The new Volvo S60 is a versatile family saloon car that helps you make the most of every moment. An advanced chassis, powerful engines and a choice of driving modes put the driver at the centre of an engaging driving experience. Inside, Scandinavian craftsmanship combines with smart technology to create a place where enjoyable time will be spent. Inside and out, the new S60 exhibits the quality and sense of purpose that define the best Scandinavian design. For more than 60 years Volvo have been driven by a vision to create cars that enrich people’s lives. The new Volvo S60 is Volvo’s vision made real.
New Standard of Safety;
The new S60 is one of the safest cars ever made, and is fully loaded with new technology. The S60 introduces a new standard to the mid-size premium saloon segment, with a luxurious interior, increased levels of space, advanced connectivity, plus Volvo Cars’ latest driver support systems, and other safety technology. The City Safety with auto-brake technology uses automatic braking and detection systems to assist the driver in avoiding potential collisions, and is the
only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. In a world first, City Safety now also engages auto-braking to mitigate oncoming collisions.
Specifications and Engines;
There are two trim levels in the new Volvo S60 – R-Design (sporty looks with dynamic driving ability) and Inscription (beautifully crafted, modern Swedish luxury). In Ireland, the new S60 is only available with a choice of three 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines for now – a ‘T4’ with 190bhp, a ‘T5’ with 250bhp, and a twin-engine Hybrid (T8) with 390bhp, while a slick 8-speed automatic gearbox comes as standard across the engine and trim range. Standard specification across both trim levels is hugely impressive, with a multi-function & leather-bound 3-spoke steering wheel, cruise control, keyless start, LED headlights with Active High Beam and daytime-running lights, rear park assist, 17” alloy wheels, tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic climate control, 12.3” Active TFT crystal driver’s information display, leather upholstery, Volvo On-Call, DAB radio, Bluetooth, ‘Sensus’ Navigation with European mapping, traffic information and lifetime annual map updates coming as standard, along with an unrivalled array of safety and security features.
Test Car;
My test car was a new Volvo S60 T5 R-Design automatic, and was finished in stunning Fusion Red metallic paint with Charcoal leather interior for maximum impact. R-Design specification includes a comprehensive list of standard features, amongst which are Contour Sports Seats with Nappa Leather/Textile Upholstery, Black Headlining, Front Seat Cushion Extensions, Leather Sports Steering Wheel with Gearshift Paddles, High Gloss Black Steering Wheel, Remote Infotainment Controls, Sports Leather Gear-knob, Metal Mesh Inlays, Sports Pedals, Front LED Fog-lights with Cornering Function (n/a T8 Twin Engine), R-Design Tread Plates, Dual Integrated Exhaust Pipes with High Gloss Black Surround, High Gloss Black Mesh Front Grille with Silk Metal Surround, High Gloss Black Door Mirrors and Window Surround, Multi-directional Lumbar Support, Auto-dimming Interior Mirror, Multi-Colour Theatre Lighting and Puddle Lights, Ambient Door Lighting, Keyless Drive (Includes Keyless Entry and Keyless Start) with Remote Tag, Dark Tinted Rear Windows, Head-up Display in Windscreen, Headlight Cleaning System, Active Bending Headlights with Adaptive Shadow Technology, and 18″ 5 Double Spoke (Diamond Cut/Matt Black) Alloy Wheels with 235/45 Tyres. The ‘T5’ engine in my test car produces 250bhp and a hefty 350Nm of torque for effortless acceleration. The 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 6.5-seconds, with a top-speed of 220km/h possible (where permitted). Volvo claims fuel consumption as low as 6.6l/100km is possible on a combined driving cycle under strict new WLTP fuel consumption testing procedures.
On The Road;
On the road, the new S60 handles with poise and precision thanks to the cars direct steering and excellent driving dynamics, while the car soaks up uneven road surfaces with ease. The inside of the car is a quiet place to be, with minimal amounts of road and wind noise audible within the cabin, while the smooth four-cylinder petrol engine is one of the quietest around.
Distinctive Volvo Trademark;
The new S60 is a very handsome car, very similar in fact to the bigger S90 in terms of proportion but 180mm shorter and with enough detail differences to avoid any confusion on the road. The now familiar ‘Thor’s Hammer’ front LED lights and wraparound tail-lights are a pure Volvo trademark and are very well integrated into the design of the new S60. Beneath that refined, handsome exterior sits the same Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that underpins all of Volvo’s larger models.
Interior & Boot Space;
As with other recent Volvo models, the interior takes a refreshingly different approach to rivals. The quality of the materials used is exceptionally good, while the design is all about Scandinavian tranquility and serenity. Cabin ergonomics are superb, with many of the car’s functions controlled via the large touchscreen in the centre of the dash. The new S60’s useful 442-litre boot is a fairly standard size for this type of car, and is easily accessible by way of a wide opening.
In-Car Technology;
Technology is a strong point of the new S60. As well as the standard 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen that dominates the centre of the dash, there’s a digital instrument display, all the latest smartphone integration, a raft of impressive safety kit, and Volvo’s useful Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system – updated for the new S60.
Verdict & Pricing;
The new Volvo S60 is the sport sedan that rewrites the driving story. Effortless performance meets intuitive technology, while a sophisticated chassis balances comfort and control. A choice of driving modes puts the driver at the centre of a dynamic experience. The interior is tailored around occupants needs – a place where connected, easy-to-use technology combines with the wellbeing that only human-centric innovation and elegant Scandinavian design can provide. Prices for the new S60 R-Design start at €46,495 (ex-works), with the Inscription model priced from €47,495 (ex-works).
