Volvo S60 2.0T (A) Review
29 Apr 2011|31,718 views
Yes, what you're looking at really is a Volvo. And it's the first one to be launched under the new Chinese ownership in the form of Geely.
But as any new owners of something as big as Volvo would be, the Chinese are naturally jittery about the launch of this new model under their charge. And for good reason.
If you're a little tired of all the Germans that have saturated this particular car segment, Volvo is hoping that this here will tickle your fancy. This explains why they've gone the extra mile to convince you that the Volvo isn't just for history teachers and soccer mums.
Volvo claims that this is the most dynamically superior sedan they've ever launched and are very confident that customers of the German makes will be very tempted to make that switch with this.
But as any new owners of something as big as Volvo would be, the Chinese are naturally jittery about the launch of this new model under their charge. And for good reason.
If you're a little tired of all the Germans that have saturated this particular car segment, Volvo is hoping that this here will tickle your fancy. This explains why they've gone the extra mile to convince you that the Volvo isn't just for history teachers and soccer mums.
Volvo claims that this is the most dynamically superior sedan they've ever launched and are very confident that customers of the German makes will be very tempted to make that switch with this.
 |
Exterior
Penned by Steve Mattin whose previous claim to fame was for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and pre-facelifted SL-Class, it is obvious he started with a clean sheet to better demonstrate the brand's new desire for a more dynamic and engaging automobile.
Despite the sensual curves by Steve, the S60 also received some traditional inputs from their long time design head Peter Horbury.
 |
Likewise with the engineering intention, the design of the new Volvo reflects this change. In the front, the headlights are stretched way back to create the impression that the car is moving radically fast even at a standstill. The characteristic Volvo chamfered shoulder-line has also been made less pronounced.
Unlike the previous S60, the roofline has now been exaggerated to blend seamlessly into the rear decklid to create a fluid aerodynamic shape. Like so many recent sedans, the design generally follows a 'four door coupe' concept.
This is most evident when viewing the car from a rear three-quarter perspective. The abrupt rear deck together with the slightly forward-leaning stance gives the car a poised and dynamic appearance.
In the rear, the new LED taillights create a readily recognisable impression at night. Dominating the bottom half of the rear is the polished grey diffuser that hides nacelles for the twin chrome tipped exhausts. For shoes, the new Volvo gets the 18 inch Sleipner alloys that in my opinion look good enough to forego after market alloys.
Interior
The all-new Volvo gets an all new interior that has moved away from the Gibson-guitar inspired centre console. On the inside, the designers have taken an intimate 'cockpit' approach to the interior with the focal point on the driver (or pilot if you prefer).
Settling into the driver's chair, you immediately appreciate the comfortably supportive and ergonomic seats that have been a hallmark of Volvo sedans in recent years. Wrapped with the soft leather hide heightens the comfort level even more.
Unlike the previous S60, the roofline has now been exaggerated to blend seamlessly into the rear decklid to create a fluid aerodynamic shape. Like so many recent sedans, the design generally follows a 'four door coupe' concept.
This is most evident when viewing the car from a rear three-quarter perspective. The abrupt rear deck together with the slightly forward-leaning stance gives the car a poised and dynamic appearance.
In the rear, the new LED taillights create a readily recognisable impression at night. Dominating the bottom half of the rear is the polished grey diffuser that hides nacelles for the twin chrome tipped exhausts. For shoes, the new Volvo gets the 18 inch Sleipner alloys that in my opinion look good enough to forego after market alloys.
Interior
The all-new Volvo gets an all new interior that has moved away from the Gibson-guitar inspired centre console. On the inside, the designers have taken an intimate 'cockpit' approach to the interior with the focal point on the driver (or pilot if you prefer).
Settling into the driver's chair, you immediately appreciate the comfortably supportive and ergonomic seats that have been a hallmark of Volvo sedans in recent years. Wrapped with the soft leather hide heightens the comfort level even more.
