Thursday 27th February 2014

Volvo unveils Concept Estate

Three-door shooting brake previews the next V70. Yes, really

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Once upon a time, Volvo unveiling a 'Concept Estate' would surely be a contender for dullest motor show exhibit by miles. But of course 21st century Volvo is a different prospect entirely, and the Concept Estate for Geneva looks absolutely marvellous.

Boring name, anything but in reality

It's the third of Volvo's recent show concepts, clearly related to the Concept Coupe and Concept XC Coupe. See the grille, T-shaped DRLs and the rear lights. As the XC previewed the new XC90, this car points to a very exciting future for the V70 and XC70.

The influence of the 1800-era models won't have escaped your attention with the Concept Estate, particularly from behind.  The official comment from Volvo is that 'The first four decades of the Volvo history was characterised by classic craftsmanship and high quality materials. We are merging this vital part of our brand DNA with the more recent focus on technology and smart functionality'. Sounds like a promising fusion of ideas, and if the reality is anything like this there's a lot to look forward to...

Volvo says the 1800 inspiration continues inside with a two spoke steering wheel and dials reminiscent of the classic shooting brake. Except the pictures show it with three...

Ooh look, lifestyle

Anyway, the rest of the cabin indicates an entirely new and attractive design direction for Volvo. No longer festooned with buttons as recently, the dash is dominated by a touchscreen display. It interacts with the digital instruments but there are also a few buttons too for the heated windows, volume and the hazard warning lights. This is a Volvo after all, it needs functionality.

The rest of the Concept Estate's cabin includes an array of delightful Scandinavian features. The carpets come from Swedish designer Kasthall, the gear lever is crystal from Orrefors/Kosta. Bridge of Wear has provided the leather. In a long list of brands involved, Volvo has also mentioned the Concept Estate's Pirelli tyres with nothing more on size or spec. Materialistic much?

An XC90 based on the Detroit concept is due later this year. Hopefully that means a production version of the V70 will follow soon after drawing heavily on the Concept Estate. Obviously it will need five doors and some of the show chintz to be stripped back, but here the reality really could follow the concept.

[BigI]

I'm loving that Dash, especially the super large screen, and the overall design. Always had a soft spot for Volvos really.

[jamespink]

Handsome looking car this... Far better resolved/balanced than the Scirocco. The seat runners look like they have overcome the usual weight penalty as well... Don't understand why manufacturers don't develop Apps for ECUs to interface with I-Pads etc, just drop in your pad, download the App for your model and all the functions of the car could be scrolled through (suspension, engine, gearbox etc) plus you have great navigation, music and all your work/personal stuff on the go, all for £300... How much is OE navigation again??

Edited by jamespink on Thursday 27th February 10:06

[sa_20v]

Just get it made Volvo...

[flatso]

Very attractive in deed.

[dukebox9reg]

Back end looks like what a facelifted C30 should have had

[g3org3y]

Now that looks properly good.

[Fetchez la vache]

Bloody hell!
Me likey

Hopefully the thing won't be completely ruined when they remove the concept only frippery (which unfortunately seems to be the norm...)

[j90gta]

A worthy successor to the P1800ES.

[j90gta]

For those of you not old enough to remember what at P1800ES looks like.

[Mark Wibble]

3-door shooting brakes- my kind of car! And love the interior.

Although I have to say they need to sort out the hatch, I've had cars with a lip to lift stuff over but that's ridiculous...

[Raoul Duke]

Volvo appear to be in a bit of a sweet spot at the moment, the new D4 engine is getting very good reviews - 0-60 in 6.9s and sub 100gr co2 for the S60 is very impressive, and these concepts they are releasing look great.
Hopefully they won't water the design down too much for production.

[Escort Si-130]

I actually like this, the front WORKS now, compared to a few of the Volvo's over the past few years that literally looked skinned back.

[Stedman]

A very important era for Volvo at the moment. I personally don't think they'll be around within 15 years.

[r7ehw]

Love It!

Bring it on Volvo.

[stevebear]

Always had a soft spot for ES / C30 and especially liking the well integrated dash on this cept that blobby thing on top. don't care what it's for but ruins the lines.

Is it really car design laws, regs etc that stop pop up headlights making a come back? Guessing stops pedestrian decapitation but must be a solution?

[thehype]

And the hover-seats should make for a smooth ride.

[swisstoni]

Who would have thought we would have to turn to Volvo for elegant, clean lines in modern cars but here we are. They are producing some excellent concepts - need to get them on the street.

[PaulD86]

Please make it Volvo! And don't tone it down. Best looking mainstream car I've seen in a long time.

[theJT]

I really wish car manufacturers would get over this current fetish for putting touch screens on everything. They are utterly inappropriate for use in cars!

So, I'm driving along, and I want to change the radio station. I currently reach over toward my stereo, run my finger along the top of the head unit counting buttons and press the one I want to get that station. Eyes stay on the road. Want to adjust the A/C? again, reach over to the centre console, find the appropriate button, press it. Still looking where I'm going. No chance of accidentally turning off the satnav or turning on the heated seats instead.

With all these stupid "Integrated touch screens" you have to look over at the screen whilst driving, because it's a totally flat surface with no tactile feedback, and if you run your finger over it, you'll press god knows what.

This is not better! You want a good solid push-to-activate threshold in a device that you're going to use whilst in charge of several thousand lbs of speeding metal. The last thing you want in that situation is to be taking your eyes off the road so you can fuss about with a bloody touch screen.

[blackchrome917]

Let's see a Polestar version!

Although I agree with other comments I am not sure we'll see Volvo around in 10-15 years. They've lost their niche as car for the middle class to Skoda. They tried and failed to chase sales from BMW and Audi.

I always liked their different styling but don't think that's enough to keep them going.

Good luck to them!