With the engine downsizing trend in full swing, and the local consumers getting a fair share of it with the widespread of choices in Cat A COE, the market looks set to embrace the next wave of entrants. Diesel cars.
CEVS and the revised diesel tax system have ignited new hopes for this breed of automotives. Evident from the influx of diesel cars we have sampled since the start of the new year, car dealers have given considerable attention to these oil burners. And the latest S60 D2 would definitely not be the last.
The S60 was the first child under Geely's parentage. Incidentally, it is also the first Volvo to be offered locally in diesel guise (codenamed D2). The same engine will later find its way to the V60 estate and S80 flagship.
In Singapore, Volvo grew an impressive 28 percent in sales volume, standing proof of its might against bigger German players in the field.
And now the marque has hit the ground rolling, riding on the bandwagon with all three of the D2 variants (S60, V60 & S80) garnering a tall $15,000 discount from CEVS.
Exterior
We must agree that for the most part of history, Volvos haven't been the most enticing to look at. But more recently, the Swede has been eloquent in the language of suave and stylish. Besides the S60, a quick look at the latest entrant to the lineup - the V40 Cross Country - reaffirms this thought.
CEVS and the revised diesel tax system have ignited new hopes for this breed of automotives. Evident from the influx of diesel cars we have sampled since the start of the new year, car dealers have given considerable attention to these oil burners. And the latest S60 D2 would definitely not be the last.
The S60 was the first child under Geely's parentage. Incidentally, it is also the first Volvo to be offered locally in diesel guise (codenamed D2). The same engine will later find its way to the V60 estate and S80 flagship.
In Singapore, Volvo grew an impressive 28 percent in sales volume, standing proof of its might against bigger German players in the field.
And now the marque has hit the ground rolling, riding on the bandwagon with all three of the D2 variants (S60, V60 & S80) garnering a tall $15,000 discount from CEVS.
Exterior
We must agree that for the most part of history, Volvos haven't been the most enticing to look at. But more recently, the Swede has been eloquent in the language of suave and stylish. Besides the S60, a quick look at the latest entrant to the lineup - the V40 Cross Country - reaffirms this thought.
This is not to say the Swede has lost its sense of identity. Like a chip off the old block, the S60's styling still reminisce of the 'all sides square' Volvos.
Winding the clock backwards, it was in 2011 when we first sampled the S60 T6. Two years now, the design still look fresh, and it feels like the S60 has hardly aged at all.
Winding the clock backwards, it was in 2011 when we first sampled the S60 T6. Two years now, the design still look fresh, and it feels like the S60 has hardly aged at all.
Interior
Standing up to the bench markers in automotive interior design, the Swedes does not pale in comparison. Unlike the business like ambience in the rivalling Audis, Benz and Bimmers, the S60's interior is in a class of its own.
For starters, the iconic 'floating console' exudes a high tech feel, at the same time giving allowances for cubby holes which come in handy for storing miscellaneous items.
Elsewhere, aluminium trims form contrast to the black plastics and leather upholstery. The sombre surroundings feel well built, with good fit and finish. The doors too feels heavy, which uplift the overall perceived quality of the cabin.
The D2 is no less specced than its petrol driven stablemates. It comes with gadgetry niceties such as USB port for iPod connectivity, AUX input, as well as bluetooth for telephony functions.
Standing up to the bench markers in automotive interior design, the Swedes does not pale in comparison. Unlike the business like ambience in the rivalling Audis, Benz and Bimmers, the S60's interior is in a class of its own.
For starters, the iconic 'floating console' exudes a high tech feel, at the same time giving allowances for cubby holes which come in handy for storing miscellaneous items.
Elsewhere, aluminium trims form contrast to the black plastics and leather upholstery. The sombre surroundings feel well built, with good fit and finish. The doors too feels heavy, which uplift the overall perceived quality of the cabin.
