Volvo S60 T4 (A) Review
26 Sep 2011|32,583 views
The recent motoring madness known as the COE has caused many European makes to invade into the Category A that has traditionally been a bastion for Japanese makes. For the past six months, Japanese makes have suffered greatly. Take Toyota for example, their bread and butter cars like the Vios and Altis have taken a huge hit with the entrance of the better equipped and better built Renault Fluence.
Now, even the Swedes are making a beeline for the smaller cc market with their launch of a slew of economical models. This is sign of changing times as just a decade ago, Volvos were still known as the civilian equivalent of armoured personnel carriers with their tough as nails cars driven by fuel guzzling powerplants.
Lately though, the Swede manufacturer have introduced smaller capacity models with more palatable fuel consumption. This started with the 2.0-litre XC60 that despite the smaller engine, doesn't compromise on the XC60's performance.
Now, even the Swedes are making a beeline for the smaller cc market with their launch of a slew of economical models. This is sign of changing times as just a decade ago, Volvos were still known as the civilian equivalent of armoured personnel carriers with their tough as nails cars driven by fuel guzzling powerplants.
Lately though, the Swede manufacturer have introduced smaller capacity models with more palatable fuel consumption. This started with the 2.0-litre XC60 that despite the smaller engine, doesn't compromise on the XC60's performance.
 |
Then came the litmus test for Volvo with the S80 T4. We were intrigued that the Swedes put so much faith on a 1.6-litre powerplant to adequately drive their flagship sedan. While the large S80 has lost some of its oomph, the performance from the little engine was no less impressive. Naturally this led to the engine being introduced to the company's latest S60 sedans.
Exterior
Penned by Steve Mattin whose previous claim to fame was for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and pre-facelifted SL-Class, it is obvious he started with a clean sheet to better demonstrate the brand's new desire for a more dynamic and engaging automobile.
Despite the sensual curves by Steve, the S60 also received some traditional inputs from their long time design head Peter Horbury.
 |
Likewise with the engineering intention, the design of the new Volvo reflects this change. In the front, the headlights are stretched way back to create the impression that the car is moving radically fast even at a standstill. The characteristic Volvo chamfered shoulder-line has also been made less pronounced.
Unlike the previous S60, the roofline has now been exaggerated to blend seamlessly into the rear decklid to create a fluid aerodynamic shape. Like so many recent sedans, the design generally follows a 'four door coupe' concept. This is most evident when viewing the car from a rear three-quarter perspective. The abrupt rear deck together with the slightly forward-leaning stance gives the car a poised and dynamic appearance.
In the rear, the new LED taillights create a readily recognisable impression at night. Dominating the bottom half of the rear is the polished grey diffuser that hides nacelles for the twin chrome tipped exhausts. For shoes, the T4 gets the 18 inch five spoke alloys as opposed to the better looking 18 inch Sleipner alloys on the S60 2.0.
Interior
The all-new Volvo gets an all new interior that has moved away from the Gibson-guitar inspired centre console. On the inside, the designers have taken an intimate 'cockpit' approach to the interior with the focal point on the driver (or pilot if you prefer).
Settling into the driver's chair, you immediately appreciate the comfortably supportive and ergonomic seats that have been a hallmark of Volvo sedans in recent years. Wrapped with the soft leather hide heightens the comfort level even more. Facing the driver is the grippy and highly adjustable steering wheel and together with the electric seats affords the driver the perfect driving position for some serious lock to lock action.
Unlike the previous S60, the roofline has now been exaggerated to blend seamlessly into the rear decklid to create a fluid aerodynamic shape. Like so many recent sedans, the design generally follows a 'four door coupe' concept. This is most evident when viewing the car from a rear three-quarter perspective. The abrupt rear deck together with the slightly forward-leaning stance gives the car a poised and dynamic appearance.
In the rear, the new LED taillights create a readily recognisable impression at night. Dominating the bottom half of the rear is the polished grey diffuser that hides nacelles for the twin chrome tipped exhausts. For shoes, the T4 gets the 18 inch five spoke alloys as opposed to the better looking 18 inch Sleipner alloys on the S60 2.0.
