Review Volvo S60 2011
The Volvo S60 is an established yet unconventional member of the entry-level luxury sedan segment. It competes in a class dominated by cars with normally aspirated six-cylinder engines and bucks the trend by offering a choice of three turbocharged five-cylinder engines instead.
The Swedish sedan's handling dynamics are a bit dull and unpolished compared to newer rivals. As you might expect, all Volvo S60s are protected by an umbrella of Volvo safety features -- including stability control, anti-whiplash seats and full-length side curtain airbags -- and have performed extremely well in crash testing.
Each S60 model has its own engine. A five-speed automatic transmission routes power either to the front wheels or all four on all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. Unfortunately, the T5 is front-wheel-drive only, but buyers have their choice of a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox.Trunk capacity measures nearly 14 cubic feet, and the 60/40-split rear seat folds to handle extra-long cargo.
The S60 2.4 came with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine that produced 168 hp. The turbo 2.4T had 197 hp. The most powerful engine was the 247-hp 2.3-liter five-cylinder in the T5. An all-wheel-drive model called the 2.4T AWD joined the family in '02, and all models received enhancements to traction control and engine management systems, resulting in improved response.
In '03, the AWD sedan switched to the current 208-hp 2.5-liter engine, prompting Volvo to rename it the 2.5T AWD. In 2004, the hot-rod 300-hp R was added to the mix, sporting a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, 18-inch wheels, performance tires and bi-xenon headlights. In '06, Volvo dropped the base 2.4 model and upgraded the 2.5T AWD model with a new all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction. All '07 S60s received revised front fascia styling. For 2008, the high-performance R model was dropped.
