How well do you think a Volvo S80 would hold up against some of its competition?

We were quite clear about the new S80 T5 being a little out of place with the term 'new' right from the beginning. Typically, you want cars that are fresh off the shelves to take out on a test to find out what's what, and the S80's been around for a bit. But having never driven an S80 before, we thought we give this one a go anyways, and find out how it sets up against some of its competition.

Knowing first that its most likely buyers are of the upscale-young-executives-and-above type, you can sort of imagine the kind of competition the S80 would face already.

Placing the S80 amongst its 'executive' peers has first the very good impression of being a whole lot cheaper to buy. And when you do, you look inside at what you've bought and think, "Did we really pay for all of this?"

You'd even be forgiven for asking why then are some of its competitors priced so high, yet, come roughly with the same amount of toys to meddle with inside? That's when you'd pat yourself on the back for buying an S80.

We're not at all putting this car above some of its competitors, but if a bargain executive car with a whole lot to offer that other cars just don't is what you're after, then you've really need not look further.

FIND OUT WHY WE THOUGHT SO IN THE NEXT PAGES

Volvo S80 T5 Exclusive (2011)

1. Price: RM 295,579
2. Engine: 1,999 cc / 4-cylinders in-line 16-valves (T5)
3. Power: 240 bhp / Torque: 320 Nm
4. Acceleration: 7.7s (0-100 kmh)
5. Top speed: 230 kmh
6. Fuel consumption: 8.3 l/km (Combined cycle)
7. Transmission: 6-speed (A) Powershift
8. Drive type: FWD
9. Kerb weight: 2,130 kg