Volvo S60 Review

Volvo S60 T5 SE

How It Drove - Ride/Handling

The Volvo S60 shares its basic suspension layout with its larger sibling the S80 saloon. MacPherson struts with lower wishbones feature at the front and an independent, multi-link set-up at the rear. This sophisticated system, coupled with exceptional torsional rigidity and the widest track in the compact executive class ensures that the S60 offers the best handling within the Volvo range (excluding the S60R which we have yet to test).

Our test car was equipped with the optional Sports Pack costing £1790 which includes 18" Nebula (BBS) alloy wheels - 235/40 R18 tyres, lowered sports chassis, load compensating suspension and speed dependent steering system. These combined features optimised the S60 T5's chassis and suspension to offer more dynamic performance and handling. However, by coupling this much power to a front wheel drive car you suffer from the inevitable torque steer although it did not prove to be too much of a problem and you soon get used to it.

Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) and Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA) are standard on the S60 T5. Under more demanding driving conditions DSTC gives you the benefits of stability and traction control with an anti-spin system automatically counteracting a skid as it starts, probably before you even realise it has.

The DSTC system constantly compares the direction of the car with your steering wheel movements. If there is any tendancy to slide, the brakes are instantly applied to one or more wheels as necessary to retain control. The system also includes EBA (electronic brake assistance) which helps shorten the stoping distance in emergency braking situations. ABS (anti-lock brakes) is also standard throughout the S60 range.

On the whole the T5's ride is composed, the suspension is firm and it feels reassuringly stable at high speeds. The speed dependent steering is responsive although when pushed hard on more demanding 'B' roads it did let the overall ride down being a bit on the light side and lacking in feedback.

Volvo S60