The paintjob of the FR TDI remarkably complements the Leon’s lines and highlights its aggressive nose and high waistline. However, the optional body kit seems to make the FR a little bloated and provides a slight aftermarket feel specially those gaping gill-like false vents- you would probably think twice of paying £2,500 for it. Fortunately, the larger £350 18-inch alloy wheels make up for it’s the FR’s shortcomings in design but unfortunately again, what has proven to be an advantage later on proves to be a disaster especially when you are to have the FR washed in some pull-through washes.

But overall SEAT has done a pretty good job with the FR. They also have a pretty good after sales service. The power of any vehicle can be traced under its hood. The SEAT FR TDI is equipped with a 2.0 liter T-FSI petrol unit which is shared with the VW Golf GTI and Audi TT. The 2.0 litre oil-burner is also present in the Passat and Skoda Octavia vRS but functions better in the lighter Leon. Its highly tuned nature means that driving in traffic can be a chore especially since you have to wait for the turbo to spin up and a short first gear just doesn’t help.

But once out on the road you can use the 350Nm of torque for effortless cruising. Another downside of the FR TDI is its firm ride qualities which are expected from a performance hatch. The FR can also be bumpy and annoying especially when driving on country lanes.

But setting all the negatives aside, the FR TDI can prove to be an excellent companion on the road even if it means covering a thousand miles drive. And because SEAT Leon FR TDI is a subsidiary of Volkswagen you can expect only for best quality parts to be used for its production. Europe’s largest automaker has always maintained quality in all its creation even for some of its models that are no longer in production like its famous supermini the Volkswagen Fox. Until now quality Volkswagen Fox parts are still manufactured to provide loyal owners with genuine parts that they need.

Ford Australia launched the 2007 Ranger as a replacement for the Courier, an old American pickup. "Setting new standards in the light commercial sector, the all-new Ford Ranger is a no-compromise, powerful vehicle offering the style, comfort and refinement of a passenger car," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

"The new Ranger is more powerful compared with Courier, offers improved functionality, significantly increased three-tonne towing ability (when using a 3.0-litre manual transmission model fitted with a genuine Ford towpack and load leveling kit), and maintains a one-tonne plus payload across the range. Ford engineers have built on the company’s vast experience in trucks to deliver the ultimate one-tonne vehicle with the performance and power to get the job done.”

Gorman added, "At the same time, we recognized that Ranger had to be versatile enough to adapt to the changing needs of the light commercial owner in the 21st century. It needs to be a combination of reliable work mate, family vehicle, lifestyle statement and an adventure vehicle. We engineered Ranger to deliver on all these expectations. It’s the can do truck – a truck that means business."

Gorman noted that the change of name was resorted to after numerous hours of exhaustive customer research and brainstorming. “It was a tough decision to change a name that has been part of the Ford Australia family since 1978, but the research was overwhelming. The light commercial vehicle sector has changed dramatically in recent years, with customers wanting more from their truck than just a reliable work vehicle. Today's light truck owner wants the best of both worlds – a dependable, genuine truck for the industrious worker and a great family vehicle with the quality, comfort, safety and modern conveniences they demand. Ranger researched well as a brand name that exemplified all these attributes,” said Gorman.

Ford’s Ranger brand is used by the automaker around the globe. According to the company, this is the ideal time to introduce in Australia a new light truck with a bold new name. Ranger is designed to radiate a bolder and more aggressive charisma with a modern car-like interior. The pickup is equipped with two new common-rail turbo-diesel engines featuring direct injection, enhanced ride and handling and appreciably higher towing capacity.

The pickup was designed by the automaker’s pool of engineers to appear tough and rugged to stand the most demanding truck applications. “We listened to the market and focused our improvements on Ranger’s classic rugged exterior, its refined and comfortable interior, exceptional diesel performance, great driving feel and fantastic ability both on and off-road," added Gorman.

All-new Ranger was redesigned to give it a longer wheelbase and cab. To raise its capabilities to the maximum, the twin I-beam front suspension was replaced by a wishbone-style system. In addition, the new Ranger is offered with a 143 horsepower 2.3 L I4, a 148 horsepower 3.0 L V6, and a 207 horsepower 4.0 L V6 engines. All transmissions are 5-speed and come with a choice of manual or automatic. Adding an APC Cold Air Intake would also help boost the performance of the vehicle.

