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The C30 feels busy over small bumps, and the big tyres on those handsome 18in rims feed a surprising level of noise into the cockpit on anything less than very smooth asphalt, which is a shame. I’d happily trade a little of the handling’s edge for smoother progress, especially as the soft throttle action and long gearing (over 100mph in third) give the C30 a leisurely gait. A car that looks so different – inside and out – to the fast-hatch herd should have the confidence to follow its own dynamic agenda too. – evo

Too many of today’s cars are styled to the point where function is compromised. The new 3 series’ rear seat is a perfect example; the rear wheel housings are larger than ever to make room for wheels that are larger than ever at the expense of rear seat comfort – your outboard shoulder is canted inward.

Same goes with window treatments – the last X3 I drove kept me thinking a driver had pulled into my blind spot because of the way the light would catch the inner treatment of the famed Hoffmeister kink in the rearmost pane, and you’ll note that when you get cut off or witness bad driving its often by the driver of a car that has windows designed for the auto show turntable, not the open road.

The S60 is a good example, the C30 is not:

Too many of today’s hatchbacks hem you in visually with their thick pillars and general air of bulk. The C30 avoids this, and it’s very refreshing. The base of the windscreen is low, despite the C30’s compliance with pedestrian protection rules, and the base of the rear window is even lower. The central pillars, though thick, are chamfered inside to help the view rearward for the driver and forward for the rear passengers, and the way the rear side windows angle inward makes for easy reversing with an excellent view. – 4Car

Rumour has it Volvo will unveil its XC 60 crossover at the detroit show in Jan. I expect it will be based on the same major components as Land Rover’s new Freelander replacement (a derivation of the platform that underpins the new S80).

Once on the move, the turbo wakes up and delivers blister-ing pace right up to the 6,800rpm red line. The sensation of limitless acceleration is outstanding – you feel as if you are only keeping pace with the car is by retaining a tight grip on the bulky steering wheel! The only trouble is getting traction. With all that torque on offer, the front wheels are prone to spinning, even in second gear if you’re too heavy-footed. As a result, the ESP stability control has to work overtime – AutoExpress

Volvo will release its heavily revised S60 this July, and claims the car will better to drive than ever. The manufacturer says virtually the entire suspension system of the car has been upgraded in a bid to stop the steering being tugged to and fro under hard acceleration. Revised settings for Sport models also mean a more nimble driving experience, Volvo says. – What Car?

New front and rear shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars and bushes all aim to provide a sportier drive, something that has alluded even the S60 R until now.Those shock absorbers are 24 per cent stiffer and are said by Volvo to increase the S60’s torsional rigidity {I believe they mean roll stiffness?] by 25 per cent. Solid steering bushes are to reduce torque steer and improve steering feel.Volvo claims that the S60’s ride quality has been maintained. – Autocar

I’ve always been more critical of steering than of any other control because you’re using it every moment the car’s in motion, but it wasn’t until I injured my back a few years back that I became more sensitive to seat support and ingress/egress.

It astounds me that given how integral the comfort of the driving position is to the connectedness and relaxation you feel behind the wheel that its so rarely mentioned in the media. Perhaps that’s why so many of today’s cars have inexcusably poor seats, visibility or ways of entry and exit.

Last month I spent time behind the wheel of three cars on extended road trips – the $16K Suzuki SX4, a $30K Pontiac Grand Prix and a $20K Hyundai Sonata and of all the things that made an impression it was the seat comfort. Read the rest of this entry »

Carmakers love to talk big about their products, and occasionally their PR or marketing arms do a great job of convincing the public that they can have their cake and eat it too.

Claims about normally conflicting qualities such as ride and handling, performance and efficiency and build quality and price are often made but the only way to provide the customer with both is to spend money on R&D and let the engineers rather than the accountants steer the company. You the consumer can’t get something for nothing unless the manufacturer’s footing the bill…

In an age when companies are spending more on marketing than engineering, I found it noteworthy that Volvo has decided to spend $1.3 billion on developing technologies to increase fuel economy.