Volvo S60. Sporty mood
The Volvo S60 is a sporty D-class sedan produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo since 2001. The model is equipped with the FWD or 4WD and the front engine position. As of 2020, the market of Israel offers the third generation of the 2018 version of the car.
The manufacturer positions the Volvo S60 as a competitor to the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class. It is not easy to compete with them, but the Swedish sedan differs from the German models by its high level of safety, which is typical for all cars of the manufacturer. The model wins 5 stars of 5 in the Euro NCAP crash tests year after year. The Swedish policemen have driven the S60 cars for the last decade.
First generation
The first generation was produced between 2001 and 2009 and restyled in 2004. The Swedish manufacturer presented the car in 2000. The development lasted 3 years. The first S60 succeeded the obsolete S70. The P2 platform of the S60 was also used for such Volvo models as the V70, the S80 and the XC90. Despite the fact that the platform is shortened, the sedan is larger than its predecessor. The design of the Volvo S60 is conceived by Peter Horbury who currently works at the Chinese Geely company. At that time the exterior of the new S60 became revolutionary for Swedes who were used to conservative ideas. Short overhangs, rounded front body shapes, sloping roof - these were the general trends in European car design. The year 2002 saw the introduction of the S60 AWD, the first Volvo car with electronically controlled transmission. After the restyling in 2004, the S60 could boast of the modified grille, lights, and bumper. The side and bumper moldings were now painted in the same color as the body.
Second generation
The second generation was produced between 2010 and 2018 and restyled in 2013. The Volvo S60 was offered in sedan and estate body styles (the estate version is named the Volvo V60). The second generation was based on the new P24 platform also used for the S80, V50 and XC60 models. The design of the second generation was conceived by Steve Mattin, the current chief designer of AvtoVAZ who is known to Russian car enthusiasts as the designer of the Lada XRAY SUV concept. Safety remained the key parameter for the second generation Volvo S60, thus the car was equipped with several electronic driver assistance systems, including the pedestrian detection system.
The Volvo S60 always wins 5 stars of 5 in the Euro NCAP crash tests.
After the 2013 restyling, the Volvo S60 had a new front-end decor, digital dashboard and paddle shifters for versions with automatic transmission. The car had the sporty suspension. Thanks to the new range of Drive-E engines corresponding to the Euro 6 standards, fuel consumption was reduced.
Third generation
The third generation has been produced since 2018 to the present (as of 2020). This model is available in the market of Israel. The new sedan is based on the SPA modular platform known by other models such as, for example, the V60 estate, which is very close to the S60 in its engineering parameters. The third generation of the S60 is produced in Ridgeville, South Carolina, USA. The new Volvo S60 is 13 cm longer than its predecessor. Its wheelbase is extended by 9.6 cm. When unveiled, the sedan is available in its 4WD version that has 2L hybrid gasoline/electric engines with combined supercharging. The automotive company hopes that the sporty sedan will be able to compete with high-end sports sedans.
Exterior and interior
The 2019-2020 Volvo S60 is characterized by the rich exterior. Its interior is made of high quality materials and is well-equipped. The exterior has a hexagon-shaped grille, new LED headlights in the style of Thor’s Mjollnir, aggressive front bumper, deep-embossed side parts, stylish design of LED taillights and powerful exhaust system. The interior has a virtual dashboard, new multimedia system Sensus Connect compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G with a 9.5-inch screen, controls for several services, navigation and entertainment applications. The expanded wheelbase makes the new S60's interior roomier.
As usual, the new Volvo S60 is equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance systems, including the innovative technologies used in the S90 cars. The electronic assistants help to avoid road traffic accidents and detect other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. The autonomous steering system assumes the functions of driving, accelerating and braking at speeds below 130 km/h. The body of the new sedan is characterized by a high level of passive safety and torsional rigidity. The selection of driving modes and the active operation of the chassis make the car sporty. The top version is distinguished by the adjusted chassis, reinforced brakes and aerodynamic body ground effects.
