I like Volvo better than many other cars. Although the company has ended up in Chinese hands, I hope that it will continue to produce cars that suit us Norwegians.
According to the news agency Reuters, Polestar is cutting 15% of its employees, more precisely 450 people worldwide. The reason is the challenging market situation.
A temporary decline?
In October, it was noted that growth in the global electric car market began to slow down. The situation is probably only temporary, but also a warning that the market may reach the saturation point earlier than expected. Right now, the economic outlook for most people is bleak, which affects sales of capital goods. Uncertainty with regard to electric car subsidies, charging and delivery times can also dampen demand.
What really creates challenges in the market is that Tesla - now as in the past - faces overproduction by cutting prices.
Polestar's sales target for 2023 was between 60.000 – 80.000 cars. In November, they adjusted the targets to 60.000, while actual sales figures ended up at 54.600 cars.
Toyota's chairman, Aiko Toyoda, has recently stated that the global electric car share is unlikely to exceed 30%. It is not unlikely that Toyoda's prediction could come true. One billion people live without electricity, and several large cities may have problems supplying electricity to an all-electric car fleet.
Polestar has responded to Tesla's price cut by lowering the price of the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor by NOK 48.000. Polestar 3 can be ordered already now, but it cannot be delivered until approximately 9 months from now - in September/October 2024. Until Polestar achieves full-scale production and rollout of new models, they are secured financing through loans from Volvo and Geely. One can imagine that it is the owners who have demanded that Polestar cut costs.
Polestar or Volvo?
Both Volvo Cars and Polestar are owned by Geely Holdings. Volvo also has a majority stake in Polestar. This means that Polestar - on paper - is controlled by Volvo. Then one can ask why Geely has chosen to operate with two different brands, and - seen with sober Western eyes - what is Polestar compared to Volvo?
- A premium car brand? - Or perhaps a budget car brand?
- A thoroughbred electric car brand? Although the Polestar 1 was not an electric car and Volvo is about to become an electric car brand as well.
- A new Chinese car brand dressed in Swedish clothes?
- A car brand with a digital sales link à la Tesla?
In 2022, Volvo sold 688.348 cars in total (about the same as Skoda and Citroen) while Polestar sold 46.946 cars (about the same as Lancia). How would the Polestar models sell if they carried the Volvo logo? And does the sale of Polestar offset the additional costs of keeping a separate car brand? Perhaps the future will show that.
In 2023, 1829 Polestar cars were registered in Norway - all Polestar 2. Corresponding figures for the Volvo XC40 were 4.875, and for the low-built Volvo C40, 1.400 registered cars. Would the Volvo-Polestar alliance sell fewer cars if the Polestar 2 was sold with the Volvo logo? You could then think that the new Polestar 3 could fill the model range like the Volvo EX60.
Polestar 3. Photo: Terjes cars
Polestar 3. Photo: Terjes cars
Polestar 3. Photo: Terjes cars
A price comparison
Imagine that you are looking for a car with "Long Range" and "Dual Motor", black paint, tow bar and winter tires - as well as all taxes and registration costs paid. The prices are calculated from the car manufacturers' websites. Tesla Model Y with the above equipment is priced today at 522 (including VAT). In the examples above, we see that the Polestar 338 can only compete on price with a reduced price. The Volvo EX2 can be an alternative to the other models, provided that you can manage with less space.
Price
Note
Luggage compartment
frunk
547.885*)
Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Engine
405
41
606.700 **)
Volvo C40 Extended Range Twin Engine
413
31
498.900 ***)
Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Engine Performance
318
7
*) Pilot package NOK 20.000 has been chosen because of Adaptive Cruise Control. Most people would probably also have chosen the NOK 40.000 Plus package to get the heat pump, electrically adjustable seats, panoramic sunroof etc. which are standard in the Tesla Model Y. Then the price would have ended at NOK 587.
**) Volvo's configurator does not allow you to choose separate summer tires and winter tires. Here you can only choose all-season tires. An addition of at least NOK 20.000 will be necessary to have the car shod with summer and winter tyres.
***) If you choose a long range and two motors in the Plus equipment level instead of Ultra, the price ends up at NOK 456.100. With Ultra (recommended) you get, among other things, a heat pump, panoramic roof, electrically adjustable seats and "queue assistant".
The Volvo C40 is a low-built coupé version of the XC40.
Polestar 2 vs. Volvo C40
The Polestar 2 and Volvo C40 share drivetrains, dimensions and performance and can be considered sister models. Like the Volvo C2, the Polestar 40 is built as a low-profile SUV. Initially, the two models were fairly similarly priced, although Polestar wins today at a reduced price. Will Volvo also lower the prices, do you think?
The Volvo EX30 is produced in China
Volvo EX30. Photo: Terje's cars
Polestar 2 vs. Volvo EX30
The new Volvo EX30 is set to become a favourite. In the Plus version with four-wheel drive, it will cost NOK 456.100 with towbar and winter tyres. The top model costs NOK 498.900. It's a nice little SUV for those who don't need a big boot, but it's expensive. The new Volvo model is a smaller and more affordable car than the Polestar 2 – and thus not competitors. It is nevertheless striking to see that the Volvo EX30 could just as easily have been a Polestar. Volvo's latest model has a design similar to the Polestar.