Interior
The all-new Volvo gets an all new interior that has moved away from the Gibson-guitar inspired centre console. On the inside, the designers have taken an intimate 'cockpit' approach to the interior with the focal point on the driver (or pilot if you prefer).
Settling into the driver's chair, you immediately appreciate the comfortably supportive and ergonomic seats that have been a hallmark of Volvo sedans in recent years. Wrapped with the soft leather hide heightens the comfort level even more. Facing the driver is the grippy and highly adjustable steering wheel and together with the electric seats affords the driver the perfect driving position for some serious lock to lock action.
Ahead on the instrument panel are the by now familiar chrono-inspired dials that have been carried over from previous Volvo models. These dials are especially pretty to behold at dusk when they take on a jewel-like quality.
Being a driver oriented cockpit, the centre console is tilted a few degrees towards the driver to allow him a better reach of all the necessary functions. Like the T6 model, the T4's centre console gets a 7 inch display screen that displays the current functions selected.
An interesting aspect of the centre console is the aircon vent that is uniquely ducted through the centre console rather than from the flanks. The new interior also sees an improved user interface system on the 7 inch screen to navigate and alter the car's different systems.
The list of gadgets goes on as the sedan also gets the high performance stereo that bangs out your favourite tunes through an 8-speaker setup. The system provides decent audio performance that will embarrass most factory units. The iPod AUX-in/USB input ensures that the audio system will never be quiet.
Compared to other cars in its class, the Volvo S60 is reasonably spacious for rear passengers with more than adequate legroom. The inclusion of rear passenger aircon ducts also gives greater comfort to the rear occupants.
While there are no figures on the luggage volume, the boot appears spacious enough to swallow two to three golf bags without much difficulty. Further requirements for cargo space can be assuaged with the spilt folding seats.
Being a driver oriented cockpit, the centre console is tilted a few degrees towards the driver to allow him a better reach of all the necessary functions. Like the T6 model, the T4's centre console gets a 7 inch display screen that displays the current functions selected.
An interesting aspect of the centre console is the aircon vent that is uniquely ducted through the centre console rather than from the flanks. The new interior also sees an improved user interface system on the 7 inch screen to navigate and alter the car's different systems.
The list of gadgets goes on as the sedan also gets the high performance stereo that bangs out your favourite tunes through an 8-speaker setup. The system provides decent audio performance that will embarrass most factory units. The iPod AUX-in/USB input ensures that the audio system will never be quiet.
Compared to other cars in its class, the Volvo S60 is reasonably spacious for rear passengers with more than adequate legroom. The inclusion of rear passenger aircon ducts also gives greater comfort to the rear occupants.
While there are no figures on the luggage volume, the boot appears spacious enough to swallow two to three golf bags without much difficulty. Further requirements for cargo space can be assuaged with the spilt folding seats.
 |
In summary, the new S60 interior is comfortable and built to a high quality with all the soft plastics giving a robust tactile touch. Stalks on the steering column feel solid while the leather trim on the doors and seats are soft to the touch but with a high degree of quality.
It seems the Swedes have created a convincing package both inside and outside of the S60 to present a serious challenge for the German makes.
The Drive
The most frugal Volvo ever gets its power from a humble 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) powerplant that it shares with both the S80 and V60 T4. The engine chocks out a respectable 180bhp supplanted with 240Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through the Powershift dual clutch transmission which is also shared with the 2.0 variant.
While the S60 2.0 consumes 12km/L, the T4's combined consumption figure is a mere 13.5km/L. This improved fuel consumption is helped by the T4's weight. At just 1470kgs, the lighterT4 weighs 122kgs less than its larger sibling.
Besides the lower weight, the T4 receives the DRIVe function which further reduces the Volvo's consumption. With the function activated, the system disengages the gearbox from the engine whenever you liftoff the throttle. This has the same effect as releasing the clutch in a manual transmission which returns the engine back to its normal idle point.
