Volvo's new 3-series rival scores with stylish looks, safety tech and decent driving manners
- Published: 2/07/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Motoring
The all-new Volvo S60 replacing its predecessor, which had a run of over 600,000 units since its launch in 2000, means that the Swedish carmaker waited almost 10 years before coming up with probably the most dynamic car in its product lineup.
According to Volvo, the challenge to incorporate desire and emotion, highest safety standards and make the S60 key to its growth strategy in emerging markets - were key to the creation of this really sporty saloon with loads of advanced technology.
Styling is a key selling point.
The S60 competes against the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class and Lexus IS which is why the sporty design, improved dynamics of the chassis and pedestrian detection technology - a world's first in its segment - make the new S60 is a quantum leap over the outgoing model.
About the pedestrian tech, it sort of blew me away because the car - not the driver - can actually avoid a collision as it engages in full auto brake at speeds not exceeding 35kph and, of course, given that the pedestrian has to be at least 80cm tall for the sensors to figure out when to brake (so your cute dachshund won't make it).
The system will also alert and brake automatically if the car risks hitting another vehicle from behind. At higher speeds, the focus is on slowing the car down as much as possible.
Audio features among attractive spec.
But at the end of the day, the driver is still in charge. And though it's a really neat piece of technology, please don't take it for granted.
Motoring asked Volvo about incorporating this technology for reverse mode (remember those heart-wrenching stories about dads hurrying out to work and trampling their children while reversing out of the garage?) and they said they'll think about it.
The new S60 is loaded with other smart solutions such as optional Adaptive Cruise Control which automatically maintains a set gap to the vehicle in front. Again it operates at speeds below 30kph all the way down to standstill.
On top of parking sensors and a Park Assist camera at the rear, the new S60 also features a "see around the corner" camera up front which gives the driver a 180-degree field of vision.
Knee room in the rear a little tight.
Thailand is getting the 2.0-litre GTDi turbo four-cylinder which is a new engine that is more fuel-efficient and matches a five-cylinder unit in performance terms, while the more refined turbocharged 3.0-litre T6 straight-six won't be coming to Thai shores due to high taxes.
You get a four-door coupe'-like feeling which was lacking in the old model, thanks to a wedge-shaped design incorporating a double-wave shoulder line on the side wheel arches, low stance and compact short overhangs for the front and rear.
It obviously looks more emotional with new rear lights that continue into the trunk lid to give it a low, broader rear end. Other changes are a larger grille, larger Volvo emblem and a more pronounced V-shaped line on the hood directed to the grille. The C-pillar stretches all the way into the tail lamps which creates a "strong sense of motion".
The cabin provided mixed feelings up front and at the rear. I sat in the rear first and found generous head room but wasn't impressed with knee space even though it was 30mm more than in its predecessor.
Its interior has a more extrovert attitude which still preserves its Scandinavian lineage, but is able to angle all instruments and the centre stack towards the driver for a sensation of focus and control. I was smitten by the new three-spoke steering wheel and nice sports seats with extra side supports as standard.
Driver-oriented fascia is a delight.
The six-speed automatic transmission has normal and sports setting; and there's the fun option of sequential manual shifting.
As we navigated rural Portugal, the new S60 hugged the narrow and winding back roads with considerable ease. Exploiting the 2.0-litre's impressive eagerness was a delight when compared to its predecessor.
Handling is improved thanks to thicker piston rods in the front spring struts and shorter, stiffer springs. There are three modes for steering wheel feel from high, medium to low. I preferred high because you don't have to concentrate too much in low mode when it feels light and quick.
Performance has been upgraded to 203hp from 180hp and torque is impressively increased to 300Nm at 1,740rpm from the original mark of 240Nm.
The ride was not bad over road undulation and potholes; the new S60 held its own and was impressive to say the least. Thanks to a new dynamic chassis backed up by electronic systems, it is able to deliver a sporty driving sensation.
Add that with Corner Traction Control and another world first in the Advanced Stability Control, which is a new roll-angle sensor that identifies any skidding tendency early, meaning that the anti-skid system can step in early with precision.
The audio experience is also enhanced with features such as the Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ which comes with a class-D digital 5x130W amp and 12 speakers and enables you to remove distortion caused by the car's acoustics.
All in all, the new S60 scores with a stylish design, great interior and decent driving manners that should enable it to joust with its competition based on its advanced safety technology and freshness.
At an estimated price tag of B2.8-2.9m - in the vicinity of its rivals - the new S60 seems to be a convincing alternative when it arrives on Thai shores later this year.
About the author
- Writer: Alfred Tha Hla
- Position: Motoring Reporter