That makes it timely to ask the question once more: Polestar? We have Volvo!
See
Volvo C40 RechargeTesla's new prices - should you laugh or cry?Signal model with unclear message
Interest in the Volvo XC90 will probably drop when the new all-electric EX90 appears in shop windows. Although it is impressive to see how popular the XC90 still is. After all, we are talking about a hybrid car that costs over a million kroner.
Brief model history
Volvo is by no means finished with the XC90. Earlier this year, quite large improvements were made to the T8 drivetrain. The battery pack has been given an extra layer of cells that increases both battery capacity and range. The electric motor at the rear has more power to push with. With increased downforce from the electric motor, Volvo has chosen to remove the Supercharger from the petrol engine. The upgraded 2-litre turbo engine has nevertheless received a small power increase. Total boost effect in power mode has been increased from 407 HP to 455 and the range has been increased from 46 to 68 km – on paper.
"Our" car is an early 2022 model based on the previous upgrade from May/June 2019. Also then, the battery pack received a long-awaited increase in capacity and a small facelift. From what I can see, all 2022 models now have hidden tailpipes. It also appears that the 2023 model will be produced without any exterior changes from the 2022 models.
When the first generation XC90 arrived in 2002, I was amazed that many of those who found the car appealing had never previously shown any interest in cars – many of them women. Large, solid, safe and family-friendly Volvo still ticks several boxes for many. The new Volvo XC90 with the T8 hybrid drive is truly more appealing than ever.
The front was slightly reworked from May/June 2019
Petrol guzzler?
"Good car!", said my son. He knows the XC90 quite well. "I always drive in power mode, - otherwise it will die". The XC90 may not be the first choice for "keen drivers". But I understand my son. If you put the car in "power", it reacts spontaneously to the gas in the same way as a vigorous electric car. When I checked the car's trip computer on "our" XC90, I found the fuel consumption from previous driver(s). The average consumption was a whopping 1,3 litres/10 km! If you drive actively, the XC90 can probably be experienced as a gas guzzler. In standard "hybrid" mode, the car is experienced as a completely normal hybrid car. It suited me well as I ventured out into the traffic in central Oslo.
Big car
A large car in the city is fine if you live on Snarøya and work in an office building with its own parking. I noted that several of the parking spaces at Oslo City would simply be too narrow for "my" XC90. You get good help from the camera, which shows the car's location in a bird's-eye view. Then you don't have to open the door to see if you are within the markings. Out in city traffic, I also noticed that I had good visibility in all directions. Volvo's blind spot warning systems are still good to have, as they also warn of soft road users. If you are going to park along the street in narrow city streets, you may sometimes wish for a smaller car.
2022 model with flashback to 2015 🙂
Same screen and gear lever in all Volvo hybrid models
Daytrippers
I charged the batteries to a decent 75% before we left. The calculated range was a measly 25 km without it really playing a role. We were on our way to Skien and drove in hybrid mode, where the car automatically distributes the power. The miles on the motorway down to Grelland went like clockwork. Pleasantly low noise level dominated by the sound of 22 inch monster wheels and P5 hits on a premium music system. We continued towards Hvittingfoss and down Lågendalen. No stress. The car switched seamlessly between petrol engine, electric motor and freewheel without us noticing anything.
From Steinsholt, the traffic takes off towards Siljan. Here the road begins with bends and hills. I noticed that the car changed character. A nice hum from the engine and quick gear changes. The monster tires gave great grip in the turns. The car's chassis is a bit stiff but still comfortable as it picks up the bumps nicely. It's amazing that a two and a quarter ton car can move so easily!
We were on our way to Borgund church to tend a family grave for the autumn cold. When my wife was a child, her family drove the same way to visit grandparents in Skien. At the time, it was gravel, and things went at breakneck speed when they were left behind heavy cars in crab gears.
Great fall colors!
Comfort
We chatted about what we like about the XC90. We focused on comfort. It's not every day that we drive cars that cost one and a quarter million. We attempt to benchmark it with another car, a BMW 530d M sport we had during a visit to Essex a few years ago. Then we were awarded the most beautiful rental car in the whole airport! Also the one with a fantastic and expensive undercarriage. My wife thought the BMW had more comfortable seats, softer leather and softer padding that enveloped you. In terms of comfort, it was 1-0 to BMW. "But YOU probably like these seats better", she parried. Quite correct! For me, the driver's seat in Nubuck leather and Alcantara is like an individually ergometrically adapted director's office chair.
On old roads
After lunch in Eidanger, we took the long way home via the old road to Larvik, the one that goes over the old Langangen. As is known, Langangen got a brand new bridge in 1979. Before that, the E18 ran underneath the center of Langangen with steep sections on both sides. On one side is the "corkscrew" - a section of road that is shaped like a loop so as not to be too steep. This section of road was actually built as early as 1858 – 1861. Today's concrete bridge was built by the Germans during the war because they could not get their material under the old stone bridge. And the facility was in use right up until 1979. Think how much "fun" it must have been here in the winter!