Facing the driver is the grippy and highly adjustable steering wheel and together with the electric seats affords the driver the perfect driving position for some serious lock to lock action. Ahead on the instrument panel are the by now familiar chrono-inspired dials that have been carried over from previous Volvo models. These dials are especially pretty to behold at dusk when they take on a jewel-like quality.
Being a driver oriented cockpit, the centre console is tilted a few degrees towards the driver to allow him a better reach of all the necessary functions. Like the T6 model, the 2.0T's centre console gets a 7 inch display screen that displays the current functions selected.
An interesting aspect of the centre console is the aircon vent that is uniquely ducted through the centre console rather than from the flanks. The new interior also sees an improved user interface system on the 7 inch screen to navigate and alter the car's different systems.
The list of gadgets goes on as the sedan also gets the high performance stereo that bangs out your favourite tunes through an 8-speaker setup. The system provides decent audio performance that will embarrass most factory units. The iPod AUX-in/USB input ensures that the audio system will never be quiet.
Compared to other cars in its class, the Volvo S60 is reasonably spacious for rear passengers with more than adequate legroom. The inclusion of rear passenger aircon ducts also gives greater comfort to the rear occupants.
While there are no figures on the luggage volume, the boot appears spacious enough to swallow two to three golf bags without much difficulty. Further requirements for cargo space can be assuaged with the spilt folding seats.
Being a driver oriented cockpit, the centre console is tilted a few degrees towards the driver to allow him a better reach of all the necessary functions. Like the T6 model, the 2.0T's centre console gets a 7 inch display screen that displays the current functions selected.
An interesting aspect of the centre console is the aircon vent that is uniquely ducted through the centre console rather than from the flanks. The new interior also sees an improved user interface system on the 7 inch screen to navigate and alter the car's different systems.
The list of gadgets goes on as the sedan also gets the high performance stereo that bangs out your favourite tunes through an 8-speaker setup. The system provides decent audio performance that will embarrass most factory units. The iPod AUX-in/USB input ensures that the audio system will never be quiet.
Compared to other cars in its class, the Volvo S60 is reasonably spacious for rear passengers with more than adequate legroom. The inclusion of rear passenger aircon ducts also gives greater comfort to the rear occupants.
While there are no figures on the luggage volume, the boot appears spacious enough to swallow two to three golf bags without much difficulty. Further requirements for cargo space can be assuaged with the spilt folding seats.
 |
In summary, the new S60 interior is comfortable and built to a high quality with all the soft plastics giving a robust tactile touch. Stalks on the steering column feel solid while the leather trim on the doors and seats are soft to the touch but with a high degree of quality.
It seems the Swedes have created a convincing package both inside and outside of the S60 to present a serious challenge for the German makes.
The Drive
Having driven the more powerful T6 variant just a week before, my senses were still fresh from its 440Nm of torque from the 3.0-litre twin-scroll powerplant. Naturally I was expecting the drive in the 2.0-litre version to be a lot more sedate.
Surprisingly in the 2.0-litre variant, the acceleration is still lively and isn't as lethargic as one would expect after stepping out of the T6. The four cylinder unit in the S60 is reminiscent of the unit fitted in the XC60 in that it remains relatively lag free when pushed. The 203bhp and 300Nm of torque start to present themselves at around 1750rpm.
It seems the Swedes have created a convincing package both inside and outside of the S60 to present a serious challenge for the German makes.
The Drive
Having driven the more powerful T6 variant just a week before, my senses were still fresh from its 440Nm of torque from the 3.0-litre twin-scroll powerplant. Naturally I was expecting the drive in the 2.0-litre version to be a lot more sedate.
Surprisingly in the 2.0-litre variant, the acceleration is still lively and isn't as lethargic as one would expect after stepping out of the T6. The four cylinder unit in the S60 is reminiscent of the unit fitted in the XC60 in that it remains relatively lag free when pushed. The 203bhp and 300Nm of torque start to present themselves at around 1750rpm.
