TEST DRIVE: Volvo plays it safe

By Maxmilian Wechsler

MY acquaintance with Volvo began in 1993 when I was driving a 940 GLE around Thailand and an 850 two years later. Both petrol-powered models are still frequently seen on Thai roads. So when Volvo Car (Thailand) Ltd. (VCT) offered to furnish a S80 D3 for a test drive I was eager to try out the mid-size, diesel-powered executive saloon/sedan that made its Thai debut at the 2011 International Bangkok Motor Show.

Outside the VCT office on Ramkhamhaeng Road, a marketing executive explained the functions of various buttons and switches and gave details of the many safety features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Collision Warning with Auto Brake and Distance Alert (I must admit that I couldn’t remember everything about these systems). Then the car – which had already clocked more than 6,000 kilometers and been filled to capacity with 70 liters of diesel – was ready for a spin.

When I saw the silver S80 D3 I would be testing, my first impression was that there wasn’t anything new about it. Its shape is similar to many other models Volvo has released with over the years. I also felt that the cabin was outdated, with too much plastic. Nina Hastings, editor of The BigChilli, who also participated in the road test, wasn’t very excited on seeing the car neither, saying that she has seen the S80 model on the street many times before.

Normally the first impression is what counts, which wasn’t in this case very positive. But after driving the S80 D3 for four days, both Nina and I were extremely impressed with the car’s performance, comfort and especially with the sense of safety that it radiates. When it came time to give the car back we felt as if we were saying goodbye to a friend.

Unfortunately, Adam Purcell, managing editor of The BigChilli and the third member of the testing team, was vacationing in his native England and couldn’t take part in this experiment. However, he will join us when we test the new BMW X3 diesel for the November issue.

When I settled behind the wheel I was really overwhelmed by the coziness of the seats, as if they were custom-made for my somewhat bulky shape. But the much slimmer Nina was also impressed with the seats, both in the front and the rear of the car. "These are very comfortable indeed, but maybe too comfy. They make you so relaxed you might feel sleepy," she said.

I had to agree, but any drowsiness I might have felt vanished after leaving the VCT compound and driving a few hundred meters along congested New Petchburi Road. The array of warning signals and blinking lights resembled a sound and light show as various Volvo sensors were activated by unruly motorcyclists violating every known traffic law and coming at us from all directions except from above!

This went on whether we were crawling along or stopped at traffic lights, and it was not only because of the motorcyclists. Pedestrians – foreigners as well as Thais – set off alarms as they ignored the footbridges and made a dangerous path between vehicles to cross the road.

Nina pointed out that all the safety features were helpful for the driver, but at the same time irritating and annoying, especially when the car is stationary. Fortunately the sensors can be easily switched off, which is what we did before long. However, these safety devices definitely have their place, especially when driving at high speeds. It felt as if the car was actually taking care of our safety.

We found, for example, BLIS to be very useful for lane changes because this innovation registers another car in the driver’s rear blind spot and alerts the driver via a visual signal.

We also loved the high-performance sound system which is standard equipment in the S80 D3. The sound coming from the eight speakers is really magnificent, and the system can handle six CDs so you can enjoy your favorite music uninterrupted for several hours.

The cabin is very quiet, almost sound-proof. Even with the sound system off you won’t hear a conversation between rider and passenger on a passing motorcycle as you might in a Japanese car. The console between driver and passenger is well designed, with two cup-holders and enough space left to rest your arm. Neither of us liked the beige seats, but according to the VCT this is the only colour available for 2011 models in Thailand. Thais apparently think beige gives a classic look.

A dealer for another luxury European brand agreed that Thais generally prefer beige seats, while most foreigners like black or grey. We took a small survey of foreigners who drive in Thailand, and almost all chose black over beige when it comes to seat colour, with the next choice being grey followed by beige. Almost all of the foreigners said beige shows dirt too easily. At any rate, there are several exterior colours to choose from.