The corkscrew
0,85 per mile
The trip to Borgestad of 130 km gave an average consumption of 0,75 litres/10 km. Together with the trip back, we ended up with 280 km and an average consumption of 0,85 litres/10 km. When we started, we had 25 km on the battery. Had we peaked up to 30 km before the journey home, we could have reduced the total average consumption to 0,75 litres/10 km. But that is only theoretical. Since the car only accepts 3,6 Kw, it is not appropriate to charge along the road. The point is that if you can charge at home, it pays to start the long trip with full batteries.
35 km range
"Our" car is an early 2022 model with a battery capacity of 11,6 kwh gross and 9,1 kwh net. Stated range is 46 km. After fully charging after the long trip, the estimated range ended up being 35 km. The next day I drove "to work" in "pure" mode. Once there, after 12 km of city driving, the estimated range was reduced accordingly. It is good. Then the stated range agreed with reality. 35 km is not much, but would have covered min travel both ways. And by the way, the car worked fine on electricity.
Cars delivered from January 2022 received a higher battery capacity, 18,7 kWh gross and 14,8 net. The stated range is 68 km, but real consumption is probably correspondingly lower.
Unwanted engine noise
I would be a little worried that the real range on electricity is only 35 km. If you drive further, you have saved petrol for 35 km anyway. What annoys me most about the drivetrain is that when I start up in hybrid mode inside a communal garage, the petrol engine starts running after a short time - and it runs at a monotonously high idle speed - like a cheap generator from Biltema - despite the fact that it actually er current on the battery. The same can also happen when I arrive. When maneuvering a million dollar hybrid car - at walking speed, I expect it to be intelligent enough to use the remaining power without starting the petrol engine. It is actually one of the reasons why you choose a hybrid car - and perhaps put in a few extra kroner.
Comfortable sports chairs
Easy to refurnish the interior
Place
With 5 seats in use, the boot holds 640 liters plus a small space underneath for charging cables and the like. It is on a par with competitors Audi and BMW. As a 7-seater, there is only room for 262 litres. The two rear seats are preferably for children and fit well when driving them to football matches. The interior space is easily converted into a flat floor and it is easy to create flexible solutions, for example combining the transport of long or irregular objects together with passengers.
Security
The Volvo XC90 was tested by Euro NCAP in 2015 with a D5 diesel engine without a battery pack. It then scored 5/5 stars, got 97% for adult dolls and 87% for children. In a side impact test with a pillar, it was discovered that the rear part of the crash curtain did not unfold as it should. It could be unfortunate for the passengers in the 3rd row of seats. According to Euro NCAP, Volvo has stated that they have fixed the fault and informed owners of 7-seaters to have their cars fixed. Read the report from Euro NCAP here
Camera showing exact location. Then you don't have to open the door to see if you are within the line.
You can create a flat floor with the seats folded down
Conclusion
I would not advise anyone to 'run out and buy' a new Volvo XC90 even though it is a fantastic vehicle. Plug-in hybrid cars will probably lose market share to pure electric cars – not least Volvo's new large electric SUV. This can result in a high loss of value. Rather, I recommend that you find an XC90 on the used market. As Volvo has probably made ongoing improvements to the drivetrain - and from May/June 2019 increased battery capacity and range, this is a series I recommend. That's a lot of car in a 3-year-old XC90.
Facts Volvo XC90 Recharge
Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 495 x 193 x 177 cm
Wheelbase: 289 cm
Net weight: 2252 kg (without driver)
Payload: 653 kg
Number of seats: 7
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 2400 kg
– without brakes: 750 kg
Roof load: 100 kg
Drivetrain "our" car (early 2022 model)
Type: T8, B4204T34
Three engines. A 2,0-litre inline-four petrol engine with both a front-mounted turbo and supercharger drives the front wheels. An electric motor in the rear that drives the rear wheels. A third motor - also an electric motor - sits between the petrol engine and the gearbox and ensures that the power from the petrol engine is delivered evenly - i.e. without gaps under throttle. In addition, it provides a boost effect
Power: 303 HP from the main engine, 87 HP from the rear electric motor and 71 HP from the auxiliary motor, which together give 390 HP and a boost effect of 407 HP.
Gearbox: 8-speed Geartronic automatic (Aisin AW TG-81SD)
Electronically controlled four-wheel drive. Drivetrain new cars (from late 2022 model)
Type: T8, B4204T56
Same concept as before with three engines. Still a 2,0-litre inline-four turbo petrol engine, now without a supercharger, but has still received a small power increase. The electric motor at the back has received a solid power increase.
Power: 310 HP from the main engine, 145 HP from the rear electric motor and 71 HP from the auxiliary engine. Together, they can provide a boost effect of 455 HP.
Gearbox: 8-speed Geartronic automatic (Aisin AW TG-81SD)
Electronically controlled four-wheel drive.
Battery pack "our" car (early 2022 model)
Type: Li-ion
Location: Centrally located longitudinally in the tunnel.
Capacity (total): 11 Kwh
Capacity (usable): 9,1 Kwh
Range WLTP: 50 km
Measured range: 35 km
Charging time via Type2 cable: approx. 3 hours
Battery pack new car (from late 2022 model)
Type: Li-ion
Location: Centrally located along the tunnel.