Power is harnessed through Volvo's own double clutch system that gives much smoother power delivery than previously achieved with the conventional auto box.
Unlike previously, the power delivery is seamless during gear change as power is constantly applied without interruption as in the older torque converter based transmission. Oddly going against the trend, Volvo continues to omit paddle shifters on their sedans. Stubbornly sticking with the +/- shift on the gear lever instead.
Volvo is adamant that the S60 is the most dynamically gifted car they've ever produced though BMW would beg to differ with their 3-series sedans. Nevertheless, the S60 is an improvement over its predecessor in that steering feel has become livelier rather than the over-servoed feel of the older model.
Sold with the default Comfort chassis over here, the S60 sorts out the bumps well and remains comfortable even on a high speed cruise. Road and wind noise have never been particularly intrusive in past Volvos and especially so in the S60 as the cabin was kept serene despite our high speed cruise on the motorway.
Unlike previously, the power delivery is seamless during gear change as power is constantly applied without interruption as in the older torque converter based transmission. Oddly going against the trend, Volvo continues to omit paddle shifters on their sedans. Stubbornly sticking with the +/- shift on the gear lever instead.
Volvo is adamant that the S60 is the most dynamically gifted car they've ever produced though BMW would beg to differ with their 3-series sedans. Nevertheless, the S60 is an improvement over its predecessor in that steering feel has become livelier rather than the over-servoed feel of the older model.
Sold with the default Comfort chassis over here, the S60 sorts out the bumps well and remains comfortable even on a high speed cruise. Road and wind noise have never been particularly intrusive in past Volvos and especially so in the S60 as the cabin was kept serene despite our high speed cruise on the motorway.
 |
Besides being dynamically gifted, the car is also endowed with some of the most advanced safety systems around. Namely the City Safety system which basically helps you avoid an unwanted bump into a stranger's rear-end (not a great way to meet people). Most useful in bumper to bumper traffic.
The system works by using a small RADAR (RAdio Detecting And Ranging) transmitter in the front to gauge the distance between your bumper to the car in front. If it senses that there an imminent collision, it will apply the brakes automatically.
During our test, we inadvertently set off the City Safety system in bumper to bumper traffic. The good news is that it works but it gives you a nasty shock when the full brakes are applied. Even though there's a row of red lights in front of the driver that varies in brightness to warn of an imminent collision.
The system works by using a small RADAR (RAdio Detecting And Ranging) transmitter in the front to gauge the distance between your bumper to the car in front. If it senses that there an imminent collision, it will apply the brakes automatically.
During our test, we inadvertently set off the City Safety system in bumper to bumper traffic. The good news is that it works but it gives you a nasty shock when the full brakes are applied. Even though there's a row of red lights in front of the driver that varies in brightness to warn of an imminent collision.
Other safety systems include the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Pedestrian Detection that works on similar principles using the RADAR system to detect any imminent danger or keeping a safe distance from the car in front while in cruise mode.
Conclusion
The new S60 especially in the 2.0T guise presents a rather tempting alternative to the German sedans. It might not be the most dynamically superior sedan in this class but it does however sway your rational decision making with its gorgeous curves.
The Volvo sedan has truly come of age and no longer reacts awkwardly when tossed around the bends as if to say "What are you doing? I'm built for safety! Not speed!". While safety still remains a primary concern for the Volvo engineers, they've however built a decent sedan that won't shy away from a couple of fast bends.
Conclusion
The new S60 especially in the 2.0T guise presents a rather tempting alternative to the German sedans. It might not be the most dynamically superior sedan in this class but it does however sway your rational decision making with its gorgeous curves.
The Volvo sedan has truly come of age and no longer reacts awkwardly when tossed around the bends as if to say "What are you doing? I'm built for safety! Not speed!". While safety still remains a primary concern for the Volvo engineers, they've however built a decent sedan that won't shy away from a couple of fast bends.
Yes, what you're looking at really is a Volvo. And it's the first one to be launched under the new Chinese ownership in the form of Geely.
