Volvo S60 Review
Published: 4th January 2004
Volvo S60 T5 SE
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.
Our test car was fitted with Bi-Xenon headlamps (£650 option) which offer better dipped and main beams in all weather conditions. They illuminate the road ahead evenly without dazzling oncoming traffic. Low beam is automatically adjusted to provide the best light pattern when the car is heavily laden. During our test we had to travel on the Motorway at night in atrocious weather conditions including fog and heavy rain, the Bi-Xenon's cut through the spray lighting the whole of the carriageway for full visibility and added safety. The Bi-Xenon's proved beyond doubt that they would be the best option (although expensive at £650) you could put onto the car. Another useful feature on this journey was the auto dimming rear view mirror (standard on SE models) which on the Motorway at night takes the strain off your eyes as other vehicles approach from behind and prevents their lights from dazzling you.
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
Peter Horbury Volvo's British Executive Design Director 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 an egg-crate grille, prominent shoulder lines, V-shaped bonnet and the distinctive rear lights that integrate seamlessly with the boot which completes a design of understated perfection. Our test car featured 18" Nebula (BBS) alloy wheels (part of the sports pack £1,790 option) with 235/40 R18 tyres which significantly enhance the looks of the Volvo S60 T5 and remind other S60 owners that it is a high performance version.
The S60's striking design has caught the eye of many loyal owners of other premium brand sports saloons and Volvo hope to encourage them with the S60 that it is time for a change.
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