The Volvo S60 does not conform to the traditional view of Volvo's - yes, it's safety features were high on the list of priorities when designed, but unlike Volvo's of the past, the S60 is also good looking, stylish, and handles extremely well. The 2.4TD (diesel) engine is smooth, very quiet and never feels underpowered. The official performance figures are 0-60 mph in 9.5 secs and a top speed of 130 mph. But where the S60 diesel really stands out is the fuel economy it achieves at the same time as such good performance - an average of 43.5 mpg.
We chose the automatic gearbox, which may vary these figures slightly. This is an excellent option, although like most Volvo options it is not particularly cheap. The automatic gearbox is very smooth and you hardly notice the gear changes, making for a very relaxing drive, but if you do fancy a slightly more sporty drive, you can make use of the 'geartronic' feature. This basically means, by slipping the gear lever to the left, you can change gear manually - push it forwards and it changes up a gear, or towards you to change down. This is a good feature if you like to have a bit more control over gear changes, and it allows you hold on to lower gears for brisk overtaking etc.
The handling is generally very good, although at slower speeds it gives you little feed back and as does not feel as sharp and precise as my Focus, but for motorway cruising or putting it through sweeping bends at high speeds, it feels excellent. The steering does suffer from an unnecessarily large turning circle, making manoeuvering in tight spaces a complicated business! My Dad has one other slight dislike of the car - he thinks the wing mirrors are too small and not that easy to see out of, but this doesn't bother me too much when the rest of the car is so good!
Whilst it doesn't shout about it's quality in the same way as a Mercedes or Audi, there is a distinct feeling of solidity and durability, with a sufficient element of style. We chose the SE model, which compared to a BMW 3 series, is very good value for money and well equiped. The specification includes 17" alloy wheels, leather seats, CD changer, air conditioning and all the other usual refinements you would expect to find in a quality car.
Overall there is nothing to fault about this car - it's quick, economical, smooth, and well built and designed. It's not an exciting car but it' won't let you down in any other respect.
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Saloon - Front (FWD) - 5 Speed - (Man) / 5 Speed - (Auto) - 1984 cc - Max Speed: 140 mph - 180 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: SE Sport, Sport, SE Lux, SE, S
Estate - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed - (Man) / 6 Speed Geartronic - (Auto) - 2401 cc - Max Speed: 140 mph - 185 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: R-DESIGN, R-DESIGN Premium, SE, SE Lux, SE Lux Premium, SE Premium, S, Sport
Saloon - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed - (Man) / 6 Speed Geartronic - (Auto) - 2401 cc - Max Speed: 143 mph - 185 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: S, SE, SE Lux, SE Sport, Sport
Dec 31st, 2003
(Feb 22nd, 2004)
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