Volvo S60 T5 R-Design 2011 review

A step up from the entry level model, the T5 R Design represents the best of both worlds in this range. It's powered by the excellent turbocharged direct injection 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine, coupled with probably the best twin clutch transmission in the business. On top of that, you get all the eye candy that comes with the R Design pack including lowered sports suspension.

VALUE

This car is going to give the Germans a shakeup. For $56,150 you get a lot of car, but bear in mind it's not all-wheel drive like the diesel or top of the range T6. Standard kit includes climate air, cruise control, leather trim, Bluetooth, rear park assist and an eight-speaker audio system with AUX and USB inputs.

TECHNOLOGY

The turbocharged direct injection engine produces 177kW of power and 320Nm of torque, the latter from alow 1800 revs. For those who have been following the story, this is essentially the same engine that will make its debut in the Falcon soon - though Ford is yet to confirm the output. Being a four rather than five cylinder engine it has less friction and better economy as a result. 

The dash from 0-100km/h takes a brisk 7.5 seconds and the official fuel economy rating for the car is 8.3 litres/100km. What's more it produces only fractionally more C02 than the diesel at 193g/km. What's not to like?

The six-speed Powershift transmission is a robotised double clutch design which we reckon is the best example of this style so far, with quick smooth gear changes.

DESIGN

The S60 is designed to stand out and that doesn't just mean large tail lights. There's little point in being reserved or understated when the premium sports sedan market is full of mainly German extrovert models, says Volvo design director Peter Horbury. 

The look is enhanced by the R Design body kit and the sports theme continues inside with sports seats, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, sports leather gearshift lever, sports pedals, and R-Design floor mats, trim inlays and watch-dial instrumentation.

SAFETY

It's a Volvo isn't it?  Scores five stars and Volvo reckons it's the safest Volvo they've ever made.  The T5 is also fitted with a bewildering array of standard safety gear including six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes, Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) and the latest generation Side Impact Protection System (SIPS). 

City Safety is also standard which will automatically brake the car up to a speed of 30km/h to prevent rear enders. There's also plenty of optional safety system which you can add _ they're bundled in a pack for $4990.

DRIVING

The T5 is a quick study, apart from the electric parking brake which is pull to release (try getting your head around that). It's comfortable, easy to drive and cuts through the traffic without fuss, with strong engine response and smooth gear changes that make it difficult to pick as a twin clutch.

Our test car was fitted with blind spot awareness that flashes a warning if there is someone lurking beside you who is not visible in the mirrors ($1275 well spent). We were getting about 9.8 litres/100km from 67 litre tank.

The ride quality is excellent despite the low pro rubber and larger 18 inch wheels and stability control does a great job of preventing understeer, though we gave it our best shot a couple of times. The phone controls are located on the centre instrument console and not marked as such but distinguised instead by red and green colouring. Pity you can't display a digital speedo.

VERDICT

Impressive car. Way better looking than its predecessor. Well equipped, cabin is bright and inviting and it feels light and nimble. At the price it should really going to put some pressure on BMW's beloved 3 Series.

Volvo S60 T5 R Design

Price: $56,150 driveaway
Warranty: 5 years/100,000km
Resale: 40 per cent
Safety equipment: ABS, DTSC, BA, City Safe
Crash rating: 5 stars
Engine: Turbo petrol 4-cyl; 177kW/320Nm
Body: four doors, five seats
Dimensions: 2,776mm (wb); 4,628 (L); 1,865(w); 1,484 (h)
Transmission: 6-speed Powershift with Neutral Control function
Economy: 8.3L/100km; 193g/km