Starting and driving

Hill Start Assist (HSA)* 12 . All-Wheel Drive - AWD*. Start/Stop*

~3min read

The HSA (Hill Start Assist) system in the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016) makes starting on inclines easier by preventing the vehicle from rolling backward. This section explains how the system works and the conditions for its activation. It also describes the permanent all-wheel drive (AWD), which provides optimal traction. Notes on the Start/Stop function complete the information and promote efficient driving.

Hill Start Assist (HSA)*12

The service brake can be released before driving off or reversing on an incline - the HSA (Hill Start Assist) function ensures that the vehicle does not roll away.

This function means that the brake pedal pressure in the brake system is maintained for several seconds while the foot is moved from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.

The temporary braking effect decreases after a few seconds or when the driver accelerates.

Related information

- Starting the engine

12 Depending on the engine and transmission combination. HSA is not available in all combinations.

All-wheel drive - AWD*

All-wheel drive ensures optimal road grip.

All-wheel drive is always switched on

Der Allradantrieb ist immer eingeschaltet

Vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) are driven by all four wheels at the same time.

The power is distributed automatically to the front and rear wheels. An electronically controlled switching system distributes the power to the pair of wheels that currently has the best traction. This achieves the best possible grip and at the same time prevents the wheels from spinning.

During normal driving, a greater share of the power is transmitted to the front wheels.

All-wheel drive increases driving safety in rain, snow and slippery conditions.

Start/Stop*

Some engine and transmission combinations feature a Start/Stop function, which takes effect, for example, when stationary in a traffic jam or waiting at a traffic light - the engine is temporarily switched off if necessary and restarted to continue driving.

Environmental protection is one of the core values of Volvo Car Corporation and affects all areas. This objective has resulted in several energy-saving functions, including the Start/Stop function. These functions share the common purpose of reducing fuel consumption and thereby reducing engine emissions.

General information on Start/Stop

Der Motor wird ausgeschaltet - es wird leiser und sauberer.
The engine is switched off - it becomes quieter and cleaner.

Thanks to the Start/Stop function, the driver can drive the vehicle in a more environmentally conscious way, as the driver can "stop the engine automatically" whenever they consider it appropriate.

Manual or automatic transmission

Please note that there are differences in the Start/Stop function depending on whether the vehicle has a manual or automatic transmission.

Related information

- Start/Stop* - Function and operation

- Starting the engine

- Start/Stop* - Settings

- Start/Stop* - No automatic engine start

- Start/Stop* - Automatic engine start

- Start/Stop* - No engine stop

- Start/Stop* - Unintentional engine stop, manual transmission

- Start/Stop* - Symbols and messages

- Battery - Start/Stop

The Hill Start Assist (HSA) of the Volvo S80 (2nd generation) makes starting on inclines easier by briefly holding brake pressure while the foot moves from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. The system increases comfort and safety, especially on downhill slopes.

All-wheel drive (AWD) and the Start/Stop function complement the safety package. They ensure optimal traction and reduce emissions in city traffic. Here, Volvo shows how modern technology makes everyday driving easier.

This combination of driver assistance and environmental awareness makes the S80 a well-thought-out companion.

Test yourself

A quick Volvo S80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.