The Volvo S80 was penned to express elegance, alertness and smooth movement, a job it has done well. Up until now power has been delivered to the Swede by either a V8 petrol, five-cylinder turbodiesel, 3.2 six-cylinder petrol and a 2.5 turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine. The 3.0T brings the smooth six sound and the benefits of forced induction to the party.

A twin-scroll turbocharger has eliminated turbo-lag and delivers maximum torque of 300Nm from 1500rpm. 210kW at 5600rpm is delivered to all four wheels by the 2953cc engine to give a claimed 0 to 100km/h of 6.9 seconds.

Unlike other twin-scroll turbos, which use a low inertia impeller system, the S80 3.0T exhaust manifold features two separate ducts that run into the turbine section of the turbocharger. Exhaust gases leave in accordance with the firing order and the turbine rotor is fed alternately by exhaust gases from the two different ducts.

Even up in the thin air stuff power delivery is instant and consistent through the rev range. Fuel consumption is claimed at 11.2l/100km, a number slightly higher than I'd have expected but still not all that bad amongst the S80 competition.

Inside the car the luxury comes through with some awesomely comfortable leather seats and understated yet high-quality finishes. In a world where steering seems to be getting lighter and less involving it was refreshing to feel a system that gave back plenty of feel.

The S80 has always been a class act and now thanks to a very competent six-cylinder turbo offer even more choice. It also comes with some trick gadgets like Volvo IAQS Interior Air Quality System. This reduces the amount of particles, pollen, gases and unpleasant odours from the air inside the cabin. Hay Fever suffers will be pleased to note that all leather and interior textiles have passed the stringent ÖKO-TEX 100 test. This is an international standard, which ensures that there are few certain allergy-inducing substances and emissions floating about.

Safety is also key and as usual Volvo hasn't ducked that department. The body is built from varying steel thicknesses to ensure that any impact will be distributed so that the passenger cell is a safe house. There are also the likes of the Side Impact Protection System with the airbag curtains and Volvo's Whiplash Protection System and a new collision warning system with an auto brake function. Blind pot indicators, bi-Xenon adaptive cruise control and distance alert the S80 has a full deck up its sleeve.

The S80 is a competent car in the luxury segment and the 3.0T just adds that bit of extra depth to the range.

Pricing:
Volvo S80 3.0T Geartronic: R516 000