It seems the Swedes have created a convincing package both inside and outside of the S60 to present a serious challenge for the German makes.
The Drive
The most frugal Volvo ever gets its power from a humble 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) powerplant that it shares with both the S80 and V60 T4. The engine chocks out a respectable 180bhp supplanted with 240Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through the Powershift dual clutch transmission which is also shared with the 2.0 variant.
While the S60 2.0 consumes 12km/L, the T4's combined consumption figure is a mere 13.5km/L. This improved fuel consumption is helped by the T4's weight. At just 1470kgs, the lighterT4 weighs 122kgs less than its larger sibling.
Besides the lower weight, the T4 receives the DRIVe function which further reduces the Volvo's consumption. With the function activated, the system disengages the gearbox from the engine whenever you liftoff the throttle. This has the same effect as releasing the clutch in a manual transmission which returns the engine back to its normal idle point.
The system is unobtrusive and most drivers would hardly notice it. But should you feel that it is unnecessary, you could turn the system off permanently via a button located on the dashboard.
Despite the smaller engine, driving performance remains impressive. Though one would have to step much harder to overtake, the only difference is in the heightened engine note. Acceleration differs only marginally from the S60 2.0.
Conclusion
It is heartening to see that even Volvo has started taking the global fuel crisis seriously and developing smaller capacity models that are much cheaper to run compared to Volvos of yesteryear.
But despite being the entry-level model among the S60 line-up, the T4 retains the City Safety system of its better equipped siblings.
Now who says you can't have it all?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Despite the smaller engine, driving performance remains impressive. Though one would have to step much harder to overtake, the only difference is in the heightened engine note. Acceleration differs only marginally from the S60 2.0.
Conclusion
It is heartening to see that even Volvo has started taking the global fuel crisis seriously and developing smaller capacity models that are much cheaper to run compared to Volvos of yesteryear.
But despite being the entry-level model among the S60 line-up, the T4 retains the City Safety system of its better equipped siblings.
Now who says you can't have it all?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The recent motoring madness known as the COE has caused many European makes to invade into the Category A that has traditionally been a bastion for Japanese makes. For the past six months, Japanese makes have suffered greatly. Take Toyota for example, their bread and butter cars like the Vios and Altis have taken a huge hit with the entrance of the better equipped and better built Renault Fluence.
Now, even the Swedes are making a beeline for the smaller cc market with their launch of a slew of economical models. This is sign of changing times as just a decade ago, Volvos were still known as the civilian equivalent of armoured personnel carriers with their tough as nails cars driven by fuel guzzling powerplants.
Lately though, the Swede manufacturer have introduced smaller capacity models with more palatable fuel consumption. This started with the 2.0-litre XC60 that despite the smaller engine, doesn't compromise on the XC60's performance.
Now, even the Swedes are making a beeline for the smaller cc market with their launch of a slew of economical models. This is sign of changing times as just a decade ago, Volvos were still known as the civilian equivalent of armoured personnel carriers with their tough as nails cars driven by fuel guzzling powerplants.
Lately though, the Swede manufacturer have introduced smaller capacity models with more palatable fuel consumption. This started with the 2.0-litre XC60 that despite the smaller engine, doesn't compromise on the XC60's performance.
|
Then came the litmus test for Volvo with the S80 T4. We were intrigued that the Swedes put so much faith on a 1.6-litre powerplant to adequately drive their flagship sedan. While the large S80 has lost some of its oomph, the performance from the little engine was no less impressive. Naturally this led to the engine being introduced to the company's latest S60 sedans.
Exterior
Penned by Steve Mattin whose previous claim to fame was for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and pre-facelifted SL-Class, it is obvious he started with a clean sheet to better demonstrate the brand's new desire for a more dynamic and engaging automobile.
Despite the sensual curves by Steve, the S60 also received some traditional inputs from their long time design head Peter Horbury.
|
Likewise with the engineering intention, the design of the new Volvo reflects this change. In the front, the headlights are stretched way back to create the impression that the car is moving radically fast even at a standstill. The characteristic Volvo chamfered shoulder-line has also been made less pronounced.
