Volvo S60 2014 Review

The S60's worst enemy is probably Volvo's own XC60 off road wagon. That's because it's only $3000 more and offers the same level of equipment with added utility. One thing is for sure -- Volvo's lineup is looking a lot healthier these days with plenty of attractive options.

VALUE

The diesel is priced from $55,990 for the entry level Kinetic, or $60,990 for the more upmarket Luxury model. Leather and climate air are standard, along with auto lights and wipers and LED daytime running lights.

The S60 comes with the Sensus High Performance 8 speaker audio system, complete with 7 inch touchscreen and Bluetooth with audio streaming. The Luxury model is also fitted with satellite navigation.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Just the one diesel this time around. The 151kW D5 has been dropped in favour of the five-cylinder D4 turbo diesel that develops 120kW at 3500 revs and 400Nm between from 1500 revs. The D4 comes with the six-speed adaptive auto that delivers 5.9 litres/100km. It might be less powerful but it's more than up to the task.

DESIGN

The car received a mild facelift towards the end of last year. The new one can be differentiated by its different single cluster headlights (parkers are no longer separate). At the rear the exhaust tailpipes have been integrated into the bumper.

Volvo reckons the more focused and determined-looking lights together with a wider grille and daylight running lights, give the S60 a striking and confident presence. The Luxury model comes with 18 inch wheels, but it's now possible to add 19-inch wheels as a $1725 option -- but retain the same profile as 18s, without compromising ride comfort.

SAFETY

It wouldn't be a Volvo unless it was safe, would it? Gets a full five stars for crash safety with six airbags, reverse camera and rear parking sensors together with the City Safety system that brakes the car automatically at speeds up to 50km/h if the driver fails to react in time.

DRIVING

We clocked up just under 500km at a rate of 6.5 litres/100km. With a biggish fuel tank that gives the car a range of well over 1000km, more if you take it steady. But with plenty of torque underfoot the temptation is to punch the car through traffic, a task that it exceeds at.

It's an easy, comfortable car to live, but with smaller more accessible Benzs and BMWs arriving, the S60 will find itself under increasing pressure. We'd prefer the aluminium inlays instead of the wood trim that comes with this model.

And we really like the new LCD style instrument cluster. The appearance can be changed with three themes from which to choose: Elegance, Eco and Performance. 

Our test car was fitted with the $5000 driver support package that includes front and rear parking sensors, Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Alert System, Adaptive Cruise Control with CWAB, Auto dim rear view mirror and side mirrors. A camera scans the road ahead and displays the speed limit in the speedo with a visual warning if you are over the limit.

VERDICT

Plenty of prestige for the price. A compact, smart looking car that ticks all the boxes.

Volvo S60 D4 Luxury
Price: from $60,990
Engine: 2.0-litre, 5-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed auto, FWD
Thirst: 5.9L/100Km, CO2 155g/km