Volvo S60 2.4 D5 DIESEL RANGE
Volvos Latest Common Rail Diesel Engine Has Landed. Andy Enright Runs The Rule Over The 185bhp S60 D5.
Whilst the
Volvo S60 has brought a decent fight to the class-leading
BMW 3 Series, it crashed and burned quite badly when it comes to competing for the growing diesel market. Not only was the BMW cleaning up, but the Swedes were offering nothing in reply. Anxious to rectify this fundamental oversight, Volvo responded, and how, with the S60 D5.
Anxious to do even better, the Swedes have recently upped the ante, boosting this engine from 163 to 185bhp and introducing a 163bhp 2.4D unit for those on more of a budget. Both engines are of course Euro IV-compliant. The original 163bhp D5 was the first ever in-house manufactured Volvo diesel engine.
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Yes, weve seen
Volvo diesels before, but they were relatively low-tech units compared to the resolutely modern D5 unit and were based on designs from other companies such as
Renault. In order to compete in the big league, Volvo needed something special. Being part of Fords Premier Automotive Group would have given them access to some cutting-edge diesel expertise, and although its not known if Volvo went a-knocking on the door of
Ford Dagenhams Centre for Diesel Excellence, they seem to have got their take on the diesel revolution suspiciously right first time.
"The engine takes on an impressive, albeit muted, induction roar like a very powerful petrol unit."
Loosely based on their 2.4-litre all aluminium five-cylinder engine, the D5 has received additional strengthening to cope with the torque loading and stresses of a diesel unit. Talking torque, this latest D5 generates a healthy 400Nm at just 1750rpm, which is comparable with the 260bhp S60 T5 petrol unit and comfortably more than a Mercedes E350. Dont be tempted to think that this amount of lugging power comes at the expense of refinement.
Twist the key and youll get a slight thrum thatll remind you which pump to pull up at but nothing thats going to make you invest in an uprated stereo system to drown out the din. On a par with the better diesels from
Audi and Mercedes, if not quite
BMW standard, engine noise is well controlled even when ascending the rev range, when the engine takes on an impressive, albeit muted, induction roar like a very powerful petrol unit. Giving all 185bhp their head is certainly an impressive exercise, as unlike so many diesel engines, theres a useable amount of flexibility to be had near the top end of the rev band, although a bit of a dip exists at the bottom end. So, a diesel that revs like a decent petrol engine and sounds like one too does it have the performance to match? To be frank, no it doesnt.
Those chaps at Volvo may be clever but they cant manage the impossible, especially when you factor in the S60 D5s 47mpg average economy figure. Still a sprint to 60mph in 8.2 seconds is hardly lethargic and a top speed of 143mph will be enough for all but the most gimlet-eyed autobahn stormers. The S60 D5 is, however, a car for the long run, its 15.
4-gallon fuel tank giving it a cruising range of over 925 miles - a distance that could be covered for less than £65 in petrol! The D5 engine features a number of firsts. Not only is it Volvos first stab at an oil burner, but its also the first to use Boschs second-generation common rail fuel injection system boasting higher injector pressures. This means a more consistent injection cycle, better fuel economy and fewer emissions. Its also the first diesel engine to feature electronically controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation, which reduces harmful nitrous oxide emissions, and is also fitted with a Variable Nozzle Turbine which claims to extract boost pressure even at low revs.
Three variants are available, the S, priced at £22,903, the Sport from £24,753 and the £25,403 SE, all of which feature an equipment list that includes 16" alloy wheels, a CD player, cruise control, wood-effect trim and an upholstery upgrade. The SE weighs in with additional leather, chrome and other extras. There are airbags everywhere: two at the front and two at the side, all of which have been programmed to activate less aggressively. Plus there's an inflatable curtain which covers the side windows and protects the occupant's head in a lateral impact. The key modifications most will notice on the latest S60 include a more streamlined bumper and grille set with clear rear lights being fitted to all models. The old wiper system for the front lights has been replaced by a high pressure jetwash instead and the light lenses themselves are a lightweight plastic that offers better resistance to stone chipping. Volvos second-generation Four-C system is available for the first time as an option on the S60.
This system enables drivers to choose from Comfort and Sport settings with resultant changes to the suspension and steering feel. Given that the S40 and V50 models have raised the bar regarding Volvo interior design, the S60 has had to up its game. A passenger airbag cut-off switch has been fitted in response to customers looking to carry child seats up front and theres another Volvo safety innovation that will doubtless find its way into many other rival cars. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) acts much like an extra set of eyes and utilizes digital camera technology mounted in the door mirrors to monitor the areas 3m to each side and up to 9.
5m behind the driver. If a vehicle enters this area, a symbol appears on the windscreen pillar near the rear view mirror to indicate that somethings there when you take a quick look towards the mirror. Active at speeds above 10km/h, this system isnt the only safety benefit buyers of the latest S60 enjoy. Special water repellent glass is fitted to the mirrors and side windows.
Water beads up on the glass and the airstream quickly clears it, leaving unimpeded visibility. The Volvo S60 has been quietly mopping up significant numbers of executive car floating voters, the sort fed up with the no-brainer predictability of BMW/Audi/Mercedes. By ticking the I do not agree box and opting for the S60 theyve found a car that offers a gentler charm with no little panache. The D5 versions make more sense than any other and give competent performance, fuel economy and refinement.
In sticking the bullseye with its first dart, Volvo jumped straight into the big league and are up against some heavy hitters. Such is the excellence of the all-round product, you wouldnt bet against them
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Volvo S60 2.4-litre D5 diesel range
PRICES: £22,903-£25,403 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 14
CO2 EMISSIONS: 171g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.2s / Max Speed 143mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 34.4 (extra urban) 60.1 (combined) 47.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, side airbags, side impact curtains WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4576/1804/1428mm
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