But as any new owners of something as big as Volvo would be, the Chinese are naturally jittery about the launch of this new model under their charge. And for good reason.
If you're a little tired of all the Germans that have saturated this particular car segment, Volvo is hoping that this here will tickle your fancy. This explains why they've gone the extra mile to convince you that the Volvo isn't just for history teachers and soccer mums.
Volvo claims that this is the most dynamically superior sedan they've ever launched and are very confident that customers of the German makes will be very tempted to make that switch with this.
But as any new owners of something as big as Volvo would be, the Chinese are naturally jittery about the launch of this new model under their charge. And for good reason.
If you're a little tired of all the Germans that have saturated this particular car segment, Volvo is hoping that this here will tickle your fancy. This explains why they've gone the extra mile to convince you that the Volvo isn't just for history teachers and soccer mums.
Volvo claims that this is the most dynamically superior sedan they've ever launched and are very confident that customers of the German makes will be very tempted to make that switch with this.
|
Exterior
Penned by Steve Mattin whose previous claim to fame was for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and pre-facelifted SL-Class, it is obvious he started with a clean sheet to better demonstrate the brand's new desire for a more dynamic and engaging automobile.
Despite the sensual curves by Steve, the S60 also received some traditional inputs from their long time design head Peter Horbury.
|
Likewise with the engineering intention, the design of the new Volvo reflects this change. In the front, the headlights are stretched way back to create the impression that the car is moving radically fast even at a standstill. The characteristic Volvo chamfered shoulder-line has also been made less pronounced.
Unlike the previous S60, the roofline has now been exaggerated to blend seamlessly into the rear decklid to create a fluid aerodynamic shape. Like so many recent sedans, the design generally follows a 'four door coupe' concept.
This is most evident when viewing the car from a rear three-quarter perspective. The abrupt rear deck together with the slightly forward-leaning stance gives the car a poised and dynamic appearance.
In the rear, the new LED taillights create a readily recognisable impression at night. Dominating the bottom half of the rear is the polished grey diffuser that hides nacelles for the twin chrome tipped exhausts. For shoes, the new Volvo gets the 18 inch Sleipner alloys that in my opinion look good enough to forego after market alloys.
Interior
The all-new Volvo gets an all new interior that has moved away from the Gibson-guitar inspired centre console. On the inside, the designers have taken an intimate 'cockpit' approach to the interior with the focal point on the driver (or pilot if you prefer).
Settling into the driver's chair, you immediately appreciate the comfortably supportive and ergonomic seats that have been a hallmark of Volvo sedans in recent years. Wrapped with the soft leather hide heightens the comfort level even more.
Unlike the previous S60, the roofline has now been exaggerated to blend seamlessly into the rear decklid to create a fluid aerodynamic shape. Like so many recent sedans, the design generally follows a 'four door coupe' concept.
This is most evident when viewing the car from a rear three-quarter perspective. The abrupt rear deck together with the slightly forward-leaning stance gives the car a poised and dynamic appearance.
In the rear, the new LED taillights create a readily recognisable impression at night. Dominating the bottom half of the rear is the polished grey diffuser that hides nacelles for the twin chrome tipped exhausts. For shoes, the new Volvo gets the 18 inch Sleipner alloys that in my opinion look good enough to forego after market alloys.
Interior
The all-new Volvo gets an all new interior that has moved away from the Gibson-guitar inspired centre console. On the inside, the designers have taken an intimate 'cockpit' approach to the interior with the focal point on the driver (or pilot if you prefer).
Settling into the driver's chair, you immediately appreciate the comfortably supportive and ergonomic seats that have been a hallmark of Volvo sedans in recent years. Wrapped with the soft leather hide heightens the comfort level even more.
Facing the driver is the grippy and highly adjustable steering wheel and together with the electric seats affords the driver the perfect driving position for some serious lock to lock action. Ahead on the instrument panel are the by now familiar chrono-inspired dials that have been carried over from previous Volvo models. These dials are especially pretty to behold at dusk when they take on a jewel-like quality.
