Expert Reviews
By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National April 19, 2005Vehicle Overview
Volvo's S60 sedan slots between the company's entry-level S40 and top-of-the-line S80. Based on the S80's platform, the S60 bears a family resemblance but is shorter. An all-wheel-drive model joined the S60 lineup in 2002.
A high-performance S60 R sedan that featured a Four-C adaptive chassis and a 300-horsepower engine debuted in 2004.
(Skip to details on the: S60 R)
For 2005, the T5's engine is slightly larger and produces an additional 10 hp, for a total of 257 hp. The T5 also gains a standard sport suspension and can be equipped with 17- or 18-inch wheels. The Four-C chassis is now optional on all turbocharged models and standard on the R. Exterior freshening changes include body-colored moldings and a softened front nose with new headlamps, grille and bumper. Volvo is owned by Ford Motor Co.
Exterior
A surprisingly curvy shape for a Volvo gives the four-door S60 the look of a coupe. Styling elements include a low hood, sloping rear roof pillars, and short front and rear overhangs. Volvo's hallmark square grille is more compact in this installation and is flanked by aerodynamic headlights.
Interior
Up to five occupants fit inside the S60. A split folding rear seat expands cargo capacity beyond the trunk's 13.9 cubic feet. A new center tunnel includes a storage bin and flexible cupholder. Second-generation seats "are designed around orthopedic principles," according to Volvo.
Standard equipment includes power windows with automatic up/down operation, a CD player, a tilt/telescoping steering column and a remote keyless entry system. Leather upholstery is available.
Under the Hood
Three inline-five-cylinder engines are available for non-R S60s. A normally aspirated 2.4-liter produces 168 hp in the 2.4 model, while a turbocharged 2.5-liter develops 208 hp in the 2.5T and 2.5T AWD. The T5's 257-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter drives a six-speed-manual or optional Geartronic five-speed-automatic transmission. Buyers can choose a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic with the 168-hp engine, while the 208-hp inline-five-cylinder comes only with a five-speed automatic.
Safety
Volvo's safety package for the S60 includes standard side-impact airbags and whiplash protection for front occupants, side curtain-type airbags that protect front and rear occupants, and antilock brakes. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control is standard on the T5 and R models and optional on other S60 sedans.
Driving Impressions
Superior construction tops the list of S60 attributes, followed by refinement. Turbocharged engines are quiet and produce eager and energetic performance, albeit modestly. Even though the S60 rides smoothly most of the time, its taut suspension lets quite a few road imperfections get through to occupants. Still, the driver feels in complete control.
The tires adhere smartly to the pavement. Confident steering demands some effort, so this isn't a car that can be driven lazily. Automatic-transmission response varies from smooth to a bit abrupt, depending on throttle position and road speed.
S60 R
Built for high-performance operation, the S60 R sedan holds a 300-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder that drives a six-speed-manual or five-speed-automatic transmission. Features include a Four-C adaptive chassis, Servotronic steering, Brembo brakes and Haldex all-wheel drive. Three driving modes are available: Comfort, Sport and Advanced Sport. Back to top
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