Capacity (total): 18,8 Kwh
Capacity (usable): 14,9 Kwh
Range WLTP: 73 – 64 km
Charging time via Type2 cable: approx. 5 hours
Gasoline consumption
Measured long-distance consumption: 0,85 litres/10 km
Luggage compartment
As a seven-seater: 262 litres
As a five-seater: 640 litres
+ Small space under the cover: 31 litres
Tires
Size: 275/35R22 104Y
Type: Summer tire
Brand: Pirelli P Zero
Prices 2023 model
Plus: NOK 1
Ultimate: NOK 1
Towbar: NOK 11
Will low-built SUVs become a new trend for electric cars? We have spent an autumn day on a trip in Volvo's crossover C40 Recharge.
SUV as packing seal?
The battery pack in "our" Volvo C40 weighs 500 kg and probably requires an SUV platform due to its weight and volume. Do customers who want an electric car with a large battery pack have to involuntarily buy an SUV? In that case, the coupé variant can be a good alternative for those who prioritize skjønnhet rather than space. They make the SUV's undercarriage carry the battery pack, but a lower, more rounded and elegant glass housing. Coupé-like SUVs have been made in the past without much success. Would cars like the Volvo C40 have the right to life if the batteries could be placed in ordinary passenger cars?
Marks the weight well
Already after a few meters I felt the weight of the car. Undoubtedly heavier than the XC40 with a diesel engine that I have driven in the past. According to the vehicle license, the electric car also weighs 450 kg more. In traffic, you notice that you are driving a towering vehicle. When I close in behind other cars at traffic lights, they almost disappear under the front. You only notice the coupe shape when you use the side mirror. The field of vision through the rear window is extremely narrow and the blind spots large. I appreciate the blind spot warnings in the side mirrors. Reversing is also a breeze with the 360-degree reversing screen where you can see the car from above.
Can be driven with one pedal
You can choose whether you want to drive in one-pedal mode or as a normal car. I used one pedal all the time and was comfortable with it. But in the instruction manual, Volvo recommends using one pedal only in city driving. The one-pedal solution requires getting used to when you switch between the point where the car accelerates or brakes - i.e. where it can roll freely. The engine brake kicks in quite strongly, so that you can easily end up in a brake-gas-brake situation. Taking advantage of the fact that the car rolls freely can be profitable and easier to achieve if you switch off the one-pedal mode. Volvo has a point there.
The color Fjord Blue harmonizes nicely with Glomma. Parked here at Sanngrund where we had lunch.
If you drive with one pedal, the car slows down and recovers energy when you let off the gas pedal - only weakly if you let off careful, and stronger if you let go suddenly. The handbrake automatically engages when the car stops. It is also switched on when the car is put into "Park" with the "P" button. I couldn't find a separate handbrake. I couldn't find a start button either. When the key - or perhaps the owner's mobile phone - is nearby, just put the car in "Drive" and drive away. This is modern user interface.
Google is involved
On my way to pick up my wife, I tuned into her radio channel, P5 Hits, and familiarized myself with the infotainment system. I noted that there is Google software on board and that the navigation system is based on Google Maps - the world's best map system. I realize that I am not made to fiddle with small computer screens. With my big fists, I often hit several buttons at the same time and swipe so everything disappears. But on the C40 it worked quite well. This was thanks to Google, right?
My critical wife
I admit that I like Volvo better than many other cars. They are made for tall northerners like me. This also applies to the C40. And by the way - I find that fellow road users are extra considerate and positive when I drive a Volvo. My wife is more objective than I am. I was anxious to hear her verdict.
Google Maps and overview camera
Volvo advertises with "sustainable" - that parts of the interior in the C40 use recyclable plastic and are free of animal skin. "Our" car had fabric with something similar to alcantara in the seating surfaces. The seats were quite hard, but provided good support all the way for me. My wife completely agreed. She liked the fabrics and the seating comfort. Her only critical remark concerned the interior soundscape. Well, I mean, this might be nitpicking, but it seemed like the car's interior acoustics killed the sound from the music system. "Our" car had a sound system from Harman/Kardon with a bunch of speakers scattered around which will automatically adjust the sound image according to who is sitting in the car and according to the speed conditions. The interior noise in the C40 is not bothersome. The frequency is quite low and monotonous. If we compare it to the Tesla 3, the tires there give a much more marked and sharper sound image, but that does not come into conflict with the sound system.
On the road
I don't think all the 408 horses are constantly with you when you drive, but they are quickly on the spot when you need them. The car certainly drives like an SUV. You sit high, have large wheels with long suspension travel and a chassis that swallows most things without being too soft. The steering is speed-sensitive – not super sharp, but not bad for an SUV either. But it could be the soft tires. The steering resistance can be set to soft or hard. I set it to hard and was happy with it.
The good torque means that the car can effortlessly maintain a steady speed, but the monotonous sound makes it easy to forget the speed if you drive alone on the road without cruise control. I also got to test the 4-wheel drive once when I had to drive off after reversing down a steep and rocky tractor road. It would have been embarrassing to get stuck. The 4 wheel drive can truly save your day!
