Why my next car could just be a Volvo
My parents drove a Volvo. The fusion of reliable – “start and go,” my father always said contentedly as he turned the key in the ignition of his Volvo after a long journey – safe and stylish, made it an easy choice. My first “real” big car was also a Volvo, and then – that's how things go sometimes – a friendly dealer from another brand came by and suddenly I was driving that.
But now I was on a journey to the holy of holies of Volvo in Gothenburg – where the magic happens – and I must say: I am seriously considering making my next car a Volvo again. I catch myself having told this to several people multiple times:
1. Volvo EX30 has a ‘bike approaching’ warning (Door Opening Alert)
I sometimes swing my door open without really looking carefully. So far, that hasn't led to accidents, but it has caused small heart palpitations – for both parties. So: a system that warns me when a cyclist is approaching? Yes please.
2. Volvo EX90 helps you focus (even when you're touching up your mascara)
Are you just touching up your mascara at the red traffic light, half turned around to keep your kids in the back seat apart, or are you threatening to doze off during a long drive? Then your Volvo EX90 lets you know with a subtle sound: hey, pay attention please. This is called Volvo's Driver Understanding System, which uses two cameras and a special steering technique to see when the driver is distracted or tired. The cameras can tell from your eyes (for example, if you stare too long) that you are blurry or tired and then give you a warning. If the car thinks that something more serious is going on, it can even safely stop and turn on the hazard lights.
3. The anti-whiplash seat is next level
Volvo developed a special seat in 1998 that is designed to reduce the risk of whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. How does that work? The seat has energy-absorbing backrests and specially designed headrests for the front seats. In a collision, the backrests fold back and the seat cushions lower, changing the seating position of the occupants and absorbing some of the forces. This helps to reduce the impact on the neck and prevent injury. These Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) seats are standard in every Volvo. Studies show that WHIPS reduces short-term injuries by 33% and long-term injuries by 54%.
4. Volvo also tests with female and child dummies
Volvo is the only car brand that tests not only with male dummies. I have – in that aforementioned holy of holies – met several dummies, and they came in all shapes and sizes. Taller male bodies, female bodies, children of different ages... They use that knowledge to build the safest car for every body.
5. Volvo takes good care of its employees (and you can feel it)
Not surprisingly, everyone I spoke to has been working for Volvo for one or two decades. Here, work is done with care and attention. Bonus points: even men outside Sweden (who work for Volvo) can take advantage of Swedish parental leave. And women, of course, can take maternity leave. That's Volvo's Family Bond. There seem to be a lot of Volvo couples formed at Volvo, and I can imagine all sorts of things about that.
6. Next year: a seatbelt that adapts to you
It can sometimes happen that you break your collarbone in a collision due to the seatbelt. Necessary protection, but still. Volvo will introduce next year, in the new fully electric EX60, a multi-adaptive seatbelt that adjusts to your height and weight – significantly reducing the chance of so-called collateral damage.
7. Seat heating in the back seat (for the planet and your comfort)
Yes, this is also a thing: seat heating in the back seat. And they don't do it just for luxury, but also because of the ecological footprint. Because: if you feel warm faster thanks to that seat, the air conditioning doesn't have to blow as hard. Less energy consumption = big win.
If I may choose...EX40, bring it on
If I could really choose one: I would like that EX40. A fully electric and versatile SUV, so suitable for all markets. Still affordable too (starting at €42,995 new), and – very importantly – it has a trash can. Something I desperately need in my life. Especially according to my beloved, who always sighs when he gets into my car. But hey, I drive a lot. That car is my home.
