Volvo S60 Review
Published: 4th January 2004
Volvo S60 T5 SE
How It Drove - Performance
The Volvo S60's four petrol engines are turbocharged and boast Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) which improves low-end torque (more torque at low and medium speeds) and cuts fuel consumption. The T5's 2319cc engine produces 250 bhp which enables it to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 6.8 seconds and continue to a top speed of 155mph. It was this performance that enabled an S60 T5 to smash 18 British Land Speed Records in an endurance test at Millbrook in October 2000. It averaged 125.10 mph over 24 hours!
The T5 is equally at home in rush hour traffic as it is smashing British Land Speed Records and around town it was effortless to drive. The slick five-speed manual gearbox complemented the engine perfectly and it even managed to relieve the frustrations of the school run.
The S60 T5 is also a powerful Motorway cruiser which enables you to cover great distances in comfort and has more than adequate power for clean, safe overtaking.
However, a word of caution when driving the T5 - This car is so refined and smooth that before you know it you could find yourself exceeding the national speed limit and possibly spending some time relying on public transport.
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