Panoramic roof provides a pleasant indoor atmosphere
Volvo guarantees a leather-free interior
Tire selection
"Our" car was on 19 inch all-season tires with a 50 profile. When configuring the car online, the same all-season tires come up as default choices with a subtitle that winter tires may be necessary if driving in extreme conditions. All-season tires have softer rubber than summer tires and do not emit as much noise. Could noise be the reason why Volvo recommends all-season tires on the C40? Anyway, this fine car deserves separate summer tires.
Range
According to information on Vegvesen.no range is stated to be 441 km. As you know, real range can vary a lot with weather and driving conditions. My own experiences are that real range often ends up at 4/5 of the stated range measured according to WLTP combined driving. That is approximately 350 km for the C40. Based on our trip, I came up with an estimated range of 388 km. It is based on a driving distance of 186 km - half on the 80-110 motorway and the rest on country roads and in the city in the middle of the "rush". If we exclude city driving, the range would end up at 397 km over dry roads in 18-20 degrees with the air conditioning set to 22 degrees.
consumption
Stated consumption based on WLTP combined driving is 20 kwh/100 km. Our consumption based on the trip computer was 18,7 kwh/100 km when rush hour driving is excluded, - 19.1 kwh/100 km including traffic jams. This is favorable compared to the fact that the car weighs almost 2,3 tonnes with two people on board. It also strengthens the theory that the car engages engine number 2 only when needed.
The cargo compartment at the back is divided into two sections with space for charging cables under the cover
Place
On paper, there is not much that separates the C40 from the more square XC40. The roof height at the back has been reduced by 6 cm, but is sufficient for the vast majority of people. The panoramic roof helps to give an extra sense of space in the compartment. The luggage volume is only 6 liters less with the seats up and 123 liters less with the seats down. In practice, the biggest miss will be that you cannot load as much over the hat shelf in the C40 as you can in the square XC40. Being able to load at height means that, among other things, you can transport suitcases standing up. The Volvo C40 still offers a decent luggage volume of 413 litres, which is divided into two parts with a plate. In front, there is a "frunk" with 31 liters of cargo space - big enough for a shopping bag.
Security
Volvo C40 model year 2022 was tested by Euro NCAP with very good results. With one small exception, all the dolls came out with a green result and 5/5 stars. The total score was 92% for adults and 89% for children. The car has an automatic emergency call in the event of a collision and the brakes are then automatically applied to prevent consequential damage.
The American IIHS - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - has awarded the Volvo C2022 the title in 40 Top Safety Pick+. Also in their tests, the C40 came out very well. One of the tests where electric cars can often come out worse than fossil cars is side collision. This passed the C40 fine.
Ordering online?
Volvo advertises that you can order your C40 online. You can not. You can do a lot, but you can not execute the order to the factory. It must be done by a Volvo dealer. The waiting time at the moment is stated to be 5-6 months before you can have the car delivered. The cars are produced at Volvo's factories in Ghent. The electric drive comes from Polestar in China. The batteries are either delivered from LG Chem in South Korea or CATL in China.
Beautiful door sides with recessed speakers from harman/kardon
Atmospheric lighting in the garage
Conclusion
Did we find the charm of low-built SUVs?
If we compare the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin with the corresponding XC40, there are only marginal differences. C40 gear a bit better range, but offers a bit smaller luggage space and costs a bit more.
Is the C40 more beautiful than the XC40? - And does that make up for the loss of the ability to load over the hat shelf?
Taste and comfort. I think the C40 was nicer than I had imagined beforehand. It has a drivetrain from Polestar and oozes premium class through and through. For me, "good looks" count more than "more space", although I predict that the car type may disappear from the market when the less space- and weight-demanding "solid-state" batteries become more available.
Successful design of the rear, but the field of vision in the rear window is poor
Facts Volvo C40 Recharge Twin
Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 444 x 187 x 159 cm
Wheelbase: 270 cm
Net weight: 2110 kg (without driver)
Payload: 435 kg
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 1800
– without brakes: 750
Roof load: Not stated in the vehicle registration card
Drivetrain
Engine: Two engines from Polestar, one located in the front and one located in the rear axle.
Power: 204 HP x 2 with a total boosted power of 408 HP
Torque: 330 Nm x 2 - with a total output of 660 Nm
Gearbox: 1-speed automatic
Electronically controlled four-wheel drive
Performances
Top speed: 180 km/h
0-100: 4,7 seconds
Battery pack
Manufacturer: The factory receives batteries from both LG Chem and CATL
Type: Li-ion
Position: Centered below, pulled in well from both sides
Total capacity: 78 Kwh
Available capacity: 75 Kwh
Range and consumption
Range WLTP combined: 441 km
Consumption WLTP combined: 20,0 kwh/100 km
Conditions during own measurement: Dry road, outside temperature 18-20 degrees, aircon, half on motorway, the rest on country roads and town.
Estimated range: 388 km
Measured average consumption: 19,1 kwh/100 km
charging
Contacts: Type2 and CSS
Charging time 11Kw onboard charger, 0-80%: 8 hours
Charging time CSS, 130Kw, 10-80%: 28 min.
