All to satisfy your taste, the Volvo S60 has a choice for the driving enthusiasts, comfort loving and the safety cautious drivers. It combines outstanding performance and a great shape with top-of-the-line safety features. The S60 falls in the mid segment between the S40 and the luxury sedan S80. It fulfils the expectations of the entry-level luxury sedan segment. The option selection is made easier this 2007; traction control and electronic stability are standard on the Volvo S60. It also gets a new grille, front bumper, redesigned gauge cluster, and a sportier suspension. The T5 special edition is discontinued.
An option of all-wheel-drive, a high-performance S60 R sedan that features a Four-C adaptive chassis and a 300-horsepower engine, perfectly tuned suspension are the features available in the S60.
All the Volvo models are designed keeping in mind the young customer who expects power and styling. The 2.5T, 2.5T AWD, T5, and R trims are powered by turbo charged engines. The S60's base comes with a basic warranty of 48 months or 50,000 miles.
The S60 2.5T AWD features new AWD with Instant Traction, an improved computer-controlled Haldex AWD system that instantly delivers up to 50 percent more torque to the rear axle only when needed.
Good choice of trims
The S60 rolls out of the Volvo design studio in four trims - the 2.5T (FWD and AWD), the T5, and R with the turbo charged engine. The 2.5T and the 2.5T AWD get a 2.5-liter light-pressure turbocharged I5 engine that makes 208 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque @ 1,500 rpm. The T5 gets a 2.4 liter turbo-charged engine pumping out 237 horse power @ 5,500 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque @ 2,100 rpm. And the S60 R gets a 2.5 liter high-pressure turbocharged engine churning out 300 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque @ 1950 rpm.
The 2.5T and the 2.5T AWD get microprocessor controlled 5-speed automatic transmission and an electronically controlled AWD. The T5 and the S60R get the 6-speed manual but S60R has a closer gear ratio with electronically controlled AWD. The S60 R gets an optional 6-speed 'Geartronic' Microprocessor-controlled Automatic with 'Auto stick' function.
Smart, progressive and enticing
It's smart, progressive and enticing with clean lines. Though it has the styling cues of its predecessors still it's distinct in its own way. The V-shaped hood, the circular roof, large air dams, the D-shaped headlights are just carryovers, except the sloping overhangs. The overtly protruding door panels make space for a larger beltline.
Its sleek lines all over make it more aggressive for high speed sprinting. The S60 R differs in looks with the other models by a smoother and longer nose making less space for the grille and increasing the air dam size for the turbo engine and the intercoolers.
The tail gets hill shaped lamp to accommodate the sweeping crease from the roof and the beltline. The 2007 S60 gets a new grille, front bumper and a sportier suspension.
Standard features include dual color-keyed power adjustable heated folding exterior rearview mirrors with 3-position memory, power window lockout, front dual illuminated vanity mirrors, power windows with front dual one-touch up, one-touch down, and pinch protection, rear window defroster, tinted glass, front dual sunvisors, fixed intermittent windshield wipers, front and rear body color 5-mph impact absorbing bumpers, front air dam and lower door edge moldings.
Attractive functional layout
The S60 interior layout is classy, spacious, attractive and eye soothing. The dash design and the instrument panel are carryovers. The ergonomically redesigned seats are tuned for minimal fatigue.
The three-spoke tilting steering wheel gets audio controls on it. New in the 2007 Volvo S60 are redesigned gauge cluster that looks superb and are well-lit; the control panel has lots of control making it look like an aircraft cockpit. It takes some getting used to but at the same time they are convenient. The console layout and the dash flow are the interior highlights.
The light shaded leather upholsteries are rich and look great. The innovative radio controls take some familiarization to master. Changing preset channels involves turning a knob, rather than pressing a button, for example. Once understood, it works well. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has controls for the audio system that makes operating it easier while driving.
The boot space is less for huge bags but the rear seats can be folded down to haul long items.
The standard interior features include AM/FM radio with 100-watts and 6 speakers total; cassette player with dolby b noise reduction; CD player, radio data system, in-glass diversity radio antenna, interior pollen/dust filter, rear HVAC ducts, automatic climate control, separate driver/front passenger climate controls, interior, design, decor and floor covering, front carpeted floor mats, simulated wood interior trim, rear carpeted floor mats, carpet located in passenger cabin and leather wrapped steering wheel.
Fine ride quality
The Volvo S60 models deliver fine ride quality. The turbocharged engines churn out acceptable power and the choice of different drive trains and transmissions satisfies your needs.
The 2007 sportier suspension is properly tuned to comfortable driving and city conditions. The turbo engines are good on mileage and create tremendous energy for the sedan. The T5 rates 21/27 mpg (city/highway).
However, it is extremely stable at high speeds. To hold the high-speed sedan it is equipped with solid braking system and suspension tuned to reduce forward lean during rapid braking. The ABS gives the S60 good stopping distance.
The S60 R is another high performance engine, which has flawless transmission and excellent automatic suspension. The suspension settings can be changed from Advanced to Sports and Comfort at a shift of a button. The suspension also calibrates the output from the accelerator, brakes and speed and tunes itself to the appropriate dampness.
Advanced chassis for better safety
Safety is on the high priority list of Volvo. The S60 is loaded with array of safety features right from the advanced chassis.
Volvo's safety package for the S60 includes standard side-impact airbags and whiplash protection for front occupants, side curtain-type airbags that protect front and rear occupants, and antilock brakes. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control is standard on the T5 and R models and optional on 2.5T sedans.
