ABOUT a year ago, I went to Portugal to test-drive the Volvo S60 ahead of its launch here in Malaysia. I found it to be a great car and raved about it.
At that time, the 2.0-litre engine only had 204 horsepower, and it was promised that the CKD version for Malaysia would have 240hp. Now that it has been launched, believe me, the additional horses under the hood really does make a difference.
Most of the work done is in the electronics department, especially in the tuning of the turbocharger and the fuel injection system. Coupled to a six-speed direct-shift transmission, the new Volvo S60 has evolved into a car that promises a very sporty driving experience unlike any S60 before it.
The previous S60 T5 launched in 2005 had 260hp from a turbocharged 2.3-litre engine, but the new driving dynamics and the drive train of the new S60 puts it ahead of the predecessor in terms of performance.
The S60 T5 does the zero to 100kph sprint in 7.5 seconds, and hits a top speed of 230kph. Fuel economy has also improved, and an impressive one at that.
In the old days, it was quite common to get fuel consumption figures of around 15 to 16 litres per 100km when driven hard. With the new S60 T5, even with an exuberant driving style, I managed to get 12.2 litres per 100km (taken off the on-board computer reading). Those driving ‘normally’ could get 10 litres per 100km.
In terms of looks, Volvo seems to have gauged consumer tastes very well, and the new S60 T5 is an eye-catcher. Being sleeker, it is definitely nicer looking.
The T5 comes fully-loaded with all the top features that you only dream about, and for the asking price of RM255,579.50, the S60 T5 provides a package that is at par or above many of its continental competitors.
Other than the base safety features that others have, what makes the S60 T5 stand out its its pedestrian detection system that detects human shapes and applies braking to prevent a collision, or if the speed is in excess of 30kph, it slows the car down to lessen injuries.
In addition, there is adaptive cruise control with queue assist and distance alert. Adaptive cruise control and queue assist allow one to follow at a set distance behind another vehicle, while distance alert provides an audible warning if you are less than a safe braking distance behind another vehicle on the road.
Bending lights are also a thoughtful feature.
The entire list of other active and passive safety features would be very long indeed. Take it from me, there is no other car except perhaps for another Volvo that would have such a comprehensive list.
For the cost-conscious and fuel-economy-minded driver, there is another variant of the S60 that comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that makes 180 horses.
Coupled to the same six-speed direct shift gearbox, it is 1.5 seconds slower in the zero to 100kph sprint (9.0 seconds), and is marginally slower at the top end with 225kph. The saving in cost is RM35,000.
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