The handling of S80 D3, especially at high speeds, is just perfect and so is the power steering – exactly as I like it. Nina also very much appreciated the power steering, but didn’t like the shiny polished wooden rim around the steering wheel. "It looks too manly, definitely not a favourable choice for a woman," she said. This was one of our rare disagreements, as I quite liked the feel of the wooden rim, and also the distinctive high-pitched horn to alert anyone obstructing our way.

However, we didn’t like the clumsiness of the doors or the loud noise when they are shut forcefully. "It sounds like a Japanese car. Not as weighty or reassuring as a European car," Nina complained. I am also a little sensitive in this respect, as I know of a few car brands that aren’t regarded as luxury which can be closed with one finger and give a barely audible "click."

We also both felt that it was a bit difficult to judge distance using the side mirrors – maybe it has something to do with their shape. Sometimes you get used to different mirrors after a while, but this wasn’t the case after four days behind the wheel of the S80 D3.

The engine was loud when accelerating at low speeds but quiet and smooth when going over 100km/h. The rattling at low speeds seems to be standard in every diesel car, no matter what the brand. I wonder if this can be ever solved. 

There is nothing phenomenal about the acceleration of the S80 D3. After stepping on the pedal it took some time before the car really kicked in. Maybe we were impatient; this probably wouldn’t bother an executive being driven in the morning to his or her Bangkok office while reading a newspaper.

The leg room is ample for even tall people, and there is so much space in the trunk, which can be expanded by folding the back seat, that you might not need to hire a truck when moving! Nina especially admired the big trunk as well as the overall spaciousness and the many storage compartments.

Turning is a dream; doing a 360 makes just a small circle, something much appreciated on narrow roads. The 17-inch radial tires make for a soft ride. The car also has manual transmission but we didn’t find a reason to use it.

There are no complaints about the air conditioning, very cool and quiet. Nina appreciated that the temperature can be adjusted by both driver and passenger.

During a heavy downpour the visibility remained good even at a relatively high speed. The wipers did an excellent job of clearing the windows.

The brakes are extremely responsive and smooth, even when stopping quickly. I want to stress again that we both felt really relaxed and safe in this car. "There is something about this car the others don’t have," said Nina, and I agreed. In fact, many of the car’s 56 features listed as standard equipment in the S80 brochure are devoted to preventing accidents and protecting passengers, especially children, while other features are designed for security, comfort and driving ease.

These features include bi-xenon headlights with automatic level adjustment, front and rear fog lamps, dynamic stability and traction control, dual-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, child safety locks, power driver seat with three memories, bluetooth handsfree system, iPod &USB MP3 connecting port and grocery bag holder.

One innovation of the Personal Car Communicator really comes in handy. When activated, it will inform you if you have forgotten to lock the doors, which I do quite often.

The VCT executive told The BigChilli that there are now nine authorized Volvo dealers and 13 outlets in Thailand, seven in the Bangkok metropolitan area and others in Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Pathom and in Phuket.

"We are now selling 12 models in Thailand, all but one imported from Malaysia. The C30 is imported from Gent in Belgium. Until last year, we assembled some models in Thailand," the executive said.

When asked what market she expects the C80 D3 appeal to, the executive replied: "Both males and females, mostly executives and other business people, as well as buyers for companies or hotels."

As for the diesel engine Volvo cars, the executive said: "The first came to Thailand in 2005. In the beginning, diesel wasn’t very popular with Thai customers, who thought it was noisy, but now there is much more interest. Diesel engines are generally about 30 percent more economical than petrol engines and produce more power for the same amount of fuel."

She also disclosed that about 50 percent of Volvos now sold in Thailand are diesel, adding: "It should be noted that Volvo cars imported from Malaysia are under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA). Thailand should benefit a great deal from the elimination of import duties on automobiles and parts."

With a price tag of 2,699,000 baht, the S80 D3 is a good buy in comparison to other cars in the luxury category, some of which cost much more and won’t last nearly as long. Nor will those other cars give the same sense of security as a Volvo, which really drives as if it’s watching out for you and your passengers.