Luggage compartment
As a five-seater: 413 litres
As a two-seater: 1205 litres
Trunk space: 31 litres
Prices
Twin Plus: NOK 568
Twin Ultimate: NOK 588
Metallic paint supplement: NOK 7
Towbar: NOK 9 (recommended)
About the car
Place of manufacture: Ghent, Belgium
Colour: Fjord blue/Black
Equipment grade: Ultimate
Leased by Hertz Car sharing
Owner: Hertz Car sharing
Model: 2022
Mileage: 5100
Km driven: 186
Sources: vegvesen.no, volvocars.com
Party at Glomma
On the way home after planting and caring for family graves for the autumn.
See
Volvo XC40 D3 R-Design I like the R-Design package – both the visual impression with the all-black grill, black-painted exterior mirrors, interior decor and black headliner. I would also like to highlight the sports chassis. High-rise or low-rise electric car?
About a royal Volvo from the time when the crown prince couple had C plates. About the roof cuckoo that never became a success - and a little reminiscence about the Volvo 760, which has turned 40 years old.
Norwegian Volvo Club meeting
At the weekend there was a Volvo meeting at the Norwegian Transport History Center at Hønefoss station. I like Volvo better than other cars. There are few cars that are as durable. 50-year-old standard cars can be driven 8-10 miles per hit. When the hood is opened after arrival, a completely spotless engine compartment is revealed. In between the standard cars, I also found some special vehicles.
The Volvo from Skaugum
If you see this flag attached, you know it's a royal car.
1983 Volvo 264 TE probably made by Nilsson.
The flag attachment reveals that this 264 streched limousine has not belonged to the mean group. Only the royals are allowed to drive with the flag attached to the middle of the bonnet. The beautiful Volvo 264 TE previously had registration number C-2. It belonged to the then Crown Prince Harald and Crown Princess Sonja. I assume that the car got C plates because the crown prince's family lived at Skaugum in Asker - which from old times had "C" as the registration letter. The cars with "A" were reserved for the castle in Oslo. Today, the Royal Palace no longer uses "C" as the registration number.
The stately Volvo 264 limo was probably built by Nilsson Special Vehicles and delivered to the Royal Household in 1983. The lines are as harmonious as the original models. On Saturday 14 May, the pictured car had been at the castle to shine on the exhibition "The King's Cars". The exhibition was held in the Queen Sonja Kunststall and showed the king's cars through 4 generations. On this day, the Royal Collections had invited former Royal House cars "home".
Do you hear the cuckoos?
Imagine if the roof cuckoo had become standard on all cars?Two shiny Volvo PV 444. The roof cuckoo sits on the car tv
Another rarity at the exhibition was the roof cuckoo. The Swedes have always tried to be at the forefront when it comes to road safety. That was the reason why Volvo for a short period in the early 50s delivered cars with a kind of lantern on the roof - popularly called the "roof cuckoo". At that time, direction arrows were more common than turn signals. The roof cuckoo should make the flashing more obvious. On each of the wings was a flashing light. In the front center, there was a bluish light so you could see the car coming towards you in the dark. The system did not work so well in practice. Firstly, cars with roof racks could not be fitted with a roof rack. Secondly, it was difficult to perceive which way the roof cuckoo was blinking. But imagine what today's cars would look like if the roof cuckoo had become mandatory!
At car meets like this, the cars in the 200 series are well represented. There are also quite a few cars from the 900 series, - while the 700 series is more rare. Sometimes I wonder where the 740s and 760s went. I found several at this meeting. Pictured is an early 760 Turbo. You can see that the font that shows the model is squiggly. From 1986, the model decals received rectilinear lettering.
The first model in the 700 series was the 760 GLE. It was put into production in 1982 and although in retrospect you can see clear similarities with the 200 series, the 760 appeared as a revolution. I can well remember the first time I saw it. I was working in Sweden at the time and was on my way out to Fornebu Airport by taxi. The driver was probably at least as interested as I was. "See!", he exclaimed. "The new Volvo!". And quite rightly so. In front of us stood a light blue metallic Volvo 760 GLE in all its glory. Low and wide with large glass surfaces, massive grill and front spoiler lip. It was like seeing a car from another world!
🙂 Where were you when you saw 760 for the first time?
Volvo 760 Turbo
Volvo 240 latest series
Volvo 242GTVolvo Duett in service for Drammens-is.
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In royal service.The King's cars. Vehicles through 4 generationsVolvo meeting at Jessheim
The first model from Volvo appeared on the market in 1927. The model was named P4 and was equipped with a 1900 ccm engine with 4 cylinders. It was relatively weak with its 28 hp. But the quality was good and Volvo was considered a quality car.
Volume models
In 1944, the model 444 was presented, a handsome and well-built family car. It was supplemented by the Duett in 1953, a practical van/station wagon. Now Volvo had models that could be sold in volume, both at home and for export. The PV 444 was joined by the Amazon/P120 which was a slightly larger family car. in 1956. The new 140 series that arrived in 1967 became a blockbuster. Good and solid with many variants, 2 or 4 door passenger cars and a Manor wagon. Volvo followed the development and added new variants with higher performances. The 140 series was also successful in export markets such as the USA and Germany.
