Volvo to Upgrade All-Wheel Drive System Across 2006 Model Lineup

Improved AWD Close to Completely Eliminating Wheel Spin in Slippery Conditions

Are you aware that Volvo offers an all-wheel drive system for every car that it makes? The popular Swedish automaker once

Volvo offers an all-wheel drive system for every car that it makes. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

produced only rear-wheel drive models, switching over to front-wheel drive with the 850 series and then to all-wheel drive when the 850, which had become the V70 in wagon form, offered a special high-performance variant dubbed the V70R.

Much has changed with Volvo since this stylish yet boxy European super-wagon entered the scene. Now its V70 is even more stylish, and can be had in five variations - 300-horsepower R model included. The R still comes standard with all-wheel drive, but more importantly for those who value practicality more than performance, so can the 2.5T at about $15,000 less.

Other models to feature all wheel drive include the new and much

Nearly two-thirds of all Volvo vehicles sold in Canada last year were equipped with all-wheel drive technology. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

improved entry-level S40 sedan and V50 wagon, the midsize S60 and full-size S80 sedans, and of course the XC70 Cross Country crossover wagon and XC90 sport utility.

"The 2005 model year demonstrated to us that Canadians appreciated the all-weather benefits of all-wheel-drive," commented Paul Cummings, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd. "Nearly two-thirds of all Volvo vehicles sold were equipped with the technology and demand never seemed to waver. With this next-generation all-wheel-drive system for 2006, we believe the drivetrain will become even more appealing to Canadians."