September 2004
The executive saloon market is one of the most fiercely
competitive in Western Europe and any manufacturer caught napping will
quickly be left behind. Swedish firm Volvo, doesn't seem to be having
too much trouble keeping pace, though, as the S60 is right up there
with the more traditional offerings from Germany.
Long gone are the days when Volvos were seen as boxy, frumpy estates
driven by 'sensible' people. The firm's latest generation of cars are
stylish, luxurious, well-made and exceptionally good value when
compared to their rivals. But is this all enough to entice people away
from the big German marques?
The only area in which Volvo lags behind
the competition is the slick executive image stakes. For some people
this will be an instant turn off. They want something that will get
chins wagging down at the golf club and in the office car park.
However, there are an ever-increasing number of buyers for whom this
stayed, materialistic image is equally repugnant and for this type of
person a Volvo is a good idea.
With the Ford-owned Scandinavian
manufacturer you get most of the refinement, way more safety kit and
none of the pretence. When someone sees a BMW they think one of two
things: they either think, ""Wish I had one of them"" or ""Sad old
yuppie."" With a Volvo, conversely, they think, ""There's a Volvo. I
bet that's safe.""
Volvo's S60 is a luxury saloon with a sporty edge
Ratings
Overall Rating
Value for money
Costs
Space and Practicality
Controls and display
Comfort
Security
Safety
Likes
Classy, modern look and feel belies comparatively modest price tag.
Lack of hard-nosed businessman image is refreshing in this segment.
Generous standard equipment list puts main rivals to shame.
Exceptional levels of safety and security make the S60 a safe bet.
Gripes
T5's high level of fuel consumption makes visits to the pumps annoyingly frequent.
Lack of rear legroom severally hinders practicality of S60's interior space.
No rear window wiper makes reversing in rainy conditions trickier than needs be.
Central console control panel, while efficient, lacks imagination in its design.
Our Verdict
The S60 is an attractive saloon with a purposeful
stance, and it offers a refreshing alternative to the likes of BMW's 3
Series and the Audi A4.
Costs
In comparison to its main rivals, the
S60 is a bit of a steal. Cheaper and better equipped than BMW, Mercedes
and Audi offerings, the S60 may not have the same cool image as its
German counterparts but in terms of value for money it is way out in
front. Fuel economy and servicing is less affordable, however,
particularly with the more performance-orientated T5 model. 20mpg
around town is far from frugal. Residual values are proving to be
strong, though, so when it comes to selling any losses should be kept
to a minimum.
Space and Practicality
Where the slightly smaller V50 and
S40 models suffer a little from a lack of rear legroom, the S60 is
fairly spacious throughout. The boot is more than big enough for a set
of golf clubs or two and five adults will fit into its cabin
comfortably. It also features on of the niftiest armrest stowage
centres ever created; one minute it's a cup holder, the next it
swallows your CDs and loose change. It is a fine example of an
ingenuitive use of space.
Controls and Display
Ease of use and functionality of design are
Volvo mantras. Every dial, switch and control is well thought out and
exactly where you'd expect to find it. Certain elements, such as the
air condition and stereo console, are a little too functional perhaps,
resembling they it do a calculator. That said, there is a well weighted
and connected feel to everything in the Swedish car's cabin.
Massive rear light clusters mean everyone knows when you're braking
Comfort
All exterior aural intrusions are well suppressed inside the S60's
cabin, with only a small amount of tyre noise making it through to the
driver. Even the larger diesel units are almost silent when up to
speed. The ride is somewhere between floaty and connected, but on long
motorway cruises there are very few more relaxing cars about.
Security
All models in the Volvo S60 range
benefit form an anti-theft alarm with immobiliser and panic function, a
key integrated remote central locking system and a visible Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) plate. While the S60 won't be on the top of
anyone's 'to steal' list, these standard safety features will be more
than enough to deter the casual thief. Locking wheel nuts (to protect
those large alloy wheels) come as standard, too.
