The new Volvo S60 marketing machine headlines a Pedestrian Detection system and, if you move quickly, you can pre-order the new model with a free body kit. This may be a fine car, but will these promotions create a positive expectation or, perhaps, suggest some nervousness whether the car can sell on its fundamental merits? The S60 has presence - it sits quite aggressively on the road and small styling cues like the quasivents to either side of the traditional Volvo grille help it stand out from the crowd. The deep rear screen lightens the otherwise heavy rear end. At 4,628mm long, the S60 sits midway between the shorter 3 Series and the A4. Despite being over 50mm taller than these two competitors, as ever with the current trend towards a coupe line with four doors, rear entry headroom is somewhat restricted, although once inside legroom is adequade. The wheelbase again, at 2,776mm, fits directly between the 3 Series and A4 yet the S60 manages to produce a much more compliant ride than the longer-wheel-base-but-harsher A4. Volvo is to be congratulated on a good range of body colours (15 in all, personal favourite is the Electrum Gold). The ES/Kinetic comes only with charcoal interior trim and yet, thanks to some level of reflection in the fabric (no, not shiny), the effect is much less dull than you might imagine. The interior is in keeping with the current Volvo styling, with the "floating" centre console and clean, sharp dashboard displays. The two diesel engine offerings, according to Volvo, both emit an encouraging 139g/km of CO2 with manual transmission, although the similarity of emissions dissipates if you opt for the audio, increasing to 154g/km and 166g/km respectively. As for the petrol engines, the U.K. and Portugal are restricted to the 304hp T6, whilst Spain, Italy and France additionally get the 203hp 2.0T and only Germany enjoys the further options of the 1.6 T3 (150hp) and T4 (180hp). Driving the S60 is rewarding in an "OK, that´s fine" way - not a "jump up and down, let's have another go" way. Don´t view that as negative - it is not, but this is not a sports saloon (even the 304hp T6 is a high-speed cruiser). STRENGHTS This is a good Volvo and that, in itself, is its major strenght. It will remain a selective choice and will stand out in the car park when the 3 Series and A4 no longer do. WEAKNESSES The D3 diesel suffers from a lack of low-down grunt and needs more work on the gear shifts than many will like. Although this engine is expected to be the volume seller, the D5, especially with its comparable emissions, is by far the better proposition. On the gizmo front, £1,350 (€1,600) is a lot to pay for the Pedestrian Detection System, albeit it being very worthwhile, and it is unlikely to make to the top of the driver's option pick list. OPPORTUNITIES The arrival of the DRIVe version in 2011 will be a boost to the model and gives the right alternative to the D5 engine for those who really want or need to show big emission and economy savings. THREATS Maybe a perceived lack of confidence evidenced by the early days offer of a free body kit and the new, Chinese ownweship. No big issues, just the potential for an interesting mix of chop suey and smorgasbord. International Fleet World Confidential
July 2010 |
