Merging Volvo and Geely - First Results of Swedish-Chinese Family

In 2010, one of the largest Chinese car manufacturer Geely has bought the Swedish company Volvo, based on the production cars. Previously owned Volvo, Ford and it was bought in 1999 for $ 6.5 billion, while Geely Volvo cost only 1.8 billion as noted, the company does not intend to merge Volvo and Geely. After the transaction, Volvo updated 3 models and developed two concepts. In particular it - S60, V40, XC 60 and the new Volvo XC90, based on the platform and SPA Geely KC, sedan built on the platform of the Volvo S80 and come to light called Emgrand 9.

XC60

All XC great family behaves on the road. Different exchange rate stability, controllability intelligible and confident braking - are the basic components of security, allowing easy travel at high speeds even imperfect coverage. With its 230 mm ground clearance is not scared to go off the asphalt. Incidentally, this is the highest figure in the entire segment of compact premium crossovers (200 mm - Audi Q5, 210 mm - Mercedes-Benz GLK, 201 mm - BMW X3, 210 mm - Land Rover Freelander, 150 mm - Infiniti EX.

Pros

• Most complete on the market complex security systems, a powerful engine, decent handling.

Cons

• Long and short front overhang suspension moves negatively affect patency. The only complaint - the management of the navigation system: in contrast to how it is done on other models of the brand, the buttons here are hidden behind the spokes of the steering wheel.

Our opinion

The revolutionary movement in the security infancy, but it is here xc60 won’t get points in the battle with rivals Mercedes Benz GLK and Audi Q5. The difference in price and quality in this trio is so small that it is personal trumps each model will determine the balance of power between them.

Volvo V40 Cross Country

In terms of size hatchback slightly longer than their German competitors (Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-class), but more is not particularly surprising. Hatchback Volvo V40 Cross Country, trying to "cut " under crossover, built on a platform Ford C1 (Ford Focus and Mazda3) in the design which made some changes : added electric power steering, front subframe changed , reconfigure the springs and dampers , as well as raised by 12 mm ( 145 mm ) clearance and is very good .

Despite the fact that the segment of compact hatchbacks, “crossover” on the rise, competitors V40 Cross Country in this form factor and price a little. One Subaru XV. Almost complete copy of the ideological V40 Cross Country, which grew out of a hatchback Subaru Impreza. In an active boxer engine Subaru, permanent Symmetrical AWD. However, picking at Subaru XV modest, engines weaker and prices accordingly lower. V40 Cross Country is offered as a front-wheel drive, and with a full (version Countryman S). Engine one, turbocharged 1.6, in two versions - 122 hp and 184 hp

Perhaps the main charm of control Volvo V40 Cross Country is that, with all the abundance of electronic “stuffing” the driver does not play a passive role. The need of configuring multiple devices gives him a sense of involvement in what is happening on the road. Why suddenly disconnected adaptive cruise? In what situations works automatically include the start-stop? Before any items the vehicle will stop him, and how to make it even safer behavior? There is something to learn and something to ponder.

Overall, considering all the benefits, advantages and disadvantages Volvo V40 Cross Country, you can put this car “four-plus” on a scale.

Volvo S60

In addition to the already familiar modern systems of active and passive safety, the Volvo S60 capabilities far ahead. Unique innovation system City Safety, installed on the S60, will allow the driver to get maximum driving pleasure , taking care of the protection not only of the people inside the car , but also the safety of other road users , including pedestrians .

Another interesting fact is that absolutely all the proposed line is equipped with turbo propulsion systems, which certainly makes them a little capricious in service, but significantly increases the working capacity.

It should be noted and stated efficiency of the new Volvo S60. Manufacturers claim that the most common urban S60 version with petrol engine in volume of 2000 cm3 fuel per 100 km will be about 8.3 liters and this with an automatic transmission.

I want to note the emergence of new access in the car Volvo S60. Due to the improved lateral support driver does not get tired even during long trips. By the way, the backlight is adjusted depending on driving style or mood of the driver - is another innovation from the company that can please many drivers. Along with the high cost, big fuel consumption in city mode (petrol engine), and the high cost of maintenance of the car, he still appeared more modern and therefore more economical than previous engines.

Engineers and designers have brought exterior aerodynamics and body almost to perfection, which in combination with upgraded interior makes the Volvo S60 an even more prestigious sedan.

Now a few words about the concept cars

Volvo XC90.

Inspiring crossover. Technical secrets: According to those. Director Hakan Ivarsson cars SPA platform will be one of the lightest in its class by reducing the use of high strength steel. Aluminum will be used only in the front suspension, attached to a steel bulkhead

Geely KC.

The second car, which will begin production soon. This sedan is built on the platform of the Volvo S80 and come to light called Emgrand 9. Length concept is 4960 mm and wheelbase - 2880 mm. Given the fruitful cooperation between the two companies future car ensures excellent build quality, plenty of power and good looks. According to KC equipped with a hybrid power plant. The sedan will be equipped with four or 5 cylindric engine manufacturing Volvo. Geely KC is the first car designed jointly with Sweden and China. Sales will be available in 2015.