S80 darn near perfect

This week we test-drive the new Volvo S80 four-door sedan, sporting a redesign that will surely get your attention. More importantly, Volvo debuts its new “pre-emptive” safety technologies that will literally grab your attention more so than any change in figure.

The two new safety features are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with an ingenious Collision Warning and Brake Support (CWBS), and the world’s first Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

ACC we’ve seen before; it automatically begins braking as your car closes in on the vehicle in front of you. As for the new CWBS, relating our first experience is perhaps the best way to explain its function and effectiveness.

Cruising along a state highway at 50 mph and taking a few extra seconds to check our side and rear view mirrors, we were suddenly alerted to trouble ahead by a series of loud beeps. As we turned our attention back to the road in front, a thin band of red lights across the windshield in the driver’s line of sight about three inches off the dash caught or attention. Specifically, the car in front of us slowed to make a turn, sans any blinker, and the CWBS recognized that we were getting close and sounded the alarm. CWBS also “prepares” the braking system for use by moving the brake pads closer to the rotors — but not engaging them until the driver indeed presses the pedal.

Honestly, the alarm is a bit shocking — even the radio is interrupted by the warning sound — but that’s the point. The extra time — even a split second — that it provides to the driver for a quicker braking reaction can make the difference between a non-event and a serious accident.

In one week and about 400 miles of driving, we had four CWBS events. We were aware of the turning vehicles in front in two of the events, and were prepared to swing around them, but the alarm sounded nonetheless.

BLIS is another safety feature that you won’t know exists until needed. It involves the use of rear-facing digital cameras in the side-view mirrors that detect vehicles that are in a driver’s blind spot as you prepare to change lanes. A small light on the door pillar illuminates when another vehicle is in a potential blind spot.

These new features add to an exemplary list of safety items from Volvo, including a high-strength steel passenger safety cage unibody built into every Volvo. Beyond the traditional airbags, however, are things like Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS); inflatable curtain side-impact head protection front and rear; side-impact protection with driver and front passenger dual chamber side-impact airbags; electronic brake distribution; electronic brake assistance; and Ready Alert Brakes/Emergency Brake Lights. These are only the highlights, as your Volvo dealer will explain even more in detail.

Outwardly, the only similarity at first glance between the 2006 to 2007 models is the familiar Volvo badge that sweeps diagonally across the front grill. Everything from the headlights to the wheel design is improved, and you’ll be impressed by the new look.

Our tester came with the 3.2-liter inline-6, replacing a five-cylinder turbo from ‘06. The engine offers plenty of “oomph” at 235 horsepower and dishes up respectable 19-city and 28-highway EPA numbers. All power is transferred via a smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission.

Important numbers include an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, 111.6-inch wheelbase, 17 cubic feet of luggage space, and 3,486-pound curb weight.

There is no way to truly appreciate Volvo’s safety features unless you are involved in an accident, something we hope never happens. However, five years ago, I was hit broadside in a 2002 Volvo Anniversary edition by Dodge Durango that missed a stop sign. All safety items worked fine and I was uninjured. The 2007 Volvo, meanwhile, offers even more safety enhancements, resulting in a true feeling of safety while you drive.

With CWBS and BLIS, Volvo continues to prove it builds cars that protect driver and occupants like no other brand. So, coupled with countless amenities, we can’t help but push the S80 to a 9.6 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Likes: Unmatched safety, good looks, new engine, comfort.

Dislikes: BLIS will cost you an extra $595. CWBS costs $1,495. They are worth the extra money, but should be standard items.