Volvo’s focus on safety, technology and design is secret to success for new S60
Maggie Barry Comedian Jasper Carrott used to take great delight in making fun of Volvo drivers – but he should have kept his words soft and sweet because these days he would have to eat them.
Volvo is transformed and the S60 – its latest model – is its seventh since 2014 in a line- up that pairs outstanding safety and technology with lovely design and Volvo’s own incredibly good engines.
It is also, in a move that is becoming increasingly common, coming to market without a diesel engine in the line-up.
At its heart is the Scandinavian philosophy that good design is made up of pure clean lines and that systems should not only work but perform at their optimum level.
What that means to you and me is that, first of al l, this car looks great. It is long and lean for a mid- sized sports sa loon wit h 19 i n diamond-cut alloys and lovely lights both front and rear. It sports the distinctive Volvo grille and big windows for lots of light. Inside, the Scandinavian theme continues. It is simple and clean with piano- black gloss inserts, brushed aluminium and chrome and partial leather seats. Dials and switches are kept to a minimum because most of the functions are accessed through the iPad-like tablet on the front console. For safety, the controls are echoed on the steering wheel. This is Volvo, after all. There is loads of room inside for driver and passengers, with some of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat on. It was so easy and relaxing to drive. That doesn’t mean there is little power. The T5 2.0-litre petrol with an eight- speed automatic transmission gives you 250hp and delivers the 0- 62 dash in just 6.5 seconds. The S60 has bags of agility, great grip and is silent and responsive.
You can put it in eco, dynamic, comfort or individual mode for the kind of drive you want and it will never disappoint.
Th i s c a r ha s a traditional internal combustion engine but expect to see highertuned petrol/electric hybrids in the future. If they perform with the athleticism we found in the S60, they wi l l be unnervingly good – unnerving for Volvo’s competitors.
There is lots of tech, with smartphone integration and access to a range of apps. It can even be turned into a wifi hotspot. There is a rear-view camera for parking, hands-free boot opening, adaptive cruise control and Volvo’s Pilot Assist for driver assistance. Everything about this car shrieks quality in an understated but very Swedish way.