VOLVO S60 2.0T
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
The Rebel's Back
With sharper looks and more refinement, the S60 aims to draw some attention again from junior executive car punters
The S60 _ the car Volvo commissioned in 2003 to lead the brand's revolution with the aim to extend its appeal to a younger generation of buyers _ somehow failed to hit off in Thailand's junior executive car segment.
Either Volvo customers couldn't swallow the idea of a sleek-looking sporty-to-drive saloon, or potential punters chose to go for the established BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class and, more recently, the stylish Lexus IS.
Today, the S60 is back in second-generation form with precisely the same credentials its predecessor possessed which, of course, means that it deserves some attention again from luxury car buyers with B3m to spare.
Take styling, for example. The second generation S60 embodies the brand's new design philosophy initiated by the XC60 crossover. With wavy design cues and a sleek profile resembling something of a coupe{aac} _ similar to the Volkswagen Passat CC _ the S60 is arguably better-looking than the 3-series and C-class on the road.
The S60's interior has also taken a step forward in aesthetic terms, whereby the console is slightly inclined towards the driver, has a nice texture on its surface and aims to integrate various functions into a neat, if not utterly effective, cluster; some time is needed to get acquainted with the closely stacked buttons, though.
The stylish door panels ape those of the XC60, too, and give the S60's cabin a contemporary appearance. Then there's that new, stylish steering which looks distinctive not only by Volvo's own standards but also against its rivals. It's a pity it feels a little too big in size.
Other than that, though, the S60 is very Volvo-ish. What seemingly can't match the modern design elements inside are the panel dials that have been used for years already. It would have been refreshing to see new fonts, although it must be noted that they light up in a rather unique, neon-style light at night time.
The seats, too, look and feel just like in other Volvos. The chairs and large head restraints offer nearly unparalleled levels of support and comfort. Space may look tight upon entry, but there is enough head and legroom.
The S60 isn't short on interior amenities: it has all the relevant features Thais are accustomed to, meaning that it's basically practical and livable as a saloon. The rear seats can fold for extra boot _ something not available in several rivals.
About specification, Volvo is actively pursuing its safety role by offering features that stand out in its segment. New innovations in this class include blind-spot and pedestrian detection, brakes that can automatically bring the car to a stop at city speeds and adaptive cruise control regulating distance between your car and the one in front of you.
Generally speaking, the S60 is eagerly specified (oh, where's sat-nav?). And that doesn't mean that it is excessively priced. As an import, the S60 is good value at B2.99m when compared to its intended rivals.
The S60 doesn't only shine on paper but it has a performance to match all its competitors, thanks to a new, tax-beating petrol engine slated to become the new bread-winner for most Volvo models selling in Thailand.
That engine in reference is the new downsized 203hp 2.0-litre turbo inline-four _ replacing the inline-five turbo _ to perfectly slot beneath the 2,000cc/220hp tax barrier to enjoy 30% excise tax. It isn't E20-compatible yet, so Volvo might keep the 5% discount as a weapon for the future, or when the need arises.
Rivals that offer similar engines as the S60 in Thailand include the C-class, Passat CC and Audi A4. Those that still persist with non-turbo engines are the 3-series and IS250.
On the road, the S60 performs quite similarly to the C250 CGI and Passat CC. The presence of the blower helps give added zest at low to medium speeds and plenty of surge on the highway when the road is clear.
Turbocharged engines also help reduce thirst from their 200hp performance, so it isn't really difficult to get the 12kpl average Volvo claims when driven within the legal limits. The old S60 may feel nearly as powerful, but it's certainly less frugal on fuel.
What makes the S60 better than the C250 in performance terms is the way the horses are deployed to the tarmac. The Volvo has a smoother power delivery, thanks to the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission over the Merc's more lethargic five-speed slushier.
Seats are comfy to sit.
But despite using dual-clutch technology, the S60's gearbox doesn't feel as responsive or quick as in VW's much-acclaimed DSG box. Because of that, the Passat CC still offers the most enjoyable performance in this class.
Despite being a front-wheel-drive car, the S60 still offers enough handling finesse in the real world. There's more than enough grip wherever you are driving, and the only time you will know for sure that it's a front-driver is when you accelerate hard from standstill when the wheels spin.
What has apparently improved over the outgoing model is ride comfort. The S60 now absorbs road imperfections with more aplomb and has a suspension setting that seems to be nearly right for Thai driving conditions, unlike the extra plush setting in the S80. The S60's stable at high speeds and has sufficient levels of external noise suppression.
The steering, on the other hand, doesn't feel that intuitive upon turn-in at low speeds. Even so, the rack isn't as heavy as in the 3-series nor is it overly light as in an A4. This is really going to boil down to personal taste because it seems that there is not a single model that steers like another in this class.
Make it like this: the S60's handling isn't that sporty as the 3-series or IS, yet it is sharp enough to make it the most appealing Volvo saloon to drive, S40 included. And, at the same time, the S60 has enough ride comfort to soothe minds.
You could conclude, then, that the S60 is a junior exec with reasonably well-balanced driving manners for real-world use, has performance that isn't inferior to other members in its class and is quite well-specified for the money spent.
The S60 has evolved rightly in most respects from the car it replaces, and that simply means that it deserves some attention from those after a B3m luxury saloon.
Ride markedly better than before.
Engine is punchy and refined.
At B2.99m, S60 is good value.
Dual-clutch feels like normal auto.
Fascia has nice surfaces and tidy design; panel dials look too familiar.
Boot has a practical partition.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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