Safety
There are more safety-related acronyms on a Volvo standard kit list
than there are sausages in Germany. SIPS, ABS, DSTC, WHIPS, IC and now
BLIS - it's like some form of code. Roughly translated these mean: Side
Impact Protection System, Anti-lock Brakes, Dynamic Stability and
Traction Control, Whiplash Protection System, Inflatable Curtain and
Blind Spot Information System. In other words, you'll be well looked
after in the event of an accident. BLIS, the only thing mentioned above
that doesn't come as standard, is particularly interesting as it takes
the form of two digital cameras mounted beneath the car's wing mirrors.
When another vehicle enters your blind spot the BLIS system kicks into
life with a little yellow light appearing on the inside of the door to
alert you to the vehicle's presence.
Driver Appeal
As with all Volvos, the T5 version is by far and away the hottest model
on offer. Unlike many of the cars in the line-up, however, the S60
handles pretty well, too. The S60 features the widest platform in its
class and therefore has plenty of grip. It isn't as much fun to drive
as the rear-wheel drive BMW 3 Series, but then again it is
substantially cheaper and better equipped.
Family Appeal
If you have a family and you wish to purchase
a Volvo, then one of the estate models will probably be further up your
list of options than a saloon. This is particularly true of the S60,
which suffers a little from a lack of rear legroom. The boot is big
enough for most of the family's possessions, but it can't compete with
the cavernous void that is the boot of a V70.
Leather comes as standard on T5 SE models
First Car Appeal
The S60 is an executive cruiser - period. The chances of seeing a
seventeen-year-old cruising around in one of these (unless it daddy's
car) are scarce at best.
Quality and image
Volvo's drive to establish itself at
the premium end of the market continues at full speed and with models
like the S60 it's easy to see why. The badge may lack a little of the
kudos generated by BMW's propeller or Audi's four rings, but if this
high standard continues and if buyers continue to be offered such good
value, then it is only a matter of time before the name of Sweden's
finest is regularly uttered in the same breath as those of German
competition.
Accessibility
Large door openings and generously proportioned seat bases make getting
into the front or rear of the S60 dignified and easy. A rake/reach
adjustable steering column means that most people will be able to find
a comfortable driving position. A slightly lower roofline at the back
will make things a little less comfortable for the over six-foot when
gaining access, but once planted in the well cushioned rear seats there
should be plenty of clearance.
Stereo and ICE
Volvo stereos are to in-car entertainment what Billy Connelly is to
stand-up comedy - enjoyable. The standard unit is good and the Dolby
Logic Surround Sound job available as an upgrade is the best around.
Clear, refined and very loud, Volvo drivers are capable of giving boy
racers a run for their money in a 'bass-off'. The optional satellite
navigation system is also of a high quality and easy to use.
Colours and Trim
Unusually for a Volvo, the S60 suits bolder
shades on the outside. Ash Gold Pearl and Passion red are particularly
striking. Alternatively you could go for something a little more
understated like Black Stone. This may have its advantages, as people
will constantly mistake you for the police. On the inside some nice
Light Sand leather seats with aluminium trim detailing looks fresh and
contemporary. If you particularly enjoy the feeling of claustrophobia
then a black leather option with black mesh trim is available.
Innovative cubbyhole is handy for cabin storage
Parking
Steering can feel a little heavy at low speeds (most likely something
to do with the car's massive alloy wheels), making manoeuvring a little
tricky. The rear window is very high up and doesn't have a wiper blade,
so reversing isn't all that easy at the best of times - let alone when
it's raining. Parking sensors are available as a not too expensive cost
option.
Spare Wheel
Space saver fitted as standard under boot floor.
Range information
Six engine options - 2.0-litre T
(180bhp) petrol; 2.5-litre T (210bhp) petrol; 2.4-litre T5 (260bhp)
petrol; 2.4-litre D5 (163bhp) diesel and two versions of the 2.4-litre
Bi-fuel unit (LPG and CNG). All models are available with either a
five-speed manual or automatic transmission (T5 comes with a six-speed
manual 'box). Trim designators are: S (base), Sport and SE (top of the
range).
Alternatives
BMW 3 Series The uber-exec mobile is still going strong after all these years.
Mercedes C-Class Still a classy choice, but pricey and not as well equipped.
Audi A4 Established as a quality product, the A4 has a strong following.
Alfa Romeo 156 Best looking option by far; has reputation for being least reliable, too.
