In the past nine years Volvo has totally reinvented itself. From being a brand known for making solid, reliable, safe cars-all metaphors for boring, in the automotive world-it today makes cars that raise the pulse; to those core values it has added stylish body designs and exciting mechanical packages. The result is that there is now a high desirability factor right across the range. The newest entrant in the line-up replaces the one last worthy-but-dull survivor of the old regime, the S40. This joins character- filled machines such as the V70 r, the xc-90, and the slick S60, all of which are contenders for best in the class. Volvo's executive express S80 has also been face lifted recently. Volvo has to keep broadening its range without dissipating core values-but that shouldn't be a problem to the Swedish teams behind the brand.

S40

Volvo's entry-level model is in the enviable position of not having any direct rival; no other manufacturer in Europe produces a comparable four door sedan with such a combination of enjoyment, comfort and safety. Handling and ride of the newly-arrived car is excellent in all variants, and the build values are exceptionally high, the car feeling like a true executive model despite its modest price point. Engines run from a smooth 1.8 litre four with 125PS through to the excellent turbocharged five cylinder pumping out 200PS, and there is also an excellent-if raucous-diesel engine. A sports variant with harder suspension and extra body detailing, and a pair of 1.6 litre models (one petrol other diesel) is creating craze in the market.

C70

Now available only as a convertible, Volvo's sleek styled C70 comes with all the expected Volvo virtues-deformable nose, high level of occupants safety and high build quality-but adds into the equation a fully automatic power roof with glasses rear screen, and a range of engines that go from a 2.0 litre turbocharged four through the brainstorming T5. handling is better than might be expected of an open car; Volvo worked hard to maintain the body integrity despite the lack of the roof. With the model easing towards the end of its life there are a number of special trim editions available with luxury trim and special paint scheme.

S60

Volvo's response to such cars as the Mercedes-Benz, C-Class and Audi A6 is a smoothly-styled four door sedan which comes with a choice of engines-all turbocharged ?able to deliver speeds of up to 250kph; even the 2.5 turbo diesel variant can hit over 200kph. Build quality and sense of integrity are beyond reproach, and handling and road holding from the front-drive package make for more entertainment than the urbane looks suggest it will provide. As might be expected the safety features are there in abundance, and the price point is pitched perfectly to provide a realistic alternative to the car's main competitors.

S80

Revised to provide additional safety to pedestrians, Volvo's executive car is being bought by people who want a European car but don't want to look to Germany to provide it. Despite its bulk the car handles with agility and comfort levels are high as might be expected of a contender in this market sector. The T6, which has a 3.0 litre twin turbo engine pumping out close on 300PS, is a serious high speed salon; limited to 155mph (250kph) it sprints from standstill with the expected level of controllable hurriedness.