Unlike the previous S60, the roofline has now been exaggerated to blend seamlessly into the rear decklid to create a fluid aerodynamic shape. Like so many recent sedans, the design generally follows a 'four door coupe' concept. This is most evident when viewing the car from a rear three-quarter perspective. The abrupt rear deck together with the slightly forward-leaning stance gives the car a poised and dynamic appearance.
In the rear, the new LED taillights create a readily recognisable impression at night. Dominating the bottom half of the rear is the polished grey diffuser that hides nacelles for the twin chrome tipped exhausts. For shoes, the T4 gets the 18 inch five spoke alloys as opposed to the better looking 18 inch Sleipner alloys on the S60 2.0.
Interior
The all-new Volvo gets an all new interior that has moved away from the Gibson-guitar inspired centre console. On the inside, the designers have taken an intimate 'cockpit' approach to the interior with the focal point on the driver (or pilot if you prefer).
Settling into the driver's chair, you immediately appreciate the comfortably supportive and ergonomic seats that have been a hallmark of Volvo sedans in recent years. Wrapped with the soft leather hide heightens the comfort level even more. Facing the driver is the grippy and highly adjustable steering wheel and together with the electric seats affords the driver the perfect driving position for some serious lock to lock action.
Unlike the previous S60, the roofline has now been exaggerated to blend seamlessly into the rear decklid to create a fluid aerodynamic shape. Like so many recent sedans, the design generally follows a 'four door coupe' concept. This is most evident when viewing the car from a rear three-quarter perspective. The abrupt rear deck together with the slightly forward-leaning stance gives the car a poised and dynamic appearance.
In the rear, the new LED taillights create a readily recognisable impression at night. Dominating the bottom half of the rear is the polished grey diffuser that hides nacelles for the twin chrome tipped exhausts. For shoes, the T4 gets the 18 inch five spoke alloys as opposed to the better looking 18 inch Sleipner alloys on the S60 2.0.
Interior
The all-new Volvo gets an all new interior that has moved away from the Gibson-guitar inspired centre console. On the inside, the designers have taken an intimate 'cockpit' approach to the interior with the focal point on the driver (or pilot if you prefer).
Settling into the driver's chair, you immediately appreciate the comfortably supportive and ergonomic seats that have been a hallmark of Volvo sedans in recent years. Wrapped with the soft leather hide heightens the comfort level even more. Facing the driver is the grippy and highly adjustable steering wheel and together with the electric seats affords the driver the perfect driving position for some serious lock to lock action.
Ahead on the instrument panel are the by now familiar chrono-inspired dials that have been carried over from previous Volvo models. These dials are especially pretty to behold at dusk when they take on a jewel-like quality.
Being a driver oriented cockpit, the centre console is tilted a few degrees towards the driver to allow him a better reach of all the necessary functions. Like the T6 model, the T4's centre console gets a 7 inch display screen that displays the current functions selected.
An interesting aspect of the centre console is the aircon vent that is uniquely ducted through the centre console rather than from the flanks. The new interior also sees an improved user interface system on the 7 inch screen to navigate and alter the car's different systems.
The list of gadgets goes on as the sedan also gets the high performance stereo that bangs out your favourite tunes through an 8-speaker setup. The system provides decent audio performance that will embarrass most factory units. The iPod AUX-in/USB input ensures that the audio system will never be quiet.
Compared to other cars in its class, the Volvo S60 is reasonably spacious for rear passengers with more than adequate legroom. The inclusion of rear passenger aircon ducts also gives greater comfort to the rear occupants.
While there are no figures on the luggage volume, the boot appears spacious enough to swallow two to three golf bags without much difficulty. Further requirements for cargo space can be assuaged with the spilt folding seats.
Being a driver oriented cockpit, the centre console is tilted a few degrees towards the driver to allow him a better reach of all the necessary functions. Like the T6 model, the T4's centre console gets a 7 inch display screen that displays the current functions selected.
An interesting aspect of the centre console is the aircon vent that is uniquely ducted through the centre console rather than from the flanks. The new interior also sees an improved user interface system on the 7 inch screen to navigate and alter the car's different systems.
