Volvo S60 History
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The Volvo S60 is a compact executive sedan produced since 2000 and is best described as a Swedish take on the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. While the S60 has never been highly praised, it remains one of the key cars in Volvo’s transition from one of the most boring brands on the market to one with European flair and unique design.
It came with front-wheel drive as standard but sportier variants with all-wheel drive traction have also been offered. Despite its relatively high $30,000-plus starting price, sales of the S60 were strong following its release and remained high until the middle of 2004 when consumer interest started to wane. After this, even the introduction of the 300 horsepower S60 R that same year, an extensive facelift program in 2005 and updates in 2006 couldn't keep the car from fading away into obscurity.
Nevertheless, production of the S60 soldiered on until finally ceasing in March of 2009. This was because the automaker was ramping up for production of its all-new 2010 Volvo S60 sedan, which made its world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and goes on sale later this year.
The styling of the second-generation S60 features definite coupe-like proportions, accompanied by strong shoulders, which together give it a very appealing look. Overseas it is available with a range of gasoline and diesel engines, whereas U.S.-spec models are likely to only receive the turbocharged T6 with 304 horsepower and 2.0T with 203 horsepower. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be offered, as well as a newer PowerShift six-speed dual clutch transmission. The T6 will also be standard with all-wheel drive.
Being a Volvo, the new S60 also comes with a host of advanced safety technology including active suspension dampers, a special cornering traction control system, and a pedestrian detection system with automatic braking.
The interior of the new S60 is lavish in terms of its driver-oriented details--especially the ultra-cool floating center stack. There is seating for five and the rear seat splits 40/60 and the boot opening is much more generous than the first-generation S60. To keep passengers entertained is a new infotainment system where information from the audio unit, navigation system, mobile phone and other functions is presented on a five- or seven-inch color screen in the upper part of the center console.
Oddly, despite its Swedish heritage, the S60 is manufactured in Volvo’s plant in Ghent, Belgium and its platform is actually a variation of the same one found in several Ford models.
