What year this is for Volvo.

Generally one of the quieter auto companies, Volvo has a lot going on this year.

This year, as part of an amazing year of change at Volvo, the XC70 is all-new from stem to stern, based on the all-new S80 that came out a short time ago.

But have no fear. All of the qualities that were part and parcel of the Volvo wagon for years and years are still very much in evidence: "Sink in and enjoy them" leather seats, a certain solid feeling that's hard to describe, and of couerse, safety features out the tailpipe to give you a sense of impenetrable security.

The XC70 does rely somewhat on styling cues of the past -- a square shouldered profile, a Swedish spareness and elegant, timeless, straight-edged styling cues.

The rear glass extends further down than the side windows for improved rearward visibility. "With the help of the intelligent overlapping tailgate, which takes the taillights up with it when it is opened, the space inside the vehicle is larger than before and easy to load," says Steve Mattin, Volvo's design director.

A 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 236 lbs./ft. of torque is standard on the XC70. Mated to the engine is a six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission that enables the driver to shift manually when desired. The XC70 comes standard with all-wheel drive to ensure the best possible road grip in all situations. The new electronic Hill Descent Control (HDC) uses the vehicle's brakes and engine torque to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes.

One of the most interesting features on the car is a new height-adjustable integrated child booster cushion -- a world first -- with an extended inflatable curtain. Volvo officials hope that children will be more inclined to use them because they look more "grown up" when used with car seats.

The extensive list of safety features also includes the next-generation whiplash protection system, dynamic stability and traction control, tire pressure monitoring system and enhanced impact protection for pedestrians and cyclists.

Options available for the first time on the XC70 include adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support to the blind spot information system and personal car communicator with keyless drive, two-way car communication and heartbeat sensor.

Inside you'll find "ortho-posture" supportive seats and ergonomically designed instruments including an elegant, super-slim center stack. The rear seat splits 40/20/40 offering the flexibility of seating for three or two outboard passengers separated by a wide armrest. Backrests can be folded separately to create a larger load compartment with an entirely flat floor.

The other big news for Volvo -- and welcome tidings for enthusiasts everywhere -- is the introduction of the sexy new Volvo C30, which features some of the most unusual and striking styling you'll see on a car anywhere. It has hallmarks of Volvo's old P Series sports coupes and hatchbacks, yet still breaks its own styling grounds from front to rear.

The car is available in two styles, Version 1.0 and Version 2.0, perhaps a nod to those of us who live and die by our computers.

At any rate, this little gem will be available in an almost bewildering number of color and option combinations to make for optimal customization.

It's called the Custom Build ordering process, and for a one-time charge of $300 you can open up to a staggering array of options, accessories, exterior colors and interior combinations. The Custom Build special orders open up 17 exterior colors and 12 interior color combinations, and a dazzling array of optios, wheel covers, etc. All in all, there are more than 30 individual options to choose from.

Both versions of the C30 are powered by a turbocharged T5 5-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate that the new C30 is 8.5 inches shorter and weighs around 320 pounds less than the Volvo S40 sport sedan. But while the C30 may be shorter, there is still plenty of room for four adults and all their stuff.

The Volvo C30 offers a comfortable and flexible interior with a surprisingly airy feel and generous amounts of room for four adults. Like all Volvo seats, the front seats are ergonomically designed and offer outstanding comfort and support. It is easy to move the seat forward and rearward, for convenient access to the rear seat. The tapered design of the B-pillar also contributes to the easy entrance.

The rear features bucket-style seats that are positioned somewhat towards the center of the car to provide an exceptionally good forward view. This also provides space for storage in the side panels. To provide maximum interior flexibility, the rear seat backrests individually split and fold flat. Folding can be easily done when standing behind the car as well as from the passenger compartment.

Right out of the box, audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Volvo C30's standard 160-watt stereo system. And true audiophiles can choose (standard on Version 2.0) a Premium Sound system that closely matches the acclaimed system offered in the new C70, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio. Total output for the Premium Sound System is an astonishing 650 watts. Both systems come standard with an auxiliary audio jack for connecting MP3 players, and an in-dash CD that can playback MP3 and WMA format music files.

Prices start at $22,700 for the Version 1.0 and $25,700 for Version 2.0.