| Week at the Wheel | Volvo S60 D2 DRIVe Powershift R-Design |
Key Facts
Model tested: Volvo S60 D2 DRIVe Powershift R-Design
Pricing: £27,980
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class
CO2 emissions: 114g/km
Combined economy: 65.7mpg
Top speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 12.3 seconds
Power: 115hp at 3,600rpm
Torque: 270Nm at 1,750- to 2,500rpm
Inside & Out:
Even the introduction of the new Volvo V40 hasn't knocked the S60 from top spot in the good looks table; it's without doubt the most stylish Volvo currently on sale. In this case it looks even better thanks to the addition of R-Design trim, bringing with it 18-inch alloy wheels and a sports body kit.
The interior comes in for the same treatment, with two-tone sports seats and neat blue-backed instrument dials. Of course the seats themselves are some of the best in the business with plenty of support and adjustment, while the cabin is full of soft touch plastics and solid-feeling switchgear. Neatly laid out, there's lots of storage space and the satnav easier to use than previous Volvo attempts.
Ride & Handling:
At first glance the S60 D2 DRIVe Powershift R-Design has something of a split about its personality. The wide 18-inch wheels and 15mm lower sports suspension offer plenty of grip and agile responses, but everything else about the car is set up for slow and measured movement, with a relaxed gait to the way it goes about its business.
The sports suspension is obvious at motorway speeds, bumping over ridges and expansion joints, but the overwhelming feeling is of relaxed comfort. And the surprisingly heavy steering (for a Volvo), which ultimately would benefit from more feel, is perfectly geared for smooth and assured lane changes at speed.
It's not quite as competent on back roads, where the considerable size of the S60 never quite manages to shrink around the driver and body roll isn't as well contained as in some rivals. Certainly a BMW 3 Series is more fun, though the S60 remains completely composed and competent, if not offering the same levels of excitement and involvement as its rear-wheel drive rival.
Engine & Transmission:
Volvo offers two different automatic gearboxes throughout the S60 range, but it's the Ford-derived Powershift dual-clutch system that is the most impressive. Not only does it mean this model can match its manual brother for economy and emissions, but it also offers speedy shifts up and down the transmission.
Matched with the 115hp 1.6-litre diesel it's best left to its own devices (there are no shift paddles to caress for another cog), working well with the lazy nature of the engine. It's certainly not a car to be driven quickly, the measly power output making for a disappointing 12.3-second 0-62mph time. But settle back, squeeze rather than plunge the accelerator pedal into the carpet, and the early onset of peak torque (from 1,750rpm) makes for a relaxing drive - even if a traditional diesel rattle at low speeds does detract from the refinement.
Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:
In this day and age, with fuel costs increasing and road tax following suit, any car that offers a near 1,000-mile range in the real world is to be welcomed. Admittedly the S60 doesn't come close to beating the tax bands with its 114g/km output, but the £30 annual charge is still impressive, as is the 65.7mpg average economy.
Of course Volvo remains a premium brand; the S60 DRIVe Powershift R-Design starts at a shade under £28,000 - and that's before you add any of the essential options like satnav and parking sensors. The biggest thorn in its side is the BMW 320 EfficientDynamics, which is similarly priced, offers lower emissions and for many, a more desirable image.
