The Volvo S60 arrived in our fleet a little more than twelve months ago, in April 2011, just before the start of the summer vacation season. Right out of the gate, the Volvo went on road trips to Tennessee, Chicago, and northern Michigan and racked up more than 3000 miles on the odometer. Over those largely highway miles, the S60 showed itself to be a comfortable long-distance cruiser with an impressive powertrain, capable handling, and a high level of refinement.

It's not easy to make a good batch of chili, but making a great batch is more difficult than simply following a recipe. We know this because Volvo literally pitted a bunch of journalists against one another in a chili cook-off while we were in Scottsdale, Arizona, to drive four of its models equipped with the new performance-enhancing Polestar Package. Just as with chili, taking a car from good to great isn't always easy. Volvo has already been doing an admirable job with its lineup of beautifully designed and fun-to-drive cars like the S60 sedan, the XC60 crossover, the XC70 wagon, and the C30 hatchback. What the Swedish brand has been lacking with its most recent product renaissance is a little spice.

The Volvo S60 has now been in our Four Seasons fleet for a little more than ten months, during which time it has covered more than 26,000 miles. It has gone as far south as Tennessee, made several trips throughout the Midwest (including Chicago, southern Indiana, and St. Louis), three trips to the East Coast, including back-to-back jaunts to Boston over the Christmas holiday, plus numerous trips throughout our home state of Michigan. It's safe to say that it's among the most popular vehicles in our fleet for long-distance cruising.

Thanks to a few unscrupulous sources, you've already seen the all-new Volvo V40 hatchback in its entirety, but Volvo officially released complete details and photography this morning, still well in advance of the V40's official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Volvo's eighty-five-year visual history is rather odd, never quite free of the perpetual "it looks like a..." problem. The earliest Volvos looked like boxes, along with most other cars of the 1920s. The Carioca, introduced in 1935, looked like a Chrysler Airflow; the Philip prototype of 1953 strongly resembled the Darrin-designed '51 Kaiser; and the '50s 122 Amazon was so similar to an Aero Willys that some U.S. car magazines suggested actual American tooling was involved. It wasn't.

Eleven months into the Volvo S60's one-year stay in Ann Arbor, the Automobile Magazine staff seem to be in agreement on the virtues of the Swedish sedan.

At the 2012 Detroit auto show, Volvo will unveil a concept version of the XC60 plug-in hybrid. The electrified crossover was conceived specifically for the American and Chinese markets, and will go on sale in a few years' time.

The C30 made a splash when it debuted in 2008 because it brought style and sophistication to a segment that was largely lacking in those attributes. It now faces increasing competition from other compact luxury cars, but the C30 still has the upper hand when it comes to looks with its unique glass liftgate, long side glass, and chopped tail. Even though it is 8.4 inches shorter, the C30 is built on the same platform and shares a wheelbase with the S40 sedan (no longer available in the United States), so it feels quite roomy inside. The rear buckets--there is only seating for four--are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate two adults. Despite the C30's diminutive overall footprint, there is a reasonable amount of cargo space thanks to the hatchback body style. The C30's interior is a fine example of Scandinavian design. Its center stack is clean and symmetrical, although too many buttons of the same size are grouped together. It looks good but is not very intuitive. The 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder is reasonably engaging, but the overall driving experience leans more to the side of luxury than do some of the C30's more enthusiast-oriented competition, such as the Volkswagen GTI and the Mini Cooper. On the plus side, the C30 is the only car in its class to offer a blind-spot monitoring system, which shouldn't be a surprise since safety has long been a hallmark of the Swedish automaker.

The Volvo C70 was one of the first convertibles with a folding hard top when it hit the market in 2006. The C70 hasn't seen many innovations since then, but its clean lines and minimalist interior ensure that it will continue to age gracefully. Mechanically, the C70 uses the same 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder found in the C30 hatchback, and it is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission (sadly, the six-speed manual was dropped last year). Since the C70 is really more a cruiser than a hard charger, we recommend the standard seventeen-inch wheels over the optional eighteens and their more aggressive 40-series tires, which diminish ride comfort while doing little to increase handling prowess. That said, the C70 is a convertible that can be used year-round. The hard top cuts trunk space drastically when it's lowered, but when it's in place it offers the advantages of better sound and weather insulation along with greater security. Although it doesn't have Volvo's latest advancement in safety--the City Safety auto-braking system--the C70 still comes standard with a raft of features that help uphold Volvo's reputation for building some of the safest cars on the road.

