#80 Volvo S60 – Demonstrating the epic Swedish design

Initially Volvo wanted their S60 to be a stylish, sporty equivalent to the German competition. Its outgoing model had an appealing design never seen before on Volvo models. The outgoing S60’s low grille, large air intake and the ‘twin’ headlamps design made it a must have Volvo product. However some critics still claimed that they had gone a bit overboard with the design. Volvo listened to their pleas and has debut a new S60, which features a more purposeful and dynamic design. Other famous S60 attributes such as safety and quality remain unchanged. Seems the Swedish company has decided to face the German completion in the best way possible; through razor precision engineering.

Volvo S60

Design

The Volvo S60’s front has been completely updated. It design seems to be inspired by the new V40 hatchback. The toned down headlamps, raised front grille and numerous chrome touches have some V40 looks in their design.  The S60 appealing and determined face is enriched by the new headlamps. They now feature a new Active High Beam Control system, which actively dips the headlights when another car approaches from the opposite direction. This helps reduce dazing to other drivers. A raised bonnet, with aerodynamic curves, funnels air away from the front.  A new wide grille, daytime LED lights and larger lower air adorn the front.

Front look 

Volvo designers have also emphasized the S60 horizontal lines. The lines help to bring out the car’s wide stance. The outgoing model’s predominant coupe shape has been toned down as well.  It hugs the road via large 18-inch wheels. At the rear, the S60 signature rear LED lights give the S60 a clearly identifiable look especially at night. New vibration free exhaust pipes are visible on the S60’s new diffuser. They have a chrome outline that adds to the rear’s new appealing design. The S60’s dynamic looks can be further emphasized with an R-Design package. The package gives the S60 larger alloy wheels and sporty body kit styling.

Coupe inspired profile 

Power train

The new S60 comes with a refined four-cylinder D2 Diesel engine, with an output of 85kW (115hp). The engine is mated to a six speed manual as standard. A six-speed automatic transmission is also available. With the manual gear box, the new V60 requires 4.1-litres of fuel to cover 100km. The automatic D3 101kW (136 hp) and D4 121kW (163 hp) versions of the new Volvo S60 use 4.9 litres of fuel to cover the same distance. Petrol versions of the S60 come with two 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engines. There is the T4 GTDi powerplant with an output of 134kW (180 hp) and the 111kW (150 hp) T3 GTDi fireplant. Both engines are mated to a 6 speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is pegged at 6.8 litres per 100km. The car’s dynamic handling capabilities are attributed to a four new chassis types. There is Touring, Dynamic, Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) and Lower Sport Chassis (fitted on the outgoing R-Spec models)

Classy and composed 

Safety features 

A new IntelliSafe™ active safety system is fitted to all Volvo models in the entire range. The system is active from speed of 50km/h and above. A Pedestrian Detection system, with full auto brake, monitors pedestrians walking in the Saloon’s path.  A Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) uses radars to monitors vehicles approaching the car, at a range of up to 70 meters. BLIS then warns the driver of any vehicle that is approaching the car from the blind spot. Cross Traffic Alert system uses radar sensors at the rear end of the car. The system then alerts the driver to crossing traffic from the sides, when reversing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view may be restricted.

Cockpit 

Interior

The S60 has plenty of room for five occupants. Just like the V40 hatchback, the new S60 comes with a large and wide instrument panel, fitted with stylish dials. The center instrument dial has a TFT (thin film transistor) screen. This displays information about the car and is located behind the steering wheel.  It has three theme setting. There is "Eco" theme which has a green background. The theme also comes with an economy meter that helps the driver to drive as economically as possible. A green light is illuminated when your eco driving is optimal. Next is the "Performance" theme, which has a red background illumination. Its power meter tells the driver how much power is being used and how much is available. In this mode, the tachometer is centralized on the instrument display, and speed is shown digitally. The last theme is the "Elegance". This has an amber illumination and gives a more conventional dash display. It's perfect for calm and a relaxing drive. 

Front seats

The floating centre console is now more sculpted. The center console is larger at the top and shrinks as it drops to the bottom. This boots knee room for both the driver and front passenger. The centre console comes as standard in charcoal colour. It can be upgraded to Shimmer Graphic colourin higher trim levels. Modern Wood and Centre Court trims are available. The infotainment system sits at in the upper part of the centre console. It’s available as either a 5-inch screen or a 7-inch screen. All functions can be controlled from the steering wheel or by controls directly below the screen. Luxury materials, including leather, aluminium and high-quality fabrics, are used throughout the interior. The front seats have a sporty design while the outer rear seats are also noticeably sculpted, to offer greater comfort and support. The rear seats can fold down to boost rear storage space.

Rear seats 

There is extensive storage space all round the S60’s interior. Below the armrest is a storage compartment suitable for CDs and other small items. It also has a connector for either USB/iPod or AUX. Two cup holders and a 12V power outlet are integrated in the console in front of the armrest. The glove box is refrigerated with cold air from the Electronic Climate Control system. The ambient interior lighting gives a theatre like theme. It does this via LED lamps that light up at strategic places in the interior. Once can choose between seven different modes for interior lighting. The reading lights front and rear can also be dimmed automatically. A gearshift knob, which is transparent and LED-illuminated from inside,is available for both automatic and manual transmissions. LED lights also illuminate the door panel storage pockets.

Restyled rear 

Verdict

The new S60’s new looks give it a serious look. Volvo has made a bold move with this particular S60. It’s now evident that Volvo is upping their Swedish game against German engineering. Whether it has the grunt to take on the Germans will be revealed when it goes on sale in Europe later this year.