The D2 is no less specced than its petrol driven stablemates. It comes with gadgetry niceties such as USB port for iPod connectivity, AUX input, as well as bluetooth for telephony functions.
The interior, however, is not without its flaws. For instance, some switches feel too small to the touch, and require more effort to locate or operate.
While the S60 may look smallish with its tapered ends, the compact executive boast adequate allowances. Worth mentioning are the highly supportive sculptured seats which help smoothen the jittering from the sportier suspension setup.
The downside is the protruding transmission tunnel which restricts movement across the rear bench. Otherwise, the hind quarters are actually good for three adults abreast.
While the S60 may look smallish with its tapered ends, the compact executive boast adequate allowances. Worth mentioning are the highly supportive sculptured seats which help smoothen the jittering from the sportier suspension setup.
The downside is the protruding transmission tunnel which restricts movement across the rear bench. Otherwise, the hind quarters are actually good for three adults abreast.
The Drive
Upon handed the keys to the car, we were duly reminded that the D2 is more inclined towards economy than outright performance. After having our mindset 'straightened', we set off to find that the D2 was more than just economical. Instead, those expecting a dull, uninspiring drive (as what the 12.3 seconds century sprint timing would hint at) will be in for a surprise.
While the 1.6-litre four pot could hardly be described as intoxicating, it is punchy to say the least. Pedal to the metal, the 270Nm of torque is more than adequate for urban sprints, but not without giving out a throaty howl. That said, the audible note is more bassy, unlike the hollow clatters from the Sonata which we are used to. When driven with a more sensible right foot, the D2 will manage 14km/L too.
As a diesel, the S60 fares adequately in its refinement level. At idle, the clattering from the diesel engine is kept minimal with competent isolation. On the hindsight, to expect the refinement level of a standard petrol from a diesel is as good as expecting to savour the best flavours of Tom Yam soup, without having to go through the sour and spicy part of it. In short, they are part of the package.
Upon handed the keys to the car, we were duly reminded that the D2 is more inclined towards economy than outright performance. After having our mindset 'straightened', we set off to find that the D2 was more than just economical. Instead, those expecting a dull, uninspiring drive (as what the 12.3 seconds century sprint timing would hint at) will be in for a surprise.
While the 1.6-litre four pot could hardly be described as intoxicating, it is punchy to say the least. Pedal to the metal, the 270Nm of torque is more than adequate for urban sprints, but not without giving out a throaty howl. That said, the audible note is more bassy, unlike the hollow clatters from the Sonata which we are used to. When driven with a more sensible right foot, the D2 will manage 14km/L too.
As a diesel, the S60 fares adequately in its refinement level. At idle, the clattering from the diesel engine is kept minimal with competent isolation. On the hindsight, to expect the refinement level of a standard petrol from a diesel is as good as expecting to savour the best flavours of Tom Yam soup, without having to go through the sour and spicy part of it. In short, they are part of the package.
In line with its image as a sporty mid-size sedan, the S60 rides more firmly too. Less of the pillowy plush ride you get from the C-Class, the Swede sedan does receive bits of tremors in its cabin from pocketed tarmac. The firmer setup however give rise to a more dynamic driving experience.
Conclusion
Adopting clean diesel technologies, the S60 D2 underlines the marque's eco friendly efforts, evident from its low emission levels. More relevant to our market is the $15,000 tax grant, which is the highest in its class thus far, gaining practicality in terms of costs savings.
And if the distant diesel rattle is not the top most concern in your motoring needs, the S60 makes for a compelling choice with its right mix of looks, handling and economy.
Conclusion
Adopting clean diesel technologies, the S60 D2 underlines the marque's eco friendly efforts, evident from its low emission levels. More relevant to our market is the $15,000 tax grant, which is the highest in its class thus far, gaining practicality in terms of costs savings.
And if the distant diesel rattle is not the top most concern in your motoring needs, the S60 makes for a compelling choice with its right mix of looks, handling and economy.
