The S60 R Design spots the subtle sporty signs, like the optional rear spoiler, twin chrome exhausts and 18-inch Titania wheels.
As we took it for a turn, Volvo has downsized its powerplants to a 2.0-litre displacement and offers various states of tune.
While there’s nothing that’s noticeably new on the outside of the Volvo S60 T5, the engine is completely out of the box as is the transmission.
It’s a pleasant engine and is quite refined, aha!
In S60 T5 appearance, this 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder thumps out 180 kW and 350 Nm, giving it a bit of a performance.
Inside, the Volvo S60 T5 is button/touch galore. There’s a digital dashboard with different themes, a high-quality audio system with Bluetooth, Mp3 and USB functionality, electronically adjustable leather seats with memory function, electronic climate control, bi-xenon cornering headlights, and a rather smart voice control interface.
Leather stitched seats and internet are some of key features, so is Techno Pack which means it also comes with heaters for the front seats, satnav, keyless operation, front/rear park assist and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Speaking of fuel economy, the Volvo S60 T5 is claimed to consume 5.9 l/100km and the engine comprises a 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo petrol and the torque is 350 Nm @ 1 500 rpm, respectively.
Believe or not, it comes with an eight-speed gearbox for improved fuel economy, according to Volvo SA.
The Swedes pride themselves on safety and the Volvo S60 T5 is quite an astonishing vehicle. The vehicle comes with City Safety which is an automatic braking system for low speeds.
Think about when you’re driving in a parking lot and suddenly a pedestrian steps out. Well, in my case a cat.
This system will react and brake the car automatically for you. If you unknowingly drift out of your lane, the car will vibrate the steering wheel to alert you. The car will even brake and match the speed of other traffic while you’re on the highway with cruise control engaged.
Adaptive cruise control is incredible and should be on all cars. There are also plenty of airbags, as well as a system which loudly beeps when the car in front of you has braked hard and you haven’t reacted.
You can change gears by pulling the paddles located behind the steering wheel too. Now that’s awesomeness!
It has shown maturity from the previous model.
I hope by the time Astrid de la Rey (Media Manager Volvo Car SA) reads this, she would have forgiven me for tainting the mags. Ahem!
Retail price: Volvo S60 R Design starts from R344 300.
All Volvo vehicles come standard with a five year / 100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan, a five year unlimited mileage road assistance as well as a Skytrack tracker unit is also included.
Verdict:
Fuel
(1-10) 5
Performance
(1-10) 7
