Volvo S60 Review
Published: 20th January 2005
Volvo S60 R
Comfort and Refinement
For the first time since the Volvo 1800 ES Sports Coupe of the 1970's the driver sits behind a three-spoke steering wheel which in the S60 tilts more towards the driver. Both the seat and steering wheel are multi-adjustable which ensures that drivers of all shapes and sizes can find an optimal driving position for both safety and comfort.
The S60 R has ample cabin space for 4/5 adults and certainly a family of 5. Despite its swooping, coupe like roofline head and leg room is good however, taller rear passengers may find the rear door entry space a bit tight as a direct consequence of the swooping rear design.
Volvo was the first car manufacturer to improve driver comfort by studying ergonomics and introducing adjustable lumbar support backs in 1964 and, after nearly 40 years of continuous research, crash testing and innovation, Volvo is now proud to claim its seats can reduce whiplash injuries by 50 per cent.
Without doubt the seats in the S60 were the most comfortable we had ever experienced. Your whole torso feels comfortable and supported including the thigh to knee area which reduces overall leg pressure on a long drive. An electrically adjustable driver's seat (with memory) and door mirror memory is standard on the S60 R which was perfect for us as we changed drivers frequently.
The R leather steering wheel is height and reach adjustable enabling you to find the perfect seating position.
The Volvo S60 R's level of refinement is high and includes: R leather sports seats, heated front seats, auto dimming rear view mirror, electric folding rear headrests, electric folding door mirrors with ground lights, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, cruise control, front and rear electric windows and height adjustable front passenger seat.
Automatic windscreen wiper activation with rain sensor is standard on the S60 R. The wipers automatically activate when rain is sensed and adjust the wiper timing depending on the intensity of the rain. This system is particularly useful as it allows you to concentrate on the traffic around you without fiddling with the wiper controls.
The dual electronic climate control (ECC) with air quality system (AQS) and pollen filter allowed both the driver and passenger to select their own preferred temperature independently of each other and there are air vents in the B-pillars for rear passenger comfort.
How It Looks - Exterior
Volvo's British Executive Design Director Peter Horbury describes the S60 as a 'four-door coupe' or 'two-plus-two door' and admits that it was inspired by the elegant C70 Coupe. The S60 pioneered 'cockpit-forward' styling which in essence means that the cockpit has been brought forward so that it sits between the front wheels resulting in a dynamic and well-balanced look.
The S60 shares the distinctive Volvo family styling characteristics of prominent shoulder lines, V-shaped bonnet and distinctive rear lights that integrate seamlessly with the boot and complete a design of understated perfection.
A unique black egg-crate grille with matt silver surround and R Logo, extended front spoiler, enlarged air duct, aerodynamic front with Bi-Xenon headlamps, R aluminium 17" Pegasus wheels with Pirelli 235/40Y tyres, twin exhaust tailpipes and subtle rear spoiler remind other S60 owners that it is a high performance version.
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