"The light commercial segment is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing in the Australian market," concluded Gorman. "The new Ranger, with its impressive list of features, gives Ford Australia a fantastic vehicle to enhance our well earned light truck reputation."

Enthusiasts say they have finally found the vehicle that could withstand different seasons. Now, everyone can enjoy the free-spitted driving any time of the year. This is the solid fact that the Volvo XC70 has retained its magnetic appeal. The current generation of the vehicle has reached around 40,000 sales in its best year. "We had a winning concept from the very outset and we have continuously refined it," said Fredrik Arp, the president and CEO of Volvo Car Corp. "The all-new XC70 maintains its tough, capable attitude while at the same time growing more comfortable. Additionally, our design team has given the vehicle a more elegant, more luxurious look."

Arp added, "This segment has been our specialty ever since we invented it back in the 1950s. Our competitors can count on us remaining number one in the future, too. In the all-new V70, rear passengers and luggage both ride in first class." Volvo is now aiming to introduce the Volvo XC70 in China to reach third place in the model’s sales statistics. Arp noted, "There is a considerable appetite for cars with pronounced attitude on the fast-growing Chinese market. The Volvo XC90 is already very popular and we are convinced the all-new XC70 will play a significant role in our plans for continued fast sales growth in China."

"Our successful XC range will soon be expanded with the new XC60. With three exciting XC models, we will cover even more of the growing number of car buyers who want the very best of two worlds - capable muscles and luxurious, comfortable passenger-car comfort,” added Arp. “And it all began with the XC70, which has now become even more attractive than before."

Volvo made the XC70 sportier, bolder and more functional because it was engineered to accommodate weather changes and season transitions. The pool of Volvo engineers significantly upgraded the levels of road capability and refinement to pave way for a more appealing vehicle that ensures unmatched levels of athleticism, versatility and safety which are characteristically Volvos.

The all-new Volvo XC70 is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine and a 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 turbo diesel engine. “With an active chassis, the car’s driving properties improve in all situations,” said Volvo Cars XC70 Project Director, Tomas Ahlborg. “It becomes both safer and more entertaining to drive.” To boost the performance of the engines and the chassis, the estate is equipped with a Volvo fan clutch. Other remarkable features include the dynamic stability and traction control (DSTC), which improves stability; the power parking brake (PPB) that automatically disengages when the accelerator is pressed; and the digital signal processing (DSP) audio system.

The all-new Volvo XC70 is also equipped with dynamic styling emphasized by a catchy sporty design, a raked windscreen, tailgate angles, C30-inspired taillights and blacked-out side pillars mated to the usual off-road body kit. “The dark-coloured plastic panels at the bottom are less obvious than on the current model. But as with exclusive outdoor clothing, the protection is placed exactly where it needs to be to withstand the rough stuff,” said Volvo Cars Design Director, Steve Mattin.

The V8 powered A8 4.2 TDI, the RS4 Avant and the new Audi S3 are all scheduled to hit South Africa in the coming months. Just what would car buyers in South Africa expect from these three new Audi models?

To start off, the huge A8 which is Audi’s aluminum-bodied Quattro AWD sedan flagship will introduce the first turbodiesel V8. The A8 possess the sophistication of an SUV and at the same time provides remarkable fuel savings that doesn’t hamper its powerful performance. The A8 4.2 TDI’s advanced V8 rides and feels just like it petrol siblings. Its monstrous torque pumps an imaginable amount of power but compared to its gas-burning rivals it is still by far more economical.

The arrival of the new S3 that would complete the current S range under the S4 and the new V10, S6 and S8 gives the Ingolstadt marque a powerful hatchback in the range. The development of the 2.0T with Quattro all-wheel-drive together with the S3’s fiery turbocharged fuel stratified direct injection inline four, revs up 195 kW which makes it one to fear contender against the likes of Astra OPC, Focus ST, the all-new Volvo S30 T5, the RenaultSport Megane, and Golf GTI.

The S3 is the only model in its class with AWD. It is distinguished by its made even bolder Audi grille, neat aero kit and stylish alloy wheels. For its interior it is equipped with fully-adjustable, leather-wrapped, solid-packed sport seats to protect the driver inside. The S3 is scheduled to hit dealerships in South Africa in May.