Last year, Volvo surprised and delighted us with an all-new S60, which challenges the class leaders on refinement and handling. For 2012 the model line has been fleshed out with a new base model and a performance version to bracket the T6. The base front-wheel-drive T5 shares the turbocharged five-cylinder found in the C70 and the C30, but here it has been tweaked to make 250 hp. The all-wheel-drive T6 introduced last year is powered by Volvo's well-regarded 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder making 300 hp. Topping the S60 range is the T6 R-Design, which shares the all-wheel-drive layout and six-cylinder engine of the T6 but has tweaks to the engine and the suspension that raise power to 325 hp and give the S60 a sportier mien. All three models come with a six-speed automatic as the only transmission. Regardless of which S60 you choose, you will find a superbly executed interior with an aesthetically pleasing center console, a wealth of premium soft-touch materials, and artfully designed trim. The exterior is equally fetching, as the S60 carries on the modern Volvo design aesthetic that was first seen in the original S80 and has proliferated throughout the lineup. With the S60, Volvo has managed to carve out a distinct product in an impossibly crowded field, and it holds its own, in both value and performance, with the best cars in the segment.

With the S80, Volvo has fully embraced modern Swedish minimalism. No longer a box on wheels like Volvos of yore, the S80's exterior design is clean and inoffensive, so much so that it doesn't make much of a statement on the road or at the valet stand. The cabin is zenlike in its silence and simple design, although the controls could be more intuitive. As with all Volvos, the seats are incredibly comfortable and supportive--if you have a bad back this might be the car for you. Volvo's largest sedan no longer offers a V-8 engine, but there are two in-line six-cylinders on hand. The front-wheel-drive 3.2 models come with a capable 3.2-liter engine that produces 240 hp. The all-wheel-drive T6s are powered by the same smooth turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six found in the S60 T6. In either iteration, the S80 emphasizes comfort over sport, but a firmer chassis option is available on the T6. As is to be expected from Volvo, high-tech safety features are numerous. Volvo's City Safety system is now standard, and pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitoring systems are optional. Both City Safety and the pedestrian-detection system automatically apply the brakes in an attempt to avoid a collision. The Volvo S80 checks all the buttons a flagship sedan should, with comfort, spaciousness, capability, and safety combined in one stylish package.

Last year, the 3.2 base model was added to the XC60 lineup, which mostly carries over for 2012. One notable change is to the R-Design package (firmer suspension, retuned steering, and appearance tweaks), which used to be available as a 3.2 and a T6 but is now only available as the T6. The R-Design also benefits from the same upgrades to the engine as the S60 R-Design, which means an additional 25 hp and 29 lb-ft from the 3.0-liter turbo six. That additional power makes this small crossover quite a rocket, as the 300-hp in the T6 AWD already was more than enough to make the XC60 move quickly off the line and down the road. Thanks to torque-vectoring four-wheel drive on the various T6 models, the XC60 performs more like a sport sedan than a tall crossover. The interior is very comfortable, with some of the best seats on the market and good outward visibility despite the angled rear hatch and sweeping beltline. The XC60's exterior is stylish without being austere, with attractive LED lighting accenting the front and rear ends. Volvo's City Safety low-speed collision-mitigation system made its debut on the XC60 and is standard here; blind-spot monitoring, a pedestrian-detection system, and adaptive cruise control with distance alert are all optional. The XC60 presents a comprehensive package that matches or betters its competition on style, equipment, luxury, and price.

Volvo has long been known for two things: extremely safe cars and ultrareliable wagons. Sadly, with the recent departures of the V50 and V70, Volvo appears to be relegating its wagons (at least in the U.S. market) to the dustbin of history. The XC70 is the last Volvo that resembles a wagon, but Volvo qualifies it as a crossover that slots between the XC60 and the XC90. The XC70's wagon roots shine through the crossover moniker, however, with its long, low body and the availability of a front-wheel-drive model powered by the base 3.2-liter in-line six. The same turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that makes an appearance elsewhere in Volvo's lineup (S60, S80, XC60) is mated to a four-wheel-drive system. The XC70's updated interior includes a larger screen for the infotainment system--a big upgrade from the previous retracting screen--as well as a revised center console similar to the one in the S60 sedan. Volvo's City Safety system automatically applies the brakes if it senses a collision and is standard equipment. A slew of other active and passive safety features are included, and blind-spot monitoring is optional. The XC70 is a family-friendly vehicle with available rear-seat DVD screens and integrated booster seats that can be raised to two different heights for children of all sizes.

Volvo's largest crossover has seen few changes in the past several years and looks due for a major update. The quick and smooth 4.4-liter V-8 that was an option for the 2011 XC90 is gone, leaving only a 3.2-liter straight six paired with a six-speed automatic. Either front- or all-wheel drive can be specified. Although not as spacious as some large SUVs, the XC90 comes standard with seating for seven--including a second-row booster seat--and plenty of space for cargo. The 3.2 R-Design gets a sport-tuned suspension, speed-sensitive steering, and twenty-inch aluminum wheels, but there's no sign of the 3.0-liter turbo six found in the R-Design S60 and XC60. Although the XC90 is a relative bargain when compared with most of its competition, it suffers from outdated technology and poor fuel economy. The six-cylinder is rated at 16 mpg around town and 23 mpg on the highway--not really much worse than some of its competitors--but it doesn't offer a diesel or hybrid option for buyers who put a high priority on fuel efficiency. Volvo has piled on the safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and roll stability control, but due to the XC90's age, it misses out on Volvo's newest safety innovations, including City Safety. A new XC90 can't come soon enough.