Volvo PV 444
Volvo showed this model publicly for the first time in 1. A great many Swedes signed up on the delivery list and ordered the car. But they had to wait until 1944 before they got a car. There were both strikes and material shortages, so the start of production was postponed again and again. Since Volvo had pre-sold over 1947 cars, the first series were torn away. The first cars were only black, and the interior yellow/green. In 11, sales started in the USA with a special model "California" with a larger engine and luxurious interior.
Volvo PV 544
Volvo introduced the Amazon in 1957, and it was assumed that PV would disappear. Instead, an upgraded model came in 1958 (PV544). The sports model PV Sport with 85 hp quickly became popular in the motorsport community. The PV model was also delivered as a station wagon and van with the designation "Duett". The Volvo PV 544 passed into history in 1965. The Volvo "Duett" was produced longer, until 1969.
Data 1947 Volvo PV 444
Length: 436 cm
Width: 155 cm
Height. 128 cm
Top speed 120 km/h
Engine: 1414 ccm, 40 hp
A Swedish car brand that has always had a strong hold on Nordic car buyers. Solid cars with good features and high reliability are something most people want, and they found that at Volvo.
Volvo's first car model appeared on the market in 1927. It was named P4 and was equipped with a 1900 ccm engine with 4 cylinders. The engine was relatively weak with 28 hp. But the quality was good and Volvo was considered a quality car from the moment it came on the market. In 1944, Volvo presented the model that made the factory a significant car manufacturer. The model designation was 444 and it was a truly modern car with a self-supporting body and good interior space. It was supplemented by the Duett in 1953, a practical van/station wagon. Now Volvo had models that could be sold in volume, both at home and for export. The Volvo PV 444 was joined by the Amazon/P120 which was a slightly larger family car in 1956. The new 140 series which came in 1967 became a blockbuster. Good and solid with many variants, 2 or 4 door passenger cars and a Manor wagon. Volvo followed the development and added new variants with higher performances. The 140 series was also successful in export markets such as the USA and Germany.
Volvo 262C
But even though the factory focused on family cars, there was also a desire to produce luxury models to reach another market segment. A very special model was the Volvo 262C which was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1977. It was a 2-door exclusive sports coupe with plenty of room for 4 people. The starting point for this model was Volvo's 260 series. The new model came with some changes, among other things it got a new windscreen that sloped a little more than on the regular passenger car. The 262C was introduced with a sleek black vinyl roof and silver bodywork. Later, other colors became available. The model was designed in Sweden but was produced by Bertone in Italy. A total of 6622 copies of this model were produced and most were sold in the USA. 1981 was the last year the 262C was produced.
Volvo 262C
Data Volvo 262C
Length: 488 cm
Width: 171 cm
Height. 136 cm
Top speed 190 km/h
Engine: 2664 ccm with 6 cylinders, 140 hp
Advertising for the Volvo GT for the American market
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Car meeting at JessheimVolvo 240Volvo 164[the_ad id=”44672″]
Already in the early 60s, Volvo began planning a successor to Amazon. It got clean and modern lines and top security.
Swedish quality on rubber wheels
The first model from Volvo appeared on the market in 1927. The model was named P4 and was equipped with a 1900 ccm engine with 4 cylinders. It was relatively weak with its 28 hp. But the quality was good and Volvo was considered a quality car. In 1944, the model 444 was presented, a handsome and well-built family car. It was supplemented by the Duett in 1953, a practical van/station wagon. Now Volvo had models that could be sold in volume, both at home and for export. The PV 444 was joined by the Amazon/P120 which was a slightly larger family car - in 1956. The new 140 series which arrived in 1967 became a blockbuster. Good and solid with many variants, 2 or 4 door passenger cars and a Manor wagon. Volvo followed the development and added new variants with higher performances. The 140 series was also successful in export markets such as the USA and Germany.
Volvo 142
Already in the early 60s, Volvo began planning a successor to Amazon. It was presented in 1966 as the 140 series. The dimensions were quite similar to the Amazon, and it had clean and modern lines. Customers could choose between 2 engines, 85 hp or 115 hp respectively. It was very advanced and safe with a 2-circuit brake system, split steering column and a very solid body. It was only delivered with 4-doors from the start, but later came 2-doors (1967) and a manor wagon (1968). The engines were also upgraded in 1969, and the choice was between 90hp or 118hp. To meet the transport needs, Volvo produced a manor wagon with a raised roof with the designation "Express". A luxury wagon with a 6-cylinder engine (164) came on the market in 1968. It was roughly based on the 140 series, only slightly extended. In 1974, this model series came to an end and was replaced by the 240 series.
At Skøyen station, you will find everything for your autumn holiday at the cabin. Manor wagon from Hertz Bilpool and reading material from the "telephone kiosk" next door. Take a book - give a book.
Darkness fell more quickly than one is used to - and so did the miles. The Volvo V90 is what you call a "mansion car". Here you get an update on Volvo's finest station wagon.
