The S60 was introduced in 2000 and it started the softening process of the notoriously boxy styled Volvos of old days. In England it's often seen on duty as a police car and the myth wants us to believe that those T5 police spec vehicles are tuned to pursue the wildest boyracer in the UK. The truth is different, the S60 T5 provided to the police have revised brakes, suspensions, electrical wiring and sound proofing but is not quicker than any S60 T5 sold to the public other than the 155mph speed limiter being removed on some examples. The second generation S60 has been out since 2010 and this week we drove the eco-friendly S60 D2 SE Lux in metallic black sapphire.
EXTERIOR: As we already mentioned, the S60 abounds with sweeping lines. We particularly like the back with boomerang shaped lights and V O L V O spelt loud and clear across the top lip of the boot lid. The profile is really smooth with a smart window shape, modern looking alloy wheels, all aimed to capture younger demographics. The front end is our least favourite part and this top spec SE Lux should have front fog lights as standard. Instead, the tired looking badge still screams mid class arrogance despite the fact that the average S60 buyer has an higher household income of a BMW 3-series customer.
INTERIOR: Volvo is a pioneer of comfy seats and this S60 is no exception. We still find a few glitches like the unnecessary need for an individual lock switch in every door and the penny pincing idea of having the electric seat adjustment only for the driver. The centre console has too many similar buttons and the silver instruments are not as clear as the ones found in an Audi A4. The Bluetooth connected quickly and worked perfectly, digitally streaming music from our smartphone. We would have preferred a switch for the electronic parking brake by the gearstick and an heavier key fob that doesn't look like a fake toy.
DRIVING: When it was launched in 2000, the S60 T5 broke 18 British land speed records. This D2 1.6ltr automatic won't be setting your heart racing. The gearbox is rather lethargic and the car is sluggish. The 0-60mph sprint is completed in a big 12.3 seconds yawn. The gearbox struggles in kickdown, holds a low gear for too long and sounds coarse spoiling the limo comfort provided by a total absence of wind noise. A huge oversight is also represented by the manual steptronic override on the gearstick which you need to push forward to change up and pull backwards to change down, opposed to the laws of physic which will push your body forward on deceleration and backwards in acceleration.
PRICES: The S60 D2 SE Lux costs £28,195 although dealers are keen to give you around three thousand pound off the list price due to the heavy depreciation that will affect this car. We found an identical 2011 model with manual gearbox and 4,000 miles for around £15,000 which represents a huge initial loss of value.
VERDICT: You must really like the looks of this stylish Swedish saloon or perhaps the safety features such as the City Safety device which brakes the car automatically if it finds you distracted and you are about to run a pedestrian over. However we would quite happily spend our money on an Audi A4 TDI and drive with both eyes open. MG
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