfort.

Conclusion An overall good performance is projected for Volvo XC90 D5 AWD and it truly is good value for money. Five people family can happily and comfortably travel in this car.

Volvo has finally decided to expand its lineup to pave way for a sporty car which is dubbed as XC90 V8 Sport. Said model is given dynamic auto parts such as the stiffened chassis, suspension and engine to satisfy the craving of aficionados for a more athletic car. Level of desirability is pushed a notch higher by giving the car unique appearance, enjoyable handling and comfy amenities.

“We have had numerous requests for a sportier XC90,” says Susanna Johnsson, Product Manager of Special Vehicles at Volvo Car Corporation. “They are from customers who appreciate the versatility and comfort of an SUV but who also want a bit more driving pleasure. We have developed the Volvo XC90 V8 Sport especially for them, with a dynamic sport chassis, stiffer anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, a sport-tuned, speed-dependent steering system, and larger, 19″ wheels,” Johnsson continued.

Volvo XC90 parts were enhanced to achieve a sporty meaning, which does not only extend to aesthetic terms. To boot, the refined chassis is designed to increase real driving pleasure. Other auto parts like the anti-roll bars and shock absorbers are made stiffer to deliver high level of stability especially when cornering. Its steering is also enhanced to provide faster steering response. Additionally, Nivomat system has been fine-tuned to deliver superb driving control and stability.

Obviously, the powertrain for XC90 is V8, which is a dynamic and powerful engine. Said engine, which is capable of generating 311 horsepower, contributes significantly to achieve a sportier driving experience. The engine is mounted in the engine bay to provide more space for loading needs.

“We dare to promise a truly enjoyable experience behind the wheel of a Volvo XC90 Sport,” says Johnsson. “The driving characteristics are of a caliber that few thought were possible in a Volvo SUV. And we have not had to compromise on riding comfort. We have succeeded in finding a balance between driving stability and the capacity to absorb unevenness in the road.”

“Pricing and positioning in this extremely competitive segment are integral to success,” says Anne Belec, president and CEO, Volvo Cars of North America. “Volvo redefined the SUV segment with the introduction of the XC90, and we have continued to refine the process.”

In the past, Volvo has been known to use five or four cylinder engines and not much with the use of huge V8 engines. The company’s preference of smaller engines is, of course, the safety of its consumers. The Swedish car company is also known for the boxy design of their cars, the reason for which is of course safety.

But as time changes, Volvo see it fit that they must attract the younger car buyers and thus they should be able to match what their competitors offer. That is why Volvo has moved away from boxy designs and has started using V8 engines on their vehicles.

The first ever Volvo to be equipped with a V8 is the award winning XC90 which is incidentally is the prize to be given away by Volvo in this year’s partnership with Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean film. The XC90 is also the living proof that Volvo has done well in using a V8 engine for their vehicle.

The company has made the XC90 a success because they have taken their time in producing a V8 powered vehicle. By learning what to do and what not to do in the use of V8 engines has made the XC90 an instant hit in the auto market. For the coming years, Volvo XC90’s competitors will surely undergo improvements and Volvo appears to be ready to improve the XC90 for it to remain as one of the leaders in its segment.

For the new model year, the XC90 will be still equipped with the V8 developed by Yamaha for the Ford Motor Company. Partnering with the Japanese company, Volvo has developed an engine capable of producing 311 horsepower at 3900 revolutions per minute. This power is enough to give the XC90 good amount of power for normal uses. The engine is 754 mm in length and 635 mm across. The relatively smaller engine tips the scale at 190 kilograms and is considered as one of the cleanest gasoline engines today.

The engine is transversely mounted onto the engine compartment of the Volvo XC90. Initially, one of the problems faced by Volvo in the use of V8 engines on the XC90 is the space on its engine bay. The XC90’s predecessors are equipped with in-line engines and therefore occupy less space than the V8. While Volvo may have increased the engine bay of the XC90, it opts to use the V8 engine developed by Yamaha for Ford. The smaller V8 engine uses the same angle commonly found on V6 engines. This configuration allowed Volvo to fit a V8 engine on the XC90’s engine compartment.

In terms of safety, the placement of the engine is thought about thoroughly. While other car manufacturers use a 50-50 weight distribution of the two banks of V8 engines, Volvo compromised the balance to give the XC90 a better crash protection. The reasoning behind the compromise is that the slightly out of balance placement of the engine will affect the vehicle’s ride comfort in a very small way that it is almost negligible.

Another step taken by Volvo in fitting the V8 engine onto the XC90’s engine bay is the elimination of brackets. For example, the vehicle’s starter motor is mounted on top of the transmission thus giving space around the engine. The transmission used by Volvo in the XC90 to be mated with the V8 engine is a six-speed Geartronic automatic gear box. One of the most notable features of this gear box is its overdrive gear. This means that the vehicle can have a quieter cruising operation while providing a good fuel efficiency. Shifting the gears can be done manually as Volvo integrated a feature into the transmission which allows driver to do so.

With the high power output offered by the engine and the Volvo XC90’s respectable off-road driving capabilities, it is set to once again dominate its segment. Not only does the XC90 posses a highly efficient engine, the exemplary vehicle also exhibits what Volvo calls Scandinavian luxury. The interior of the XC90 offers good comfort to its occupants with a highly efficient cooling system for hot weathers and an equally efficient Volvo heater core for those cold winter driving. Being a Volvo of course means that the XC90 will be loaded with the most advanced safety features developed.