2003 Volvo Xc70 X/c Wagon 4-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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Polestar looking to tune Volvo CUVs

Volvo is getting serious about emerging from the fringes and into the mainstream of the luxury automobile market. But if it's going to challenge the Germans, it's going to need a performance line. And that's just what it's developing with Polestar.
Building on the motorsport partnership that has seen Polestar represent Volvo in the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, World Touring Car Championship and V8 Supercars series, Polestar has been charged with developing road-going performance Volvos as well. It currently offers comprehensively tuned versions of the S60 and V60, as well as engine upgrades for other models, but the latest word has it that Polestar will turn its attention next to tuning Volvo crossovers like the XC60 and the new XC90, pictured above in top-spec R-Design trim.
Details on how Volvo would modify those models remain to be determined, but it wouldn't be much of a stretch to imagine the XC60 outfitted with similar enhancements to those offered on its sedan and wagon stablemates to mount a challenge to the Audi SQ5. As for the larger XC90, it seems Volvo is already squeezing as much out of its new 2.0-liter triple-charged inline-four as it can, but more aggressive handling, aero and brakes could stand to transform the flagship crossover in pursuit of performance utes like the Mercedes ML63 AMG and BMW X5 M, even if it couldn't quite match their impressive horsepower outputs.

2021 Volvo XC90 Review | What's new, prices, fuel economy, pictures

The 2021 Volvo XC90 is the biggest vehicle in Volvo’s lineup, serving up three rows of Swedish luxury. ItÂ’s an attractive crossover thatÂ’s instantly recognizable as a Volvo, serving as the flagship that led the brandÂ’s revival a few years back. Volvo offers choices galore with the XC90, whether that be through trim levels or powertrain options. None of them are distinct performance models in the vein of the BMW X5 M or the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63, but the XC90Â’s appeal isnÂ’t held in 0-60 mph times and freakish handling. Instead, Volvo focuses on what it does best: Safety, efficiency and classic styling that makes us swoon. ItÂ’s spacious and cosseting when fully decked out. And while the price can rise quickly, Volvo has entry-level versions that are attainable and priced below the competition. Despite this generation starting to age, Volvo keeps it updated enough to conceal its graying areas. Those looking for something shiny and flashy should look elsewhere, because even if the snappy tech and diverse powertrain lineup are intriguing, the XC90 still flies under the radar. ItÂ’s the luxury crossover for a family that doesnÂ’t wish to boast about its bank account, but still wants a taste of the finer things in life. ThereÂ’s even a plug-in hybrid version for those wanting something thatÂ’s both quick and efficient. WhatÂ’s new for 2021? Volvo has added to the list of standard features for the new year. Now, you get adaptive LED headlights, wireless phone charging and front park assist as standard. Rear passengers gain two USB-C chargers, and the heated wipers are made available as part of the Climate Package. The T8 plug-in hybrid model is renamed as the XC90 Recharge, and it gets a new entry-level Inscription Express trim. The R-Design model gets a new glossy black grille design. VolvoÂ’s 112-mph speed limiter goes into effect across the lineup this year. Lastly, Volvo has done some color and interior trim shuffling, but nothing major. 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription View 31 Photos What are the XC90 interior and in-car technology like? No matter the trim level, the 2021 Volvo XC90Â’s cabin is a lesson in minimalism. The vibe is different from any of the German or Japanese luxury machines. Where BMW and Mercedes dashes are festooned with design flourishes and obvious luxury, the XC90 is laid back and staid. Muted wood inlays grace the dash of luxury models, whereas metal inlays are used on sportier builds.

Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ

In an attempt to help push vehicle safety to a higher level, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety created a stricter Top Safety Pick+ rating last year, which incorporates a brutal small overlap test and requires cars to get Good ratings in four out of the five categories (and no less than Acceptable in the fifth). Joining the list of the safest cars of 2013, the 2013 Volvo XC60, Lincoln MKZ, Honda Civic (sedan and coupe) and the 2014 Mazda6 have all received the coveted TSP+ rating.
The Mazda6 and Lincoln MKZ have both been completely redesigned, and both received Acceptable ratings in the small overlap test. The Honda Civic, coming off its emergency refresh for 2013, is the first small car to be subjected to the small overlap test, and IIHS says that one of the car's many upgrades includes a stiffer front structure allowing it to receive Good ratings in all categories. Similarly, the XC60 gets all Good ratings thanks to, according to IIHS, Volvo updating the airbag software allowing the side airbags to inflate during the small overlap test.
The 2014 Subaru Forester has not yet been subjected to the small overlap test, so it must make do with just a Top Safety Pick rating until the IIHS tests small utility vehicles, which is expected to happen later in the spring.