Pros :
- Fair amount of power.
- Decent mid-size interior room.
- High build quality.
- Good automatic with manual shift capapbility.
- SUV-beating cargo space in V70 wagon.
Cons :
- Annoying turbo lag.
- Annoying torque steer.
- Annoying body roll in pre-2007 models.
- Annoying understeer.
- Annoying soft brake pedal feel.
Interior :
Press Coverage :
The Volvo S60 sedan is available in five trims: 2.4, 2.5T, 2.5T AWD, T5, and R. Safety features include dual front airbags, dual side airbags, child safety locks, daytime running lights, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), inflatable head curtain airbags, Stability Traction Control and an anti-lock brake system (ABS). The 2.5T is powered by a 208-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo, cruise control and remote keyless entry. The 2.5T upgrades with automatic climate control, 8-way power driver's seat with memory, automatic transmission, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The 2007 Volvo S60 gets restyled with a new grille and bumper design, redesigned outside mirrors with integrated turn signals that automatically flash three times with light pressure on turn signal stalk, and aluminum inserts added to column stalks and steering wheel switches to 2.5 and 2.5T. The chassis is fitted with firmer shock absorbers and springs and sturdier anti-roll bars with solid bushings while Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) and tire-pressure-monitoring system are added as standard safety equipment.
MSN Autos
While performance is very good, fuel economy also remains quite competitive. A combination of slippery aerodynamics and the efficient I-5 engine help the 2.4T to manage 21-mpg in the city and a frugal 28-mpg on the highway, quite good for a car this size.
Acceleration is a great thing, though bringing the car to a stop is even more important. This is especially so for the car company known for its industry-leading safety levels. The S60 2.4T is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes that are assisted by anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake distribution (EBD). This system works smoothly with little fade, and brings the car to a stop from 60-0 mph in only 122 feet.
Suspension on the car is of MacPherson strut multi-link design combined with an independent rear. The setup is smooth and swallows most bumps with much poise, though it remains taught in the curves with surprisingly little body roll for a car not equipped with any sort of sport suspension package, as is common in this segment. Though it is not as hard-edged as the Lexus IS300 or BMW 3-series, the Volvo's suspension is surprisingly sporty while retaining a very composed ride over rough pavement.
The steering is precise and, like the acceleration, would prove exceptional to most drivers. Our more sporting preferences left us wanting a feel that was not so light at highway speeds, and providing us with perhaps a bit more road feel, though it did not leave us disappointed.
The interior is very uniquely Swedish and, in turn, very uniquely Volvo. The large flat center console is slightly angled toward the driver, and the trademark seat profile pictogram shows the occupants where the car's dual zone environmental control system is directed.
Seats in the S60 are surprisingly gripping, though they are definitely designed more for comfort than for performance. While the smaller bolsters don't look the most sporting, the unique design keeps the driver planted in the center of the seat through hard cornering. The front seats' lumbar adjustment is also a plus.
There is always a plethora of safety equipment found as standard in every Volvo, and this S60 is no exception to that rule. The 2.4T comes equipped with dual stage front airbags, inflatable side curtains, side impact front airbags, the side impact protection system (SIPS), 3-point safety belts for all passengers, ISO-FIX child seat mounting system, headrests for all seating positions, daytime running lights and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
Our test car came further equipped with several stand alone options in addition to two option packages. The trip computer is a nice addition that displays data such as miles to empty, average miles per gallon, average speed and outside temperature. Gray leather seating, a power sunroof, power passenger seat, CD player, simulated wood trim and metallic paint were also equipped on this car, adding to the price.
A Cold Weather Package and Touring Package were also equipped on our S60, adding equipment such as Stability Traction Control (STC), heated front seats, the aforementioned trip computer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Homelink security system and home lighting control transmitter, memory side mirrors, electric folding rear headrests and a grocery bag holder.
While you can't please all of the people all of the time, Volvo's S60 2.4T does its best to come darn close. The relatively low price point, combined with better than average performance, one of the best looking designs in its class and industry-leading safety make it truly Volvo's golden boy.
Swedespeed.com
History:
2001-2003 Volvo S60 2.4T / V70 2.4T
2,435 cc / 197 hp / 210 lb-ft / 3400-3488 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.6 sec.
1998-2000 Volvo S70 GLT / V70 GLT
2,435 cc / 190 hp / 199 lb-ft / 3300-3402 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.2 sec.
All images and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. No part of this website may be reproduced without the explicit permission of the owner of this site.
