Once known for its obsession with safety, Volvo has become more anonymous in the modern luxury market. Nonetheless, Volvo offers a solid lineup of vehicles that range from the compact C30 hatchback to the XC90 SUV. Volvo's C70 has a remarkable folding hardtop that adds safety and security to the traditional convertible formula.

Volvo's sole new product for 2009 is the XC60 compact SUV. With unmistakable Volvo styling, the XC60 will slot below the larger XC70 and XC90 vehicles in the Volvo lineup. A 281-bhp turbocharged six-cylinder engine will power U.S.-bound XC60 models; all-wheel-drive is standard.

A new R-Design trim level has been added to the C30, S40, V50, and XC90.

• What's new for Volvo
• Volvo for 2009
• Read more on Volvo
• Official Site
• Parent Site

Performance

For many, the way a car performs is a key criterion for which car to purchase. Our Velocity Index helps determine which vehicles are the best all-around performers taking in to consideration a balance of factors such as acceleration and handling.

For more information, view our new car performance guide.

What would we drive?

Based on our Velocity Index analysis, the 2009 Volvo C30 seems to provide a good trade-off between price and vehicle performance.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy has long been a key decision factor when buying a new vehicle. While the EPA estimates may accurately predict your mileage with a given vehicle, they are useful for broad comparisons of vehicles. Note that many trucks and large SUVS are too heavy to be required to specify their fuel economy.

For more information, view our new car fuel economy guide.

What's popular

Here are the five cars that draw the most attention from our readers.

• 2009 Volvo V50
• 2009 Volvo S40
• 2009 Volvo XC90
• 2009 Volvo C30
• 2009 Volvo C70