Volvo S60 T6 2011 Review

Here's a hard one for you. Do you go for a small engine, low spec' German prestige car or, for the same or less money, a fully kitted out Volvo S60 T6 with a 224kW/440Nm six cylinder engine at $64,950.

In the past you might have hesitated but we would vote with our wallet in the case of the new S60. It's takes the sales race right up to the high-priced Europeans, pulls out, overtakes them and leaves them in the dust - literally.

Lexus comes close(ish) with its new, base model IS350 but is a rear wheel drive and can't match the Volvo for kit.

On top of that, the S60 is styled to delight with a coupe look to its sculpted flanks and a contemporary interior with easy to use controls and appealing materials. Volvo boasts about the safety of S60 and it's right up there as you'd expect . 

But the new technology safety features are optional in a $5000  "Driver's Support Pack" that includes collision warning with auto braking, pedestrian detection using a camera and radar, adaptive cruise control with queue assist lane departure warning, driver fatigue warning and blind spot warning. The pedestrian detection system is a first and is so important, it should be standard on the S60.

But that's enough of the safety stuff because this is a sporty sedan with impressive performance credentials thanks in part to the 3.0-litre turbo straight six transversely mounted up front feeding all four wheels though a sweet six-speed auto transmission.

The engine has been around for a while and is uprated in this instance to Euro 5 emissions spec' as well as having significantly more power and torque. It features a twin scroll turbo which functions across a wide engine speed range boosting performance from idle to redline without turbo lag.

Fuel economy is quoted at 10.2 litres/100km combined but we saw better than that on a freeway run. The preferred brew is premium unleaded.

Coupled with the potent engine is a sporty ride and sharp handling that are just right for a wide mix of driving. Comfy over rough roads, the adaptive suspension also holds the S60 firmly in corners controlling its 1888kg bulk admirably.

The "Advanced Stability Control" system offers torque vectoring that further aids car control. It selectively brakes or cuts power individually to each wheel. Other dynamics are up with the engine including the steering and brakes.

We really appreciated the well shaped seats and all that the S60 has to offer inside particularly the premium audio system that is right up there with the best. There is also full iPod connectivity, large format GPS screen, comprehensive trip computer, Bluetooth, voice control and a multi function wheel to occupy your drive time.

The leather interior gives a pleasant driving environment and the entire interior is made without toxic substances. Our only real complaint is the tyre inflation kit in lieu of a spare of any kind and the manual adjust lumbar support which is difficult to use.

The S60 is also available in diesel five cylinder and turbo four cylinder versions for less money. The four is a front wheel drive only. Is the S60 enough to drag well-heeled punters out of their 3-Series, A3 or C-Class?

Maybe, especially if they want value for money which the S60 offers in buckets to say nothing of how it looks and goes.

VOLVO S60 T6

Price: from $64,950.
Engine: six-cylinder; 242kW/480Nm
Transmission: 6-speed sports auto; AWD
Body: 4-door, seats 5
Safety: Driver's Support Pack, auto braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot warning
Weight: 1888kg (est)
Thirst: 10.2L/100km