The RS4 Avant which is scheduled also for South Africa is a station wagon version of the RS4. Audi is hoping to bring back its tradition of the supreme station wagon with its RS4 Avant.

And lastly, with the addition of the three new Audi models, the automaker is hoping to further boost its sales in South Africa.

The new BMW 128i and 135i Coupes will enter the premium compact segment in Canada. The BMW 128i Coupe will be powered by the Bavarian automaker’s latest generation 3.0-liter inline 6-cyinder Valvetronic engine producing 230 horsepower and 200 pound feet of torque. The lightweight magnesium/aluminum engine is designed to provide the BMW 128i Coupe with scintillating performance without uncompromising unmatched levels of fuel economy.

Meanwhile, the BMW 135i Coupe will sport a new twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with high-precision injection, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler. The Coupes’ car parts are upgraded to produce better output compared with BMW E46 parts.

Winner of the 2007 International Engine of the Year award, the engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound feet of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm, to provide superb performance and high fuel efficiency. In European specification, the BMW 135i Coupe accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The latest variant in the successful BMW 1 Series model range features BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that offers electronic intervention to avoid loss of vehicle control, but at a higher threshold before activation. Active Steering, a variable ratio steering system exclusive to the Bavarian automaker, is available as an option.

BMW said the DSC system on the 135i Coupe is designed specifically for performance-oriented driving. The accelerator pedal has a quicker response rate and electronic rear brake management is used to simulate a differential lock for powerful acceleration in turns.

The Coupe also gets an iDrive control system like its larger siblings. This gives the driver control over secondary and comfort functions like communication, air conditioning, entertainment and navigation in one place. This latest version of iDrive is equipped with six programmable memory keys that allow the driver to manipulate functions that are often used.

The latest version of iDrive, optional on the BMW 1 Series Coupe, is equipped with six Programmable Memory Keys and touch-sensitive sensors. Keeping pace with modern audio and communication technology, the 1 Series Coupe is equipped with BMW Assist with Bluetooth Wireless Technology. For simple and straightforward connection of an MP3 player, an Auxiliary input jack is also standard, and a USB port for direct control of an Apple iPod or other MP3 player is available as an option.

The 1 Series Coupe gets more enticing rear end styling than the hatchback variant, which was introduced in 2004. The 135i Coupe offers breath-taking performance and a more arresting aura. Features include an Aero kit for extra downforce at speed, better brake cooling and improved aesthetics while the sports suspension delivers higher traction and decreased body roll with 18-inch wheels and performance tyres. The sports suspension is mated to a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed calipers on the front and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear.

Safety-wise, the Coupe features six airbags, Head Protection System (HPS), crash-optimized seats with specially padded headrests and backrests, and LATCH attachments for child seats as standard features.

The new model goes into production later this year and will be available with a range of gasoline and diesel engines. BMW said the new car will reinvent the niche that its 2002 model created in the mid-1960s. Canadian availability is expected in the first half of 2008. Detailed specifications and pricing will be announced prior to the market launch.

In the case of Mazda, it is definitely making a good work in the aftermarket industry. Their cars and parts are further made better through the effectiveness of their seemingly never-ending advertising gimmick.

They make product campaigns that have persuaded the public a lot. They have come to define the performance elegance, the corporate philosophy, the very heart and soul of Mazda style, engineering and design – things which a good advertisement must convey. In effect, their customers interpret their products as never nor ugly or boring.

The company’s success in ads and sales are primarily because of their products such as the entry-level Mazda3, which was second to the Honda Civic in Canadian sales; the Mazda6, fashionable in whatever configuration, from wagon to hatchback to sedan; the MX-5 Miata that is always evolving and perennially; the RX-8 four-seater sports car rotary-powered and still one-of-a-kind in the industry; the ever stylish Mazda5, which is very practical for family use; the CX-7 and CX-9, which recently debuted and two of the best-looking crossovers in the market; and future products such as the Hakaze, the Nagare and the Ryuga concepts.

The whole “zoom, zoom” concept, according to Mazda is an accent on peculiar design, functionality and, especially, handling and driving performance. And for the company, the Mazda Speed division spells out that spirit.

Formed in 1983, Mazda Speed is the performance wing of the company. A Mazda Speed entry gave Mazda the first and only overall Le Mans victory by a Japanese automaker in 1999. The following year, the FIA changed the rules. It banned rotary engines. So in 1993, Mazda Speed started paying more attention to its aftermarket accessories. In 2002, they started to produce special edition performance versions of existing models in the market.

