With its sporty styling and eager performance, the S60 heralded a new chapter for Volvo when it was launched in 2000. Before the turn of the century Volvo was frequently scathed for its styling that closer resembled IKEA's angular flat-packs than sleek automotive curves. But all that changed with the S60, a radical departure the company labelled 'Revolvolution'.
Designed under Volvo's then Executive Design Director, Peter Horbury, the Volvo S60 mixes sporty elegance with luxury and comfort to create a dynamic and visually arresting design. A couple of tweaks in 2005 and 2007 made sure that even eight years down the line the S60 looks remarkably fresh and still turns plenty of heads.
One common thread strings the current S60 powertrains together: all are five-cylinder turbocharged engines. But customers no longer have the pick of the pack. Compared to last year's choice of four petrol powerplants, two diesel engines and a Bi-Fuel option, the current selection of three engines is rather limiting. Both the high-performance S60 R and T5 have fallen by the wayside, with only the stalwart 2.0T, 2.4D and D5 remaining.
All three these engines are very enjoyable to drive, with the 2.0T a strong contender and the 2.4 diesel producing refined performance, However, it's the D5 that has you sporting the widest smile after a day in the driver's seat.
The 2.4D and D5 are both versions of Volvo's refined 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine, and are offered with either a five-speed manual gearbox or the seamlessly smooth six-speed Geartronic. In the D5, this engine churns out a mighty 400Nm of torque (compared to 340Nm in the 2.4D version), the same as the S60 R AWD did, with 183 ponies under the bonnet.
Linked to the Geartronic gearbox, this must be among the smoothest combinations around, with barely audible gearchanges as it speeds on to 62mph in just over eight seconds. The only complaint would be that it sometimes feels a little over zealous to drop a gear, even when not entirely necessary.
Volvo always meant for the S60 to be an engaging sports saloon which delivers driving pleasure with a high level of active safety; and to a large extent the company succeeded. The S60 has a wide stance and sits squarely on the road. When pushing it through the bends it responds with confidence and very little roll. But it just isn't as engaging as a BMW 3 Series.
To an extent, Volvo has fallen victim to its own success. The company has managed to create a car that is so refined, sophisticated and well insulated, that you often feel rather removed from the task of driving. The steering, for example, is precise and you can easily point the S60 exactly where you want it to go, but there is none of the feedback you get from sportier competitors.
One area where the S60 excels, however, is its roomy interior. Despite the sloping roofline, the S60 is surprisingly spacious inside with plenty of head-room for grown-up passengers in the rear. It also sports a cavernous boot. The interior oozes Swedish simplicity, elegant lines and pared-down functionality, and in 2007 the level of standard luxury was upped with the inclusion of satin chrome, sports steering wheel and sports leather seats (which must be among the most comfortable seats in the industry) in SE Sport trim.
The S60 is very much in the final stages of its lifecycle and many potential buyers might well want to hang tight for the new model which is expected towards the end of 2009. But reduced prices for the current version and increased standard specification levels do make for some excellent value deals right now, even if the S60 is starting to show its age against competitors like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.
Sourc: Verdict on Cars