Being a driver oriented cockpit, the centre console is tilted a few degrees towards the driver to allow him a better reach of all the necessary functions. Like the T6 model, the 2.0T's centre console gets a 7 inch display screen that displays the current functions selected.
An interesting aspect of the centre console is the aircon vent that is uniquely ducted through the centre console rather than from the flanks. The new interior also sees an improved user interface system on the 7 inch screen to navigate and alter the car's different systems.
The list of gadgets goes on as the sedan also gets the high performance stereo that bangs out your favourite tunes through an 8-speaker setup. The system provides decent audio performance that will embarrass most factory units. The iPod AUX-in/USB input ensures that the audio system will never be quiet.
Compared to other cars in its class, the Volvo S60 is reasonably spacious for rear passengers with more than adequate legroom. The inclusion of rear passenger aircon ducts also gives greater comfort to the rear occupants.
While there are no figures on the luggage volume, the boot appears spacious enough to swallow two to three golf bags without much difficulty. Further requirements for cargo space can be assuaged with the spilt folding seats.
Being a driver oriented cockpit, the centre console is tilted a few degrees towards the driver to allow him a better reach of all the necessary functions. Like the T6 model, the 2.0T's centre console gets a 7 inch display screen that displays the current functions selected.
An interesting aspect of the centre console is the aircon vent that is uniquely ducted through the centre console rather than from the flanks. The new interior also sees an improved user interface system on the 7 inch screen to navigate and alter the car's different systems.
The list of gadgets goes on as the sedan also gets the high performance stereo that bangs out your favourite tunes through an 8-speaker setup. The system provides decent audio performance that will embarrass most factory units. The iPod AUX-in/USB input ensures that the audio system will never be quiet.
Compared to other cars in its class, the Volvo S60 is reasonably spacious for rear passengers with more than adequate legroom. The inclusion of rear passenger aircon ducts also gives greater comfort to the rear occupants.
While there are no figures on the luggage volume, the boot appears spacious enough to swallow two to three golf bags without much difficulty. Further requirements for cargo space can be assuaged with the spilt folding seats.
|
In summary, the new S60 interior is comfortable and built to a high quality with all the soft plastics giving a robust tactile touch. Stalks on the steering column feel solid while the leather trim on the doors and seats are soft to the touch but with a high degree of quality.
It seems the Swedes have created a convincing package both inside and outside of the S60 to present a serious challenge for the German makes.
The Drive
Having driven the more powerful T6 variant just a week before, my senses were still fresh from its 440Nm of torque from the 3.0-litre twin-scroll powerplant. Naturally I was expecting the drive in the 2.0-litre version to be a lot more sedate.
Surprisingly in the 2.0-litre variant, the acceleration is still lively and isn't as lethargic as one would expect after stepping out of the T6. The four cylinder unit in the S60 is reminiscent of the unit fitted in the XC60 in that it remains relatively lag free when pushed. The 203bhp and 300Nm of torque start to present themselves at around 1750rpm.
It seems the Swedes have created a convincing package both inside and outside of the S60 to present a serious challenge for the German makes.
The Drive
Having driven the more powerful T6 variant just a week before, my senses were still fresh from its 440Nm of torque from the 3.0-litre twin-scroll powerplant. Naturally I was expecting the drive in the 2.0-litre version to be a lot more sedate.
Surprisingly in the 2.0-litre variant, the acceleration is still lively and isn't as lethargic as one would expect after stepping out of the T6. The four cylinder unit in the S60 is reminiscent of the unit fitted in the XC60 in that it remains relatively lag free when pushed. The 203bhp and 300Nm of torque start to present themselves at around 1750rpm.
Power is harnessed through Volvo's own double clutch system that gives much smoother power delivery than previously achieved with the conventional auto box.
Unlike previously, the power delivery is seamless during gear change as power is constantly applied without interruption as in the older torque converter based transmission. Oddly going against the trend, Volvo continues to omit paddle shifters on their sedans. Stubbornly sticking with the +/- shift on the gear lever instead.