Mazda invited Canadian some automotive journalists just recently to the Dunnville Autodrome, which is a race facility in Ontario. This is to further explore the performance edge of the models and accessories of Mazda Speed with the premises “How does a Mazda Speed model perform in comparison to the original stock model?” and “what differences can you make by bolstering a Mazda Speed version even further with more go-fast add-ons and fixes from the Mazda Speed accessory list?”

The model Mazda6 comes with a 212 hp 3.0-litre V6, five -speed manual, and 18-inch alloy wheels. It has a starting price of $28,595, quite ok for its sporty attributes.

On the other hand, the MazadaSpeed6 has a 270 hp, turbo-powered 2.3-liter, 6-speed manual, AWD, Limited Slip, stability control, wider track, lowered ground clearance, bigger brakes, fatter stabilizer bars, Mazda Speed 18-inch alloy wheels. It has a starting price of $35,995.

A modified MazadaSpeed6 has performance accessories with forged aluminum wheels ($2,797), a 2.5-inch diameter powdered aluminum cold air intake ($416) and a sport spring kit ($383).

The Mazda Speed models may come with a complete package of performance improvement and the additional tweaks and applications can still make a notable difference in power, ride and handling.

Through the Mazda Speed accessories, the white marble Mazda MX-5 and other stock vehicles can now be improved to achieve higher level of performance. The additions of cold air intake, Mazda exhaust system that is sporty and a sport spring kit were improved by the cosmetic and airflow enhancements of a rear spoiler, front air dam, rear under skirt and side sill extensions.

All these added accessories plus an optional performance package that includes limited slip differential, directional stability control and sport suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers total to $34,195.

Indeed, aftermarket parts are useful to any type of car. They bring enhancements with assured improved performance, comfort, handling and driving experience.

About Mazda Motor Corporation

A Japanese automotive manufacturer, Mazda is based in Hiroshima, Japan. The company is expected to produce 1.25 million vehicles per year as of 2006. Its sales are evenly divided among Japan, Europe and North America.

Thirty three point four (33.4) percent of Mazda’s controlling interest is owned by Ford Motor Company.

As one of the premier addresses for stylish and refined Porsche tuning, GEMBALLA has earned itself a worldwide reputation over the course of time. Thanks to its outstanding expertise, proven in numerous conversions, each customer acquires a vehicle that represents the absolute pinnacle of what is achievable in terms of design and performance. One further such demonstration of its abilities is GEMBALLA’s "Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO".

The basis of the Avalanche 600 GT EVO is the Porsche 997 turbo or the GT2. GEMBALLA even knows how to boost the already impressive set of performance figures of the production model. 600 bhp (442 kW) put the competition from Maranello and Sant'Agata-Bolognese in a tight spot. The six-cylinder boxer with a torque of 840 Nm – power-boosted by the GEMBALLA car parts power kit - stands out even more. Jet-like acceleration in every gear and at every speed being the outcome.

A sports intercooler ensures that this performance can be reliably accessed even in hot ambient temperatures. As an option, this task can also be performed by a racing sports intercooler. The power boost is acoustically announced by the sports exhaust system fitted by GEMBALLA, whose awesome sound thrills the vehicle occupants and listeners alike.

Upon request, this can also be achieved by means of a four-pipe system instead the two tailpipe versions. GEMBALLA's power boost allows the modified 997 to race at a top speed of 320 km/h, accomplishing the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. The latter can – depending on the driver’s skill – be even further enhanced by fitting the sport shifter for vehicles with a manual gearshift, reduced gear lever travel, which is available in the "Sport" and "Race" versions.

If it looks like a racing car, it should also drive like one. The enhanced engine power alone goes a long way to achieving this. To boost the overall performance, GEMBALLA, however, relies on an additional, extensive enhancement of the suspension and brakes. The GEMBALLA "PROFESSIONAL CONCEPT" is used for the suspension.

This consists of a variable ride height coilover suspension, a strut bar, stabilizer kit and stiffened axle mounts. As an option, GEMBALLA is offering the "RACE CONCEPT", which additionally includes racing transverse links for the car parts front and rear axle. For vehicles without ceramic brakes, GEMBALLA offers a brake system with four red high-performance brake calipers and brake discs with the diameters 380 mm (front) and 350 mm (rear). For an additional charge, an even larger system is available with a brake disc combination 405/380 and brake calipers in the customer's requested color.

