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The simple answer is to buy a Volvo made for the Canadian market! All Canadian Volvo cars, since the mid '80s have what's called the "climate package" or as I recall the "cold weather option" as standard equipment. This not only included the heated seats, but the front headlight wipers/washers (although these only became standard eqipment in '98 with the 70 series). This is an optional package on new American market Volvos and also consists of a "rain sensor" all for $625, likely when you include these on a new Volvo. I doubt if there is a Volvo upgrade or anything aftermarket that would come close to what I have. Even my 1975 164-E had heated velour seats! Sorry ;-)
Coincidentally, the "driving" section of today's newspaper had a winter test of the AWD V50 and the XC70 done recently in Quebec City. Having just read this less than an hour ago, I did recall their paragraph on the heated seats.
"As you'd expect from a company headquartered in Göteborg, Volvo's winter preparations go beyond AWD. Its seat heaters, introduced as simple wire grids in 1974, have evolved into a web of sensors and composite material to warm both bottom and lower back to a few degrees above ambient cabin temperature. Unlike ruder systems that can become squirmingly hot, these can stay on for a continued pleasant feeling.
As well, you don't need the optional leather upholstery to get the heaters: in the S40 and V50, Volvo installs them under new, neoprene-like T-Tec upholstery it says is durable and easy to clean -- another selling point for active lifestylers. A split, T-Tec and leather covering is standard on T5 models of the S60 and V70."
The complete article can be found at:
http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/news/driving/story.html?id=92720840-4b57-486b-90e7-dc100c28ad38
It sometimes pays to live this far north!
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM
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