The list of gadgets goes on as the sedan also gets the high performance stereo that bangs out your favourite tunes through an 8-speaker setup. The system provides decent audio performance that will embarrass most factory units. The iPod AUX-in/USB input ensures that the audio system will never be quiet.
Compared to other cars in its class, the Volvo S60 is reasonably spacious for rear passengers with more than adequate legroom. The inclusion of rear passenger aircon ducts also gives greater comfort to the rear occupants.
While there are no figures on the luggage volume, the boot appears spacious enough to swallow two to three golf bags without much difficulty. Further requirements for cargo space can be assuaged with the spilt folding seats.
|
In summary, the new S60 interior is comfortable and built to a high quality with all the soft plastics giving a robust tactile touch. Stalks on the steering column feel solid while the leather trim on the doors and seats are soft to the touch but with a high degree of quality.
It seems the Swedes have created a convincing package both inside and outside of the S60 to present a serious challenge for the German makes.
The Drive
The most frugal Volvo ever gets its power from a humble 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) powerplant that it shares with both the S80 and V60 T4. The engine chocks out a respectable 180bhp supplanted with 240Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through the Powershift dual clutch transmission which is also shared with the 2.0 variant.
While the S60 2.0 consumes 12km/L, the T4's combined consumption figure is a mere 13.5km/L. This improved fuel consumption is helped by the T4's weight. At just 1470kgs, the lighterT4 weighs 122kgs less than its larger sibling.
Besides the lower weight, the T4 receives the DRIVe function which further reduces the Volvo's consumption. With the function activated, the system disengages the gearbox from the engine whenever you liftoff the throttle. This has the same effect as releasing the clutch in a manual transmission which returns the engine back to its normal idle point.
It seems the Swedes have created a convincing package both inside and outside of the S60 to present a serious challenge for the German makes.
The Drive
The most frugal Volvo ever gets its power from a humble 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) powerplant that it shares with both the S80 and V60 T4. The engine chocks out a respectable 180bhp supplanted with 240Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through the Powershift dual clutch transmission which is also shared with the 2.0 variant.
While the S60 2.0 consumes 12km/L, the T4's combined consumption figure is a mere 13.5km/L. This improved fuel consumption is helped by the T4's weight. At just 1470kgs, the lighterT4 weighs 122kgs less than its larger sibling.
Besides the lower weight, the T4 receives the DRIVe function which further reduces the Volvo's consumption. With the function activated, the system disengages the gearbox from the engine whenever you liftoff the throttle. This has the same effect as releasing the clutch in a manual transmission which returns the engine back to its normal idle point.
The system is unobtrusive and most drivers would hardly notice it. But should you feel that it is unnecessary, you could turn the system off permanently via a button located on the dashboard.
Despite the smaller engine, driving performance remains impressive. Though one would have to step much harder to overtake, the only difference is in the heightened engine note. Acceleration differs only marginally from the S60 2.0.
Conclusion
It is heartening to see that even Volvo has started taking the global fuel crisis seriously and developing smaller capacity models that are much cheaper to run compared to Volvos of yesteryear.
But despite being the entry-level model among the S60 line-up, the T4 retains the City Safety system of its better equipped siblings.
Now who says you can't have it all?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Despite the smaller engine, driving performance remains impressive. Though one would have to step much harder to overtake, the only difference is in the heightened engine note. Acceleration differs only marginally from the S60 2.0.
Conclusion
It is heartening to see that even Volvo has started taking the global fuel crisis seriously and developing smaller capacity models that are much cheaper to run compared to Volvos of yesteryear.
But despite being the entry-level model among the S60 line-up, the T4 retains the City Safety system of its better equipped siblings.
Now who says you can't have it all?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Also read our comparison article on:
BMW 316i Sport (A) vs Mercedes-Benz C180 1.6 (A) vs Volvo S60 T4 (A)
Car Information
Volvo S60 T4 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|14.7km/L
Horsepower
134kW (180 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo S60
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