P'9611 is the latest and most excellent luxury navigation product that directs selected Porsche vehicles. It is designed to avoid traffic jams and other navigation obstacles. According to the manufacturer, the package offers intuitive, full-featured NAVIGON experience in a super-sleek, timeless form factor. "We're thrilled to be a part of this product," said Andreas Hecht, NAVIGON's General Manager for the Americas. "It's a beautiful realization of design and innovation and represents the cutting-edge of navigation."

NAVIGON is the first company that offers subscription free traffic for the lifetime of its product. The product has a built-in Traffic Message Channel (TMC) functionality that provides alternative routes to the driver. The revolutionary lane assistant, on the other hand, delivers seamless navigation guidance through intricate junctures. When the territory includes multi-lane roads, NAVIGON software displays to the driver a path that he has to follow to maintain the projected route.

P'9611 also boasts of the new MobileNavigator (MN) Premium(TM) software under its hood. Said feature reinvigorates the navigation user experience by an essential list of smart, intuitive category-leading features that include superior text-to-speech capabilities, "street first" or "city first" destination entry, and predictive spelling support. Other features include actual sign text, speed warnings, and automatic increases in navigation message volume to compensate for driving noise.

Other key features of NAVIGON include a high-contrast 480 x 272 touch screen, 520 MHz Intel CPU, dual processor platform, high-sensitivity GPS receiver, hands-free Bluetooth communications kits, graphics accelerator chip, 64 MB of both RAM and ROM, high quality built-in speakers, and a windshield cradle that is among the most thoughtfully designed in the category. The sensational product is scheduled to go on sale this summer. It will be priced at $899.

NAVIGON, a leading name in the creation of navigation software solutions for some of the world's best-known brands in consumer electronics, was founded in Germany in 1991. Since then, the company has showcased several innovations that have boosted its outstanding standing worldwide. In fact, it is has invented the world's first mobile GPS navigation product. Now, it is focused on creating an award-winning MobileNavigator line of navigation software.

Porsche, upon the one hand, is concentrating on the promotion of its new vehicle lineup. Earlier, the automaker has officially taken the wraps off its new Cayenne that comes in 3 variants - the V6, Cayenne S and the turbo. The introduction of the vehicles is anchored on its aim to maintain the chain of success in performance SUV segment. All-new Cayenne is given upgraded auto catalog parts Porsche to make it more stylish, innovative and high performing. Now it looks more agile and aggressive in all angles.

Aside from the captivating body design, Cayenne also boasts its new engine power. From the 3.2 liters engine, it is now increased to 3.6 liters engine that is capable of producing 290hp and 283lb-ft of torque and delivers greater fuel economy than the previous engine. The V8 in the S model delivers 385hp and 369 lb-ft of torque while delivering a 15 percent increase in fuel economy. Further, Cayenne Turbo is now offering 500hp and an astounding 516 lb-ft of torque. The new Cayenne epitomizes improvement on an already impressive sport utility vehicle.

The Volvo C30, a three-door, four-seat hatchback powered by I4 and I5 engines, was officially unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. It is specially designed to cater to the demands of the young generation drivers. The edgy design of the vehicle that features the interesting frameless glass tailgate, confident stance and broad shoulders that eventually served as Volvo’s design hallmark made it a stunner.

"The new C30 is an ambitious new car for Volvo," said Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. "It is a car that aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with intense urban lifestyles. These people prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car should suit their varied tastes perfectly."

"The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package. Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) or the classic P1800ES will recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they are following," added Steve Mattin who is Volvo Car's design director.

The hatchback also offers a bunch of legendary heritage from Volvo – its groundbreaking safety features. The Volvo C30 is equipped with the BLIS (standing for Blind Spot Information System), which aids the driver in identifying another vehicle in the blind spot. As a true Volvo, the hatchback is also equipped with the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS), WHIPS - Whiplash Protection System, and a Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain, IC. The Volvo C30 also features the patented front and rear structure to absorb and redistribute impact on the vehicle. In cases of accidents, the car also features seatbelts with unique pretensioners to safeguard occupants.

