Volvo S60 T5 R Design road test
by Stephen Walker
24th August, 2014
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Our previous experiences with Volvo S60s confirm that this particular
model is especially satisfying. It is a prestige car that has a lot on offer. There is a broad range available with
varying degrees of luxury and performance.
On this occasion, the Next Car team sample one of the sportier editions.
Test car particulars
Our dashing red Volvo S60 T5 R Design test car came well equipped - no options were fitted.
Prices*
The S60 T5 R Design, such as our test car, is priced* from $63,890*. It comes with a two-litre turbo-charged
petrol-fuelled four-cylinder engine. And plenty of standard appointments to make this car quite praiseworthy as we
discovered.
There are four Volvo S60 models in the line-up - priced* from $49,990* for the S60 T4 which has a petrol-fuelled
turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine.
Driving the S60 T5 R-Design
The Volvo S60 is one of the nicest cars to drive - all team members agree on this particular point. In its price range
it is amongst the best! The delight comes from the smooth ride and the silent cabin. Road noise is well controlled. Of
course, cabin comfort is more than the noise level and the Volvo S60 pleases with comfortable seating and easily managed
controls and those essential modern day gadgetry that few people want to go without.
A healthy time of 6.4 seconds (approximately) is all it takes to cover 0-100 km/h, thus ensuring you'll never be short
of satisfaction at the traffic lights.
Each aspect of the driving dynamics is impressive - handling, braking, steering, ride and NVH. Full marks to Volvo for
the sensational job with each of these areas.
Specifications
The S60 T5 test car had a four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol-fuelled engine sending power to the front wheels through
an six-speed "Powershift" automatic transmission. Maximum power came in at 177kW @ 5,500rpm for the T5 and maximum torque
is 320Nm @ 1,800-5,000rpm - hence with just two litres this car is going to be a treat and more than competitive in its
class. The engine is fitted with the increasingly common stop/start system, be it for better or worse. The Volvo system is
quite efficient and plays to the European desire to reduce fuel consumption thus air pollution.
It's disc brakes all around in typical fashion.
Four 18" alloy wheels and one of those temporary spare things come standard. Although I may mock temporary spare wheels
it is time for me to finally admit I haven't had a flat tyre for 12 years and it may have been that long ago for the
previous flat. In reality, the temporary spare wheel is no longer a cause for laughter.
The S60 T5 R-Design diamond cut dark grey wheels are named as "IXION" - and are standard.
Suspension is McPherson strut up the front with multi-link independent rear suspension; anti-dive, anti-lift function;
anti-roll bars front and rear all standard.
Steering is by way of a Electrical Power Assisted system. The turning circle is 11.9 metres - a good figure.
Fuel
The factory indicate the fuel consumption rating is 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle.
The fuel tank capacity is 67.5 litres (approximately).
Connectivity/Infotainment
S60 T5 R-Design: Standard: Sensus Connect Premium Sound Multimedia Infotainment: AM/FM radio, 1-CD/DVD, MP3, 10
speakers, Dolby® Pro Logic® II Surround System, 7" colour screen, AUX, USB and iPod connectivity, Bluetooth® phone
connectivity, including audio streaming, Audio controls in steering wheel and Sensus Navigation with voice control.
Safety
City Safety; Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC); Advanced Stability Control (ASC); Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS); Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Emergency Brake Lights with hazard light
activation; driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags front; two full-length Inflatable Curtain airbags; Side Impact
Protection System (SIPS) including SIPS airbags in front seats; Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) are included.
A reversing camera is standard.
Dimensions
Length: 4,635 mm
Width: 2,097 mm (including external mirrors)
Height: 1,484 mm
Wheelbase: 2,776 mm
Luggage capacity: 380 litres
Weight: 1,602 kg (approx).
Towing
S60 T5 R Design, with appropriate towing and trailer braking equipment, can haul 1,600kg.
After Sales
Volvo S60 has a three-year warranty (of course some conditions apply). Prior to expiration, the warranty can be
extended for one or two years (conditions apply).
Roadside assistance is included for the term of the new vehicle warranty (conditions apply).
Conclusion
Clocking up 420 kilometres around Melbourne in mostly suburban driving conditions has, yet again, proven that the
Volvo S60 is a delightful car. The sporty tone of the T5 R Design confirms that Volvo has not lost its touch when it
comes to performance with comfort.
To say that I enjoyed this car would be an understatement. It offers excellent safety credentials together with a
relevant mix of luxury and sportiness to satisfy those not wanting to go all the way with performance. Yet, Volvo deliver
the S60 T5 R Design at a very good price and the unmistaken quality is quite apparent!
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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