Eight months into its Four Seasons test, the Volvo S60 is ready to tackle winter head-on. To help it in this task, we've outfitted it with a set of eighteen-inch Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D snow tires, which replace the orginal-equipment Continental ContiProContacts. In combination with the T6's all-wheel drive, we expect that the Dunlops will provide excellent traction in the slippery white stuff. In addition, a set of WeatherTech floor mats have been installed to save the carpet from the ravages of the slush and salt that cover our roads every time the snow flies. Now we just have to wait for that to happen, as we've only been blessed with the lightest of snowfalls so far.

Volvo is adding some more panache to its graceful C70 convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show this year. In true L.A.-style, the Swedish carmaker is introducing the C70 Inscription that liberally applies luxury touches and a dash more power to the premium droptop.

The Volvo S60 has now spent half a year with Automobile Magazine and has settled comfortably into its role in the Four Seasons fleet. Neither a sports car nor a utility vehicle, the S60 is the car of choice when a comfortable all-around cruiser that seats four and can provide some entertainment is what's needed.

Volvo's Frankfurt concept is called the You because the Swedish company says it's taking a human-centric approach: it's "heart is in Sweden but eyes and ears are all over the world," said German-born Volvo boss Stefan Jacoby. Right after he praised the company's Chinese owners. And after he took the microphone back from British design boss Peter Horbury.

We've managed to tack another 3000 miles on the odometer of the Volvo S60 in the month since we last published an update, putting it on pace to accumulate an impressive 35,000 miles or more for the year. All those miles are a testament to the S60's impressive powertrain, excellent handling, and overall refinement. So much for the stodgy Volvos of yesteryear.

Volvo could have stood pat with the S60 and no one would have blinked an eye. A year ago, the Swedish company introduced the long-awaited redesign of its mid-level sedan, which exhibited such impressive handling characteristics and refined styling that we named it to our 2011 All-Stars roster. The success of the S60 has been the primary factor driving increased sales for Volvo, which are up 28 percent over a year ago.

We're another month into our yearlong test of the 2012 Volvo S60 and, while there are still a few gripes from staff members about the operation of the various electronic interfaces, there has been almost nothing but universal praise for the Volvo's dynamic performance and build quality. In fact, we like the vehicle so much that it's been difficult to get much seat time in it.

In the two months since the Volvo S60 arrived in our Four Seasons fleet, it's been on the road almost constantly. Trips to Tennessee, Chicago, and various locales in Michigan have pushed the S60's odometer well past the 3000-mile mark. Much of the Volvo's time has been spent on interstates, where it shows itself to its best advantage. "It's a fabulous freeway machine with excellent seats, a surefooted chassis, and a wonderful interior," reported deputy editor Joe DeMatio after a trip to West Branch, Michigan, for Mother's Day weekend.

Volvo might not be the first brand that comes to mind when discussing sporty coupes -- actually, for most people, it would never come to mind -- but in the Swedish carmaker's long parade of boxy cars, there was one standout exception. The Volvo 1800 was as appealing as any of the European coupes of its era, a low-slung two-plus-two that, for more than a decade, stood in contrast to the brand's utilitarian mainstream offerings.

At board meetings, on test tracks, and in design studios, decisions are being made today that will influence what you drive tomorrow. Automakers are hard at work creating the next generation of automobiles -- cars that are faster, sexier, more efficient -- while trying to keep their development secret. Like you, we are nosy as hell. Unlike you, we have a vast network of snoops, gossips, and disgruntled former employees who have helped us uncover the information we present here. Our annual Sneak Preview feature contains the industry's future products -- as far out as 2019 -- that are worth saving your milk money for.

The 2012 Volvo S60 was one of the biggest surprises during Automobile Magazine's annual All-Stars testing last fall. Long overshadowed and outclassed in the mid-size luxury sedan category by the likes of the BMW 5-series, the Audi A6, and the Mercedes E-class, the S60 staked a claim for itself as a "sensible" alternative to its European competitors -- it was less expensive, less accomplished, and, quite frankly, less desirable. But the long-awaited second-generation S60 changed our perceptions so completely with its refinement and handling capabilities that we not only named it a 2011 All-Star, we decided to subject it to the ultimate shakedown, a Four Seasons test.