"The new Volvo C30 plays an important role in our push towards a volume of 600,000 cars a year. We are broadening our model program to make it possible for new, younger customers with an intense, urban lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible," Arp noted.

These reasons and more made Nicholson’s pride as an enthusiast soar to a new level. This sense of pride is carried over to his company Evolve, which sells aftermarket high-performance parts through car dealerships. Evolve’s Volvo products include engine management software.

Nicholson bought a Volvo, known for its safety milestones, six years ago. However, he found out that there were no aftermarket performance parts available for Volvos. "This (his S60 sedan) was a neat and exciting product, but there was nothing out there (in the aftermarket)," Nicholson said. This gave him the idea to write a business plan and meet with some Volvo executives at its headquarters. Volvo executives agreed to let him showcase his ideas by producing a car intended for the 2003 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show.

Eventually, Nicholson decided to launch Evolve in Monrovia, California. About three years after its launch, Evolve already has a full line of aftermarket products to enhance the appeal and performance of late model products. Evolve parts are sold through the parts department of Volvo dealerships. The product lines include reprogrammed engine management software that turns up the power of Volvo engines, a sport exhaust system, air management components to improve airflow into the engine, special turbocharger down pipes, and even complete high-performance turbo charging systems.

Nicholson’s company also produces aerodynamic body kits, wheels, brake components, lowering springs, coil-over suspension kits, anti-sway bars and special seats, shifters, pedals and even custom steering wheels.

The company’s best customers include the owners of the Volvo S60R. “They typically spend about $3,100 on aftermarket equipment,” said Nicholson. A full aero body kit runs around $2,300. A set of lowering springs is $389; an exhaust system is $950; and a full leather interior - seats and door panels - is $2,990 when installed.

Now, Volvo enthusiasts can explore their desires and be secured that they could turn to reality. The choices are not only limited to Volvo air filters, steps, tail lights because they could go beyond.

The new Volvo XC70 is made bolder, sporty and more capable for adventure. The pool of Volvo engineers significantly improved the levels of road capability and refinement to pave way for a more endearing vehicle in the XC70. The vehicle offers unmatched levels of athleticism, versatility and safety and these features are distinctively Volvos.

The all-new Volvo XC70 is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine and a 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 turbo diesel engine. The turbo diesel delivers a full technical capabilities boosted by four valves per cylinder technology, features double overhead camshafts, advanced multi-point injection system, maintenance-free particle filter, electronically controlled turbocharger, and enhanced engine management system.

The new Volvo XC70 uses a number of Volvo C70 parts to deliver flexible and agile driving experience. The vehicle’s underpinning employs advanced new chassis architecture to combine exceptional driver control, comfy ride and secured handling. “With an active chassis, the car’s driving properties improve in all situations,” said Volvo Cars XC70 Project Director, Tomas Ahlborg. “It becomes both safer and more entertaining to drive.”

The vehicle is fitted with the company’s dynamic stability and traction control (DSTC) and this improves its cornering stability. At the same time, this diminishes the risk of skidding through the use of dynamic sensors to limit torque and apply calculated braking.

To enhance the off-road capability of the vehicle, Volvo integrates the speed-dependent power steering option. It is also fitted with a clever power parking brake (PPB) that automatically disengages when the accelerator is pressed so the vehicle pulls away.

The all-new XC70 also features dynamic styling emphasized by catchy sporty design, raked windscreen, tailgate angles, Volvo C30-inspired taillights and blacked-out side pillars mated to the usual off-road body kit. The charisma is boosted by refined lines and contours to give it a more elegant look.

“The dark-coloured plastic panels at the bottom are less obvious than on the current model. But as with exclusive outdoor clothing, the protection is placed exactly where it needs to be to withstand the rough stuff,” said Volvo Cars Design Director, Steve Mattin.

The Volvo XC70 is equipped with a first class digital signal processing (DSP) audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround. The latter has adjustable sound pattern and Premium Sound option that offers loudspeakers from Dynaudio. The vehicle also flaunts the integrated RSE system for rear passengers, the latest generation of RTI navigation system, MP3 player compatibility and optional subwoofers.

Prices of the all new Volvo XC70 will be announced early this June. The vehicle is scheduled to arrive at showrooms this September and the first customer deliveries are set on October. The current XC70 version remains on sale until the autumn.