Volvo has updated the S80 saloon with a mild restyle, updated interior and new diesel engines. The new model will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week and should reach dealers by the summer.

Styling changes include a new front grille with a bolder 'iron mark' badge. Chrome detailing has been added to the air intakes, lower doors and under the tail lamps for a classier appearance. Overall the styling changes are designed to make the S80 look longer, lower and wider.

The interior now features leather seats with the same material used to trim the door panels. The floating centre console gets a 'Silk Metal' frame, a feature that is also found on the XC60. The instruments feature aluminium dials while the steering wheel, gear lever and surround for the start button feature a 'Silk Matte' metal effect finish.

Of most importance is the advent of three new diesel engines. The most powerful unit is a 202bhp, 2.4-litre D5 motor, which is also available in 173bhp guise. The third new diesel is a 107bhp, 1.6-litre unit fitted to the S80 DRIVe. Thanks to optimised engine management and revised ratios in its manual gearbox Volvo expects the S80 DRIVe to manage 57.6mpg and emit 129 grams of CO₂ per kilometre. The low-power 2.4-litre diesel should do 48.7mpg and 154g/km while the high-power unit does 45.6mpg and 164g/km.

We'll get our first proper look at the new S80 at the Geneva Motor Show next week. Production is scheduled to start in mid-May with cars reaching dealers by July.

John Lambert - 27 Feb 2009