Volvo S60 RANGE
Volvos S60 Keeps On Inching Its Way Towards The Top Of The Compact Executive Class. By Andy Enright
The frustrating thing about engineering a model which genuinely pushes the standard forward is that theres frequently a significant gap between producing a decent product and getting the credit that product deserves. Its especially difficult when the product in question attempts to break up a cosy club as is the case with the
Volvo S60. The Swedes knew theyd have a tough task on their hands gatecrashing the German party in the
BMW 3 Series-dominated Compact Executive sector. Still, theyve done everything possible to equip the S60 for just this mission, including the development of a compelling package of recent updates.
The most significant of these centre upon diesel power. The 163bhp D5 model now gets an increased output some 185bhp. Meanwhile, for those for whom 163bhp was quite sufficient thankyou, a 2.4D variant has been introduced which, like the new D5 unit, is Euro IV emissions-compatible.
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In recent times, there has also been a discreet package of visual improvements introduced. Not that theyre all particularly easy to spot. The key modifications most will notice 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 The old wiper system for the front lights has been replaced by a high pressure jetwash instead and the light lenses themselves are a lightweight plastic that offers better resistance to stone chipping.
Volvo have also taken strides to increase the level of visual differences between S, SE and Sport trim levels. Sport and SE versions feature body coloured side mouldings, bumpers and spoilers while the SE versions additionally feature chrome strips on the bumpers. Volvos second-generation Four-C handling system is available as an option on the S60. This set-up enables drivers to choose from Comfort and Sport settings with resultant changes to the suspension and steering feel.
The fire-breathing T5 version of the S60 has also in recent times been given a performance boost with a change from the old 2.3-litre engine up to 2.4-litres. An extra 10bhp has therefore been liberated, upping the peak power to a not inconsequential 260bhp and peak torque also rises to 350Nm (up from 330).
Naturally this has an effect on the performance figures, the S60 T5 managing the sprint to 60mph 0.3 seconds quicker than before at 6.3 seconds and Volvo being Volvo, the brakes have also been beefed up to cope with this additional urge. The 300bhp T5-R model carries on as before.
"The S60 has developed into a very credible contender"
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 S60s cabin has also been spruced up with a revised aluminium trim and the deletion of the rather unconvincing wood effect trim in favour of genuine Californian walnut. The audio systems have been upgraded and the centre of the dashboard and the centre console both offer superior build quality and features with an armrest that doubles as a tray and cupholder. IKEA fetishists will probably like the sound of the S60 Sports revised
seat trim, Vestborg, finished in leather and silverweft. Height adjustment goes up by 12mm, the head restraints are slimmer and the adjustment controls are easier to fathom and smoother to operate.
Theres even the option of Sovereign Hide soft feel leather on all S60 models. A revised Spaceball gear lever is also offered. Prices remain much the same as before. The S60 still undercuts most of its rivals.
Take the entry-level 2.0-litre turbo model, with 180bhp and a price of £19,995. Faster and generally better equipped than rival German marques: cars like the 163bhp Mercedes C200K or the 170bhp
BMW 320i. In fact, you could probably afford to step up to the £22,433 S60 2.5T S and still save money. Here, theres 210bhp on tap, enabling the rest to sixty sprint to be dispatched in just 7s on the way to 146mph: thats a useful improvement on the already rapid 2.0-litre version (8.8s and 140mph). Occupying the middle of the range are the Sport derivatives.
Available with both the 2.0 and the 2.5 engines but priced from £21,845, these models can be found displaying lowered suspension, 17" alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. Next up is the 250bhp T5, priced at £26,368 in Sport trim. To rival this cars performance, youll need either a BMW 330i or a Mercedes C350: either way, expect to spend between £4,000-£6,000 more. And just to drive home this advantage, a 300bhp S60R is also available, capable of sprinting to 60mph in a mere 5.5 seconds. If youd like to cut your fuel bills, you can even opt for an LPG or CNG powered Bi-Fuel model thats dramatically more cost effective and is even greener to boot.
The 185bhp S60 D5 diesel version acquits itself superbly, especially as its Volvos first in-house stab at a diesel engine. Capable of hitting 60mph in 9.2 seconds on the way to 130mph, it will still return an average of 47mpg. The price for this privilege? From £22,903 for the S trim, or from £22,043 if youd bew happy with the 163bhp 2.
4D version. After the acclaim afforded the S40 model, the S60 was in grave danger of becoming Volvos forgotten model, a fate its far too good to suffer. The latest round of changes keep this car in the public eye and will give BMW,
Audi and Mercedes something to think about. Although it still faces an uphill task, its certainly worth consideration if youre looking for a well rounded compact executive car.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Volvo S60 range
PRICES: £19,995-£34,568 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-20
CO2 EMISSIONS: 158-256g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0] 0-60mph 8.8s / Max Speed 140mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0] (combined) 30.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver and passenger front and side airbags, inflatable curtain, ABS, STC
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height) 4576/1804/1428mm
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