Midlife Update for 2021
The V90, Volvo's largest estate car, was launched as a 2017 model and recently received a mid-life update for 2021. The V90 is now offered with two plug-in hybrid powertrains. T6 (340 HP) and T8 (390 HP), as well as Volvo's new mild-hybrid drive unit B5 (250 HP). But several signs point in the direction of today's V90 being the last chapter. It is not certain that it will have a successor.
Light facelift from 2021 (source: www.volvocars.no)2020 model
The Norwegian police have entered into a 7-year agreement with Volvo for the delivery of the V90 Cross Country. The question is, will the model live that long?
Phase out of the V90?
Swedish Auto Motor & Sport has previously speculated whether Volvo will drop the V90 after 2023. The reason is that SUVs are constantly stealing larger market shares from station wagons. The sales figures for 2020 confirm this. If the V90 - which is currently produced in Torslanda - disappears, the factory will be able to increase production of best sellers such as the XC60 and XC90. They are offered with the same drivetrain as the V90. The V60 is also delivered with the same powertrains as the V90. It is 18 cm shorter than its big brother and has 31 liters less luggage space, but is an excellent family car for those who do not want an SUV.
Manor wagon or SUV?
In Volvo's model range, the V90 ends up very close to the XC60 in terms of price and performance. That SUV is currently Volvo's best-selling model. It can tow a trailer as big as the V90 and – even though it is 26 cm shorter – the interior cabin space is more than big enough. But it has 100 liters less luggage space and takes 76 kg less payload than the V90. In the choice between the XC60 and the V90, the XC60 wins with its more resilient, more youthful design. The V90's status as a manor car is unlikely to help sales particularly.
Rescued by the police?
In the first half of this year, a total of 394 new Volvo V90s were registered. Of these, 111 were registered as police cars (new this year). The police, both in Norway and Sweden, have decided to use the V90 and V90 Cross Country as patrol cars. They have chosen the D4 engine of 190 HP in both the standard V90 and Cross Country. The Norwegian police have entered into a 7-year contract from 2020. Whether the deliveries to the police will keep production of the V90 going remains to be seen. Perhaps a limited production of special vehicles, in the same way that, for example, Scania produces its own series for fire service and military use?
Almost 5 meters long, it fills the entire parking pocket
We have spent a lot of time and many miles behind the wheel of the Volvo V90 T8 AWD Twin Engine and can only recommend it. Only Volvo gives a real estate car feeling.
An advanced drivetrain
The T8 Twin Engine actually has 3 engines. The front petrol engine, which is both turbocharged and supercharged, produces 303 HP and drives the front wheels. An electric motor produces 87 HP at the rear wheels. In the catalogs, total power is stated at 390 HP. But it is actually more. The third motor – also an electric motor – sits between the petrol engine and the gearbox and ensures that the power from the petrol engine is delivered evenly – i.e. without gaps under throttle. In addition, it provides a boost effect that makes it possible to extract 407 HP when needed.
Real manor carriage feeling
You don't have to worry about the advanced hybrid drive to enjoy the world's most wonderful manor car. Just leave the car in hybrid mode, start up and drive. Nobody delivers better ergonomics than Volvo. Seats and sitting comfort are perfect for us with Nordic bodies. The soundscape is pleasant with a faint snarl from the petrol engine when the gas is applied. The steering feel is almost at BMW level. On the road, the hybrid car feels large and stable. But the net weight is over 2 tonnes. Although it has electronically controlled four-wheel drive and a low center of gravity, it does not invite you to challenge the limits.
Autumnal pictures of the Volvo V90 T8
"Our" car is rented via Hertz Bilpool. The car sharing company is owned by Volvo in Sweden and currently offers Volvo models such as the XC40 D3, V60 D4 and the estate car V90 T8.
Last Sunday, passers-by across Sollihøgda could spot beautiful vintage Volvos outside Sollihøgda Tursenter. This was a small and private meeting where there was a good distance between people who did not know each other. I allowed myself to pop in to look at the cars. I recognized some of them from Cars & Coffee meetings on both sides of Sollihøgda. Still, it's not every day you get to see 7 Amazons gathered in the same place. I also noted 2 PV 544, 2 Duets, 1 Volvo 144, 1 pc 142, 1 pc 242 and 1 Volvo V90 Executive.
The veteran Volvos fit perfectly in front of Sollihøgda Tursenter, - just as they did when they were new. Sollihøgda Tursenter reopened earlier this year, with dishes based on good ingredients, - 2-course menu for NOK 200, - and small dishes. In the blink of an eye after a Sunday trip along DNT's marked hiking trails - or you swing by with a freshly polished fine car.
You can see the images in a larger format by clicking on them.
From the Amazon collectionPV544 and Duett "service car".1971 Volvo 142 B20 DeluxeMost Volvos were on Volvo wide rims. These rims were even fatter, - much fatter than they look here in profile - but stylistically fit vintage cars from Volvo, BMW and Italian cars.It's not every day you come across 7 Amazons in the same place.1970 Volvo 121 B20.Classic lines with hints of the USA and Italy.No need to screw when everything is so clean in the engine compartment.1973 – when the 140 series got a new dashboard.Volvo Duet B18
