First drive
Winter is among my least favourite seasons. It's dreary, cold and grey. But, I do look forward to winter for one important reason - it's the best time of year to test any all-wheel drive vehicle. Among the best all-wheel drive saloons is the new Volvo S60 saloon, tagged the AWD, which I put to the test on icy and treacherous winter roads in Colorado.
The AWD made its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany in September, showcasing an electronically controlled Active On-Demand (AOD) system which provides nearly instantaneous power distribution between the front and rear wheels.
"Revolvolution" is the battle cry for the renaissance made by Volvo in revolutionising its entire product line. "My mandate was to design a car that will appeal to younger people, those who wouldn't normally consider a Volvo. In short, design a Volvo saloon that is inspired by a sports car and drives like one," comments Volvo's Chief of Design, Peter Horbury.
"I wanted to bring forward recognisable symbols of our past, design elements that define Volvo. The grille is derived from performance turbos of our past. The strong 'V' hood line is lifted from our 122 series and the strong shoulder line from our 140 series. But I also wanted something bolder. I brought in the C70 Coupe roof line and, with clever packing, created a rather comfortable rear seat for tall passengers," states the S60 designer Giza Loczi. "It's a true Volvo saloon with the heart and soul of a coupe."
Starting with a front wheel drive bias for superior traction and fuel efficiency, the S60 2.4T AWD selectively puts the rear wheels to work when demand arises for traction in severe driving conditions. This electronically controlled system is fully integrated with ABS, Stability Traction Control (STC) and Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC). By measuring front wheel spin, throttle position and other data, the system can determine how quickly to distribute power, and how much power to distribute
The decidedly sporting character of the tuned suspension delivers a dramatic synthesis of superior ride quality and exceptional handling, due in a large part to the S60's chassis' exceptional torsional rigidity. Volvo delivers on its objective of building a performance character into the heart of this truly refined European sport saloon with Scandinavian flare.
Smooth, seamless power for the S60 AWD comes from the highly evolved and proven 2.4-litre, 5-cylinder aluminium engine with variable valve timing and light-pressure turbocharger. Output is 197 bhp at 5,100 rpm and maximum torque is 210 lb.ft at 1,800 rpm.
At the heart of the success of the S60's cockpit are its legendary seats, which are designed around orthopaedic principles. These are the most comfortable seats of all that I have tested. The driving experience is enhanced with clear instruments, intuitive controls that reside within the natural arc of the hand, and a constellation of driver-centric creature comforts. In a perfect balance of form and function, the S60's graceful coupe profile does not exact a toll on interior space. To the contrary, the S60 offers a spacious interior with very comfortable seating for five. The sleek exterior profile offers additional benefits for the ear as well as the eye. In conjunction with the premium build quality, the smooth aerodynamic shape contributes to an interior noteworthy for its quiet and reassuring sense of solidity.
Unwavering in its commitment to occupant safety, Volvo again raises the safety bar with the S60. It's equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features including standard Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side impact airbags and Inflatable Curtain (IC), Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS), seat belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners in all seating positions, dual-stage front airbags (SRS), plus Volvo's safety cage construction.
Volvo says S60 AWD buyers will be around 30-44 years old and relatively successful early in life, split evenly among men and women. Most are well educated, early-adopters of technology, and married with median income around $100,000. They value authenticity and are opposed to traditional status symbols.
Extensive winter test
Having hosted and being most famous for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, there was probably no better place than the heart of Canada's Rocky Mountains to experience Volvo's newest AWD system - Kananaskis, Alberta.
In perhaps the most adverse conditions Volvo owners might ever experience, coupled with the distractions of stunning Canadian beauty and hospitality, Volvo offered up and succeeded in several real-life winter driving challenges.
While AWD is not new, Volvo engineered the Haldex-based system into the S60 to offer a set of capabilities that are designed to improve safety and driving pleasure. Safety is nearly always taken for granted by Volvo owners - it's the driving pleasure that's new.
Confidence can add a great deal to driving comfort, and in the absence of a driver's high-performance ability, the Volvo system steps in automatically and independent of any driver inputs to place a new margin of safety in everyday driving.
I placed the Volvo S60 AWD system, with DSTC both enabled and disabled into a variety of common winter driving situations that can present challenges to most drivers. Clearly, leaving DSTC enabled and allowing the car to fully extend its assistance is the best option.
At the Nakiska Ski Resort, a giant slalom presented the greatest test, and here the S60 AWD earned the gold medal. The specially built test track of ice, snow and slush gave excellent opportunities to push the system to its limits in a safe, controlled environment.
Among the many challenges of this course, I drove the S60 under maximum handling (kind of fast) into an area of the track that offered a wide sweeping turn of highly polished ice, which was entered from fairly grippy snow, and then exiting onto slushy snow. Turning in, uphill, onto the ice and then off, I was amazed at the cleanness and finesse that the S60 made each transition. In real life, this translates purely into safety for every occupant of the vehicle (and a bit of exhilaration for the one fortunate enough to be in the driver's seat).
Where the Volvo S60 AWD impressed me the most is its ability to detect and react to understeer and wheel-slip under braking and acceleration. Understeer is simply the car's tendency to keep going straight when you are turning the wheel and wanting to change your path. Wheel-slip occurs under braking or acceleration, and this happens when one or more tyres begin to slip (or spin). The Volvo system, under my testing, gave me an immediate advantage and added a greater safety margin in terms of braking distance, controlled turning, and acceleration.
RIVALS
Trade-ups are expected from Toyota Camry, VW Passat, Honda Accord, and Acura. Buyers will likely cross-shop from Audi A4 2.8, BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class.
US MARKET PRICING
The 2003 S60 2.5T AWD is $32,175 and nicely-equipped plus there is a $685 'destination' charge. The test car was priced at $38,025 including automatic w/Geartronic, electric sunroof, metallic paint, leather interior, alloy wheels and more. The test car was equipped with a 2.4-litre engine, which is no longer available with the AWD system in the USA.
HIGHS
You will not find more comfortable seats in any vehicle, at any price. Suspension is tuned perfectly. Intoxicating leather interior and aroma. Premium Swedish craftsmanship from nose to tail. AWD system is seamless, invisible, and capable.
LOWS
The 5-cylinder engine, while highly sophisticated and turbocharged, makes less power than I would like. A 6-cylinder engine making about 215 horsepower would be perfect.
FUEL ECONOMY
During testing, we averaged 27.4mpg.
The verdict? The S60 is among the finest AWD saloons made, in a package that feels far more expensive than its conservative price tag would suggest.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.volvocars.com
Road test: 2002 Volvo S60 AWD saloon
Story by Vincent Bodiford
Vincent Bodiford is our North American correspondent, and is the Automotive Editor of www.theweekenddrive.com amongst other things. Note that most cars reviewed by Vincent will be US specification. However, there are few differences these days and we will do our utmost to point out what to expect from the UK/European equivalents.
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