Before you think twice about NOT reading this review because it is Volvo, understand these facts. This Volvo S60 T6 2L Drive-E engine produces an impressive 306bhp and a smooth 400Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h sprint is done in a just 5.9 seconds. The governed top speed is 230km/h. The selling price is just RM280k.
The engine features a class-leading combination of a compressor and a turbo charger. Using the supercharger to wake up the bottom end gives the engine a big, naturally aspirated feel.
The mechanically linked compressor starts to function immediately at low revs, while the turbocharger kicks in when the airflow builds up. Fuel consumption with new 8-speed automatic is 6.7 l/100 km (157 g/km) in this S60 T6.
Now keep on reading
Yes, this is not an all-new S60 and instead it is the final facelift which has been given a detailed nip and tuck that brings a new lease of life to this sports sedan. Sitting in the same segment with the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class, this Swede has some added zest under the bonnet which we mentioned earlier. Built and delivered for the performance minded buyer, Volvo Car Malaysia has this model in showrooms to tickle some interest away from the German brands.
We tried the power
We enjoyed this S60 in city traffic and around the roads of Petaling Jaya with its almost immediate throttle response and quick steering. Then we decided to take for a country side run. To Kuala Selangor on the old road via Sungei Buloh. This meant tight small estate roads maintained by JKR and little room for mistake on the blind corners with palm oil trees to the left and right.
Turn after turn, corner after corner, the S60 almost eagerly attacked the twisty roads with the 18-inch low profile tires working hard. Now, before you get too excited, please note that Volvo has been ‘playing’ with Turbochargers for years, from as early as the Volvo 240 Turbo with a 155bhp engine. Yes, that is more than 30 years ago.
The steering is well-weighted and communicative and the S60 feels quite agile, despite weighing more than 1800kg. Get too carried away though and the stability control system comes in and shares its ability to keep you in control. The suspension is well-controlled. It was not upset by mid-corner bumps although it is a little jiggly at low speed on the badly maintained JKR roads. The suspension is firm but well damped and comfortable. The 8-speed automatic gets the job done and if you want more action, use the paddle shifters to shift faster.
So, there is a lot to like about this new S60. It is certainly more dynamic than its predecessor and it is the sportiest model in the range. From our well managed test drive, this S60 T6 is a genuine rival to the segment leaders in the luxury mid-sized sedan class but possibly the biggest hurdle will be actually getting the people into the showroom to take it for a test drive.
What You Need To Know Also
This Volvo comes equipped as standard with Sensus Connect. The Digital Display theme colours are also echoed in the connected infotainment system Sensus Connect. It features a refreshed user interface with a number of innovative functions offering customers a fully connected experience. The cloud-based services allow the driver to discover new restaurants at the destination, stream favourite music seamlessly and much more. The driver can also have text messages read out aloud without taking hands off the wheel. The Bluetooth mobile phone service allows hands-free phone conversations as well as music streaming from a preferred Bluetooth enabled smartphone.
This T6 also has IntelliSafe, Volvo’s blanket name for all active safety systems, is an important part of the driver-centric approach in the S60. Park Assist Pilot makes parallel parking easy and precise by taking over and operating the steering wheel while the driver handles the gearbox and controls the car’s speed. The parking maneuver is based on front, rear and side-facing ultrasonic sensors.
Limited units are now available for purchase at all authorised Volvo showrooms nationwide. The S60 T6 comes in five exterior colour options: Ice White, Seashell, Ember Black, Saville Grey and Bright Silver.
Volvo S60 T6 Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinders 16V Turbo
Power: 306bhp @ 5700rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 2100-4800rpm
Capacity: 1969cc
Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic semi-auto
Speed: 230km/h
0-100km/h: 5.9secs
Price: From RM280,888.00
