Volvo S80 (06 on) - Review

Always a traditional Volvo strength, the S80 is better than ever with its roomy interior able to accommodate five adults in superb comfort. There is plenty of rear leg room, even for taller passengers, automatic climate control is standard across the range, while heated and ventilated front seats plus heated rear seats are also available. The seats themselves are exceptionally comfortable, although they do lack side support so it often feels like you're sitting on them rather than in them. Choosing the Clean Zone Interior Package (using electronic climate control and interior air quality system) provides interior air quality that has been approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.

There's no estate version of the S80 (unlike alternatives such as the Audi A6) and the S80 doesn't have as large a boot as saloons like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class with 422-litres of luggage room. On the plus side, the boot area is square and boot opening wide, so you can fit larger suitcases and boxy items. The rear seats can fold down to allow you to carry longer items while up front there's decent storage with good-sized door pockets twin cupholders and a large central cubby between the seats that also doubles as an armrest.

The interior has a minimalist feel with clean, simple lines and subtle three-tone colour schemes. The slim centre console featured in other recent Volvo models appears here but with a design more suited to the upmarket interior of the S80. Two different wood trim finishes (one traditional and one modern) or aluminium are available while the switches and controls have a stylish look and quality feel. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and height so finding a comfortable driving position is straightforward. Facelifted models from 2009 have revised dials with an aluminium finish and a new metal-effect finish on the four-spoke steering wheel, giving it a more upmarket feel.