Volvo is adamant that the S60 is the most dynamically gifted car they've ever produced though BMW would beg to differ with their 3-series sedans. Nevertheless, the S60 is an improvement over its predecessor in that steering feel has become livelier rather than the over-servoed feel of the older model.
Sold with the default Comfort chassis over here, the S60 sorts out the bumps well and remains comfortable even on a high speed cruise. Road and wind noise have never been particularly intrusive in past Volvos and especially so in the S60 as the cabin was kept serene despite our high speed cruise on the motorway.
Unlike previously, the power delivery is seamless during gear change as power is constantly applied without interruption as in the older torque converter based transmission. Oddly going against the trend, Volvo continues to omit paddle shifters on their sedans. Stubbornly sticking with the +/- shift on the gear lever instead.
Volvo is adamant that the S60 is the most dynamically gifted car they've ever produced though BMW would beg to differ with their 3-series sedans. Nevertheless, the S60 is an improvement over its predecessor in that steering feel has become livelier rather than the over-servoed feel of the older model.
Sold with the default Comfort chassis over here, the S60 sorts out the bumps well and remains comfortable even on a high speed cruise. Road and wind noise have never been particularly intrusive in past Volvos and especially so in the S60 as the cabin was kept serene despite our high speed cruise on the motorway.
|
Besides being dynamically gifted, the car is also endowed with some of the most advanced safety systems around. Namely the City Safety system which basically helps you avoid an unwanted bump into a stranger's rear-end (not a great way to meet people). Most useful in bumper to bumper traffic.
The system works by using a small RADAR (RAdio Detecting And Ranging) transmitter in the front to gauge the distance between your bumper to the car in front. If it senses that there an imminent collision, it will apply the brakes automatically.
During our test, we inadvertently set off the City Safety system in bumper to bumper traffic. The good news is that it works but it gives you a nasty shock when the full brakes are applied. Even though there's a row of red lights in front of the driver that varies in brightness to warn of an imminent collision.
The system works by using a small RADAR (RAdio Detecting And Ranging) transmitter in the front to gauge the distance between your bumper to the car in front. If it senses that there an imminent collision, it will apply the brakes automatically.
During our test, we inadvertently set off the City Safety system in bumper to bumper traffic. The good news is that it works but it gives you a nasty shock when the full brakes are applied. Even though there's a row of red lights in front of the driver that varies in brightness to warn of an imminent collision.
Other safety systems include the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Pedestrian Detection that works on similar principles using the RADAR system to detect any imminent danger or keeping a safe distance from the car in front while in cruise mode.
Conclusion
The new S60 especially in the 2.0T guise presents a rather tempting alternative to the German sedans. It might not be the most dynamically superior sedan in this class but it does however sway your rational decision making with its gorgeous curves.
The Volvo sedan has truly come of age and no longer reacts awkwardly when tossed around the bends as if to say "What are you doing? I'm built for safety! Not speed!". While safety still remains a primary concern for the Volvo engineers, they've however built a decent sedan that won't shy away from a couple of fast bends.
Conclusion
The new S60 especially in the 2.0T guise presents a rather tempting alternative to the German sedans. It might not be the most dynamically superior sedan in this class but it does however sway your rational decision making with its gorgeous curves.
The Volvo sedan has truly come of age and no longer reacts awkwardly when tossed around the bends as if to say "What are you doing? I'm built for safety! Not speed!". While safety still remains a primary concern for the Volvo engineers, they've however built a decent sedan that won't shy away from a couple of fast bends.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Also read our comparison article on:
BMW 316i Sport (A) vs Mercedes-Benz C180 1.6 (A) vs Volvo S60 T4 (A)
Car Information
Volvo S60 2.0T
CAT B|Petrol|12km/L
Horsepower
151kW (203 bhp)
Torque
300 Nm
Acceleration
8.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo S60
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