Review
Volvo's flagship saloon has much in common with its V70 sibling, but sells about 4,000 units a year while the estate sells more than twice as many.
The S80 shares all but one of its engines with the V70 and was treated to a mid-term facelift last year. This meant a classier rear end with shallower light clusters and a smarter front end, thanks to a dark 'egg crate' grille – now a feature of all Volvo saloons, distinguishing them from the 'waterfall' grille of other models. The exterior changes ensured the S80's place as one of the more distinctive and elegant saloons in the executive car sector.
The 180bhp 2.0-litre lightly turbocharged engine from the S60 was also added to the S80 line-up, bridging the gap between the normally-aspirated 170bhp 2.4-litre and the new 210bhp 2.5-litre turbo.
Despite changes such as darker dashboard plastics to make the interior more upmarket, the S80's traditional strengths are still there.
Few executive cars offer as much space for the money as the S80. The interior is far roomier than leading German brands, particularly for rear seat passengers, and the seats are more comfortable.
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There are two normally- aspirated versions of the S80 lower down the range than the 2.0T, using 140bhp and 170bhp versions of a 2.4-litre five-cylinder engine.
However, the 2.0T feels only adequate for straight-line speed. There is a noticeable flat spot in its performance approaching 3,000rpm, which seems strange because maximum torque, according to Volvo, should be available from 2,200rpm to 5,300rpm.
It will sprint to 62mph from rest in just over nine seconds and the turbo provides a breezy low to mid-range response. It isn't slow, but it just doesn't feel like the turbo is on the boil across the whole rev range.
The engine is exceptionally refined, however, and is barely audible until the rev counter needle climbs well into the top half of the range. On test, actual fuel consumption also proved better than the official combined figure, with a few long, relaxed motorway runs prompting the trip computer to show average fuel consumption of 33mpg.
Steering suffers from the typical big Volvo trait of being too light at speed and even lighter at parking speeds. Optional speed-sensitive power steering (£225) might give more control at higher speeds.
The S80 was never really designed to compete with the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes in the handling stakes. Comfort is the main priority and you quickly become aware of the S80's size as you drive along twisty roads.
There is marked body roll with sudden changes of direction and the dampers seem to take a short while to settle the car again afterwards. More composed handling is on offer by selecting the Four-C active chassis at £1,100. The Four-C button firms up the dampers and makes the car feel a bit livelier when pushed hard.
On the whole, however, the ride comfort of the S80 is velvety soft, leaving the driver and occupants relaxed after a long journey.
If you want a well-priced, large premium saloon that looks classy, is roomy and is adept at racking up miles in comfort, the S80 fits the bill.
Volvo S80 2.0T S
Delivered price, standard car (P11D value): £22,690
CO2 emissions (g/km): 223
BIK % of P11D in 2004: 30%
Graduated VED rate: £160
Insurance group: 14
Combined mpg: 30.1
CAP Monitor residual value: £7,650/34%
Depreciation 23.58 pence per mile x 60,000: £14,148
Maintenance 3.08 pence per mile x 60,000: £1,848
Fuel 12.68 pence per mile x 60,000: £7,608
Wholelife cost 39.34 pence per mile x 60,000: £23,604
Typical contract hire rate: £445 per month
Three rivals to consider
P11D price
VOLVO'S biggest saloon weighs in at just below £23,000 with the recently-installed 180bhp 2.0-litre turbo, borrowed from the S60. Saab's 9.5 2.3t Linear has a lower asking price and more power than the Volvo at 185bhp. Renault's Vel Satis also comes into the frame with 165bhp but a useful 184lb-ft of torque and lots of equipment in Privilege trim. Meanwhile Skoda offers a V6-engined Superb for the lowest P11D price. It competes on quality and space, but lacks a premium image.
Skoda £21,407
Saab £21,507
Renault £22,250
Volvo £22,690
SMR costs
Just £174 separates the Volvo from the Saab 9-5 and Skoda Superb in the servicing, maintenance and repairs comparison. The Renault Vel Satis offers the longest service intervals of the quartet at 18,000 miles. The Volvo needs a service every 12,000, which might explain its higher cost. The Saab and Skoda need checking more frequently yet still come top in this comparison, with perhaps less expensive tyres and parts that might need replacing over 60,000 miles.
Saab 2.79ppm
Skoda 2.79ppm
Renault 2.95ppm
Volvo 3.08ppm
Fuel costs
THE Volvo has a five-cylinder engine with turbocharging boosting power with a limited effect on fuel consumption. The Renault and Saab both have turbocharged four cylinder motors, although the Saab's is best at using its fuel most efficiently. The Skoda has a potent naturally- aspirated V6 developing more than 200bhp, but it is also thirstier than the rivals listed here. The fuel bill for the Volvo over 60,000 miles would be £7,608 – the same as for the Vel Satis. The Saab would cost about £24 more, while the Skoda's bill would be £8,124.
Renault 12.68ppm
Volvo 12.68ppm
Saab 12.72ppm
Skoda 13.54ppm
Depreciation costs
PEOPLE are not prepared to pay the same kind of prices for these saloons when they are three years old as they might for a BMW 5-series or a Mercedes E-class, and this is reflected in lower percentage values from CAP Monitor. The Volvo has the highest value at 34%, but the Saab's lower P11d price allows it to overtake the S80, despite its 31% anticipated retained value, and give it a £78 advantage. The Renault is pegged level with the Saab on 31%, while the Skoda lacks the image to compete with these other executive saloons.
Saab 23.45ppm
Volvo 23.58ppm
Renault 24.62ppm
Skoda 25.03ppm
Wholelife costs
THE Volvo S80 is just edged out by the Saab 9-5 in wholelife costs, with a difference of £228 in favour of the 9-5. A combination of modest fuel consumption, low SMR costs and reasonable depreciation give it the running costs victory. The Renault Vel Satis is still in touch while the Skoda, although capable, lacks the image to compete with Volvo and Saab.
Saab 38.96ppm
Volvo 39.34ppm
Renault 40.25ppm
Skoda 41.36ppm
Emissions and BIK tax rates
ANOTHER win for the Saab because although it is tied with the Volvo on emissions, its lower entry price means the tax paid by the driver will be slightly lower. It works out at £227 per month for a 40% tax-payer driving the S80 compared with £215 per month for the 9-5. The Vel Satis would cost the same driver £230 per month until April 2005, while the V6 Skoda would incur a monthly tax charge of £243. Not much in it, but the figures favour the two Swedish cars.
Saab 223g/km/30%
Volvo 223g/km/30%
Renault 225g/km/31%
Skoda 240g/km/34%
Verdict
A TOUGH call between the Saab and the Volvo, which finish the comparison comfortably ahead of the Renault and the Skoda. In the end, the Saab wins. It has more power and torque for less money, while it is just about as comfortable and refined as the S80.
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