Rendered Speculation: Volvo's Vs could get new roofline
One of the last bastions of contentment for wagon lovers may be over as reports indicate that Volvo is considering abandoning the classic long and low shape for something a bit more modern. Of course, that means a higher roof-line, ground clearance and seating position, along with a slightly trimmed footprint. In fact, the Swedish automaker seriously considered making a change to its current V70 model before it was released to the public. The true test will come when the new XC60 crossover hits the market, as its sales figures will determine how Volvo designs its next V50 and V70. Ford's Flex might offer a preview of the shape of things to come from the Swedish automaker, as its design is similar to what may be on offer from Volvo if it scraps the traditional wagon. We wouldn't expect anything too 'trucky' though, as sales of traditional SUVs have fallen off dramatically in the last two years.
Redesigns of the mid-sized S60 and XC90 have also reportedly been pushed a bit further into the future as the automaker struggles to reign in its recent lack of profits. The latest timetable puts the new sedan's appearance in 2010 while the 'ute's redesign isn't expected until 2012, though a refresh could spice things up a bit in 2010 with a possible hybrid drivetrain.
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Red 6:45PM (10/22/2008)
W....t.....f....?
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3seriesisking 6:53PM (10/22/2008)
A wrinkled roof line???
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JF 7:31PM (10/22/2008)
I'm with Red. That's all there is to say.
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P.V. 7:36PM (10/22/2008)
No, thank you. The current Volvo wagons look quite elegant. I shudder to think what they may be designing for the future.
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Torrent 7:39PM (10/22/2008)
a.k.a. Nissan Xterra....
KILL IT WITH FIRE
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HAWC1506 8:16PM (10/22/2008)
It's got bits of the Euro Focus headlights.
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OOMPH! 8:44PM (10/22/2008)
..errr one thing Volvo really dosent want to tamper with is their wagons...KONSTIGT SVENSKA!!
Den Bil
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fixitfixitstop 8:59PM (10/22/2008)
Because the risky Nissan Armada/Infiniti QX56 roofline is SO popular...
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SPG 12:02AM (10/23/2008)
What a horrible thought, the last Volvo'y tradition to go the way of a market test?
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DJ 4:33AM (10/23/2008)
A roof kink is fine if it increases the load height by an inch or two. But I've seen elsewhere suggestions that Volvo may be looking at ditching classic wagons completely. If so, this is madness - the low CoG of a wagon (or an 'estate car' as we Brits call 'em) gives better handling all round, particularly in corners. Also, frankly, an estate car is much cooler and shapelier than the average 4x4 box on wheels.
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Michael 6:14AM (10/23/2008)
Please don't. :(
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steve clark 9:53AM (10/23/2008)
I was going to say that I don't think wagon enthusiests would care if the roofline was kinked since it's the utility of the wagon that's so appealing, but then I read the comments already posted. I'm a bit surprised.
Personally, I like it. And you can't compare it to the Armada roofline, which I agree doesn't work well visually. As long as it flows with the rest of the lines, I'll like it. But then, I'm not exactly in the market for a Volvo wagon.
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Jei 9:50AM (10/23/2008)
Volvo tends to do wagons much better than its SUVs. The XC90 is ok, but I will it were nicer to look at. It just seems that the proportions aren't very attractive. I know they're trying to be different and unique, but they'd probably be great if they were owned by Toyota or Fiat.
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Keith M 5:07PM (10/24/2008)
Yikes! no.
Listen here Volvo - its not the roof line or the lines of you cars - its your stupid fugly interiors - in particular the dash/center console. Fix that and you will sell more cars - without alienating your customer base.
Case in point - I love the XC-60's lines and considered moving out of my XC-90 - until I saw the interior photos. Just look at that center console - nothing matches - like it was pieced together from the parts bin and cheap textures yuck.
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