A midlife update sees the Volvo S60 sedan sport a more mature appearance and get some more kit on the inside.
There are few saloons whose design would have made
as big an impression as the Volvo S60. With its hunkered-down stance and
coupé-like profile, the S60 has always had a very sporty and youthful air to
it. With this midlife update, Volvo seems to have toned down the styling,
perhaps to make the S60 appeal to a larger set of buyers.
The basic design remains unchanged, but there’s a
newfound maturity to the S60’s face. Those distinctive vertical running lights
have made way for larger headlights and a wider, more pronounced grille. The
intricately sculpted front bumper is new and there are deeper ridges on the
bonnet as well. Volvo hasn’t tinkered with the boomerang-like tail lights so
you just can’t confuse an S60 for anything else from the back. Oh, and full
marks to Volvo for the gorgeous matt-finish wheels.
There are no radical changes in the cabin, though
the new S60 sees the adoption of Volvo’s new customisable TFT display in place
of the analogue speedo and tachometer dials. Depending on your mood, you could
select from Performance, Elegance or Economy themes which change the background
colours and position of elements within the readout. The setup may sound
gimmicky, but it’s fun to have the tacho take pride of place on the console,
Porsche-style, in Performance mode. The display apart, there are no other changes
in the cabin. So you still get that Volvo-trademark floating centre console,
smart dashboard and, of course, those superbly supportive seats that are among
the best in the business.
Space and comfort remain good, though
chauffeur-driven owners should note that the relatively small rear windows
reduce the perception of space. The rich-looking cream leather does brighten
things inside the cabin but is prone to getting stained easily. Other grouses?
We’d have liked a less busy-looking centre console; it’s got way too many
buttons. Also, a more modern interface to access the infotainment and car
settings would be welcome. The settings also let you activate the car’s safety
features like the updated City Safety that uses lasers to detect an impending
frontal collision (at speeds upto 50kph) and automatically applies the brakes
to minimise impact.
Volvo sells the S60 in two five-cylinder diesel
engine options; the wildly entertaining T6 petrol has been discontinued in
India. The more powerful D5 features a 2.4-litre, 211bhp engine and is
identifiable by its dual exhausts. This review is based on the 163bhp model. It’s a nice engine that
delivers power in a linear, predictable manner. Sadly, it isn’t the quietest of
motors, so you won’t find yourself shifting the six-speed auto to Sport mode
when in the mood to relax. But Sport mode does bring out the quick-revving side
of this motor and also the slight hesitance of the gearbox to upshift.
Tiptronic control speeds up gearshifts and enhances the fun factor. The S60 is
a front-wheel-drive car, so it won’t thrill you as much as its rear-wheel-drive
competition, but torque vectoring technology does ensure it’s not a dull drive
either. Similarly, there is a firmness to the ride but it’s never to the extent
of being uncomfortable.
It's yours for Rs 34.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the
S60 compares well on price with the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and outgoing Mercedes
C-class. But don’t buy the S60 solely for its appealing price tag. It’s a
genuinely likeable and competent alternative to the aforementioned trio from
Germany. Just wish Volvo had a bigger presence in India.
Fact File
Price
Range (in lakhs)*
Ex-showroom
price
|
Rs 34.5-38.40
lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
|
Engine
Power
|
163bhp at
3500rpm, 216bhp at 4000rpm.
|
Torque
|
40.7kgm at
1500-2750rpm
|
Transmission
Gearbox
|
Six-speed
automatic
|
Dimensions
Length
|
4635mm
|
Width
|
1825mm
|
Height
|
1484mm
|
Wheel base
|
2776mm
|
Chassis
& Body
Weight
|
1,665kg
|
Tyres
|
215/50 R
17
|
Brakes
Front
|
Ventilated
discs
|
Rear
|
Ventilated
discs
|
Economy
Tank size
|
67.5
litres
|
Source: autocarindia.com