Thomas Bertram Lance, director of the Office of Management and Budget, believed he could have helped Jimmy Carter’s 1977 administration save billions of dollars if the administration had heeded his words when he said, “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it”. Sadly, Lance didn’t stick around long enough to make his point, but he did prove one thing when he coined that term – it has made most of us regret our actions, at one time or another, for ruining something that was “perfectly fine” when we decided to spruce things up a little. In any case, the ancient cliché has no place in the rapidly evolving automotive industry and Swedish carmaker Volvo can attest to it. Since the brand’s inception over half-a-century ago, the Swede automaker has pioneered cutting-edge technologies including its breakthrough in automatic braking.
In July this year, Volvo unveiled completely new designs for four of its star models – S60, V60, XC60 and S80. “This is the most extensive development of existing models in our company’s history. Each of the enhancements is designed around our customers’ needs. We have focused on quality and competiveness. The Volvo S60 and XC60 are our best-selling models in several important markets. We have been listening very carefully to our customers in order to make the improvements, which will ensure that we make these successful cars more attractive,” says Lex Kerssemakers, senior vice president of product strategy and vehicle line management at Volvo Car Group. Matching this dynamic new facelift is an amped-up elegant interior complete with new features and options. A quick survey of the four models will see changes including a sporty and wider front bumper design with prominent grille and single-piece headlights, new striking LED tail lamps, aerodynamic styling kit, new exhaust system and contemporary styling alloy wheels. The changes to the interiors are equally marked, with luxury element from new sculpted high-quality leather sport seats and silk metal accents juxtaposed with modern gadgetry like a new digital instrument cluster and a Sensus Connected Touch infotainment system. Volvo may be renowned for its station wagons worldwide, but the revamp on these models are striking a good note with fans and car enthusiasts alike.