WITH a host of detail interior enhancements and exterior design refreshments, the new Volvo S60, V70 and XC70, making their debut at the Sunday Times Motor Show Live, also offer significant safety, convenience, performance and dynamic improvements.

The T5 engine available in the S60 and V70 is significantly upgraded with dual variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust sides as well as a larger capacity turbocharger. The engine also increases in size from 2.3 to 2.4-litres and tuned to give sportier throttle characteristics and engine response with better low-end torque and improved emissions without increasing fuel consumption figures.

Volvo's active Four-C chassis (Computer Controlled Chassis Concept) has been refined and now introduced as an option for the new 2005 S60, V70 and XC70 ranges. The active Four-C chassis system provides fully active damping with two distinct operating ranges - Comfort and Sport - to give a pronounced difference in ride, handling and steering characteristics with different settings for S60 (more sporting), V70 (more touring comfort) and XC70 (tuned for off-road and on-road).

The Comfort setting gives higher levels of comfort but with low body movement, while in Sport the ride becomes firmer with a higher level of road feel and feedback. The system will automatically adjust to stabilise the car during any extreme manoeuvres, no matter which setting is selected, and compensates for heavy loads for improved stability at all speeds and when towing.

New water repellent glass is now available for S60, V70 and XC70 side windows and door mirrors. To improve visibility when driving in rain, a hydrophobic surface treatment on the front side windows turns water into small beads which the airflow will blow away, leaving the window clear. A small symbol on the glass illustrates the car is fitted with WRG.