Volvo S60 Road Test

Volvo S60 T5

Rivals

Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, Jaguar X-TYPE, Mazda6, Lexus IS200 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class

What We Liked

• The stunning exterior and interior styling
• The high level of safety equipment
• The performance
• The remote control operated DVD-based RTI (Road and Traffic Information) Navigation system with Europe DVD map
• Daytime running lights backed up with Bi-Xenon headlamps
• Superb seat design
• 4 x CD in dash changer with Dolby Pro Logic surround sound with 4 x 50W amplifier and 9 speakers

What We Disliked

• Steering a bit on the light side and lacking in feedback on more demanding 'B' roads
• The turning circle

What We'd Like To See

• Auto-dimming door mirrors
• Better weighted steering with more feedback

Build Quality

With the S60 Volvo have created a car that has the build quality to compete with its German rivals. The materials used are excellent and there were no intrusive rattles to contend with. This car should prove durable and retain its youthful looks mile after mile.

Value For Money

The S60 is good value for money offering above average levels of standard equipment. Volvo is committed to safety and the S60 boasts an impressive safety package many of these safety features would be optional extra's on some of its rivals. However, optional equipment and accessories for the S60 are abundant although relatively pricey.

Overall Opinion

According to Peter Horbury Volvo's British Executive Design Director 'Nobody's allowed to show off in Sweden and a Volvo's not a show off's car'. Volvo shouldn't try too hard to compete with its German rivals because their ethos is different. In our opinion understated elegance is the essence of the S60 and is what makes it unique and desirable.

For more information about the Volvo S60 T5 [ click here ]

Volvo S60