VOLVO S60 SALOON READER REVIEWS

My car

What a fantastic car! I have only owned this for a few days but I can't ever imagine my opinion changing. It drives superbly, accelerates like a bullet train and the interior is a fantastic place to be. I had the previous S60 which was always a good car and very reliable but quite bland and forgetful. This is the exact opposite! I considered the Passat CC before buying this and I definitely made the right decision. The car was an ex fleet demonstrator so is loaded to the roof with toys and safety features. I am so pleased with the car and also with Rybrook Volvo in Warrington for excellent service throughout. If you take the plunge and get one of these you WILL NOT be disappointed.

My car

I have recently bought this car, and it is my first purchase of a Volvo.

Design - I have to say that when you compare the S60 to the German competition, it does stand out. I am a fan of the external design. It is different, and yet also beautiful. The interior is of high quality. I am not such a fan of the internal design, but the seats are just the most comfortable I have ever sat in. They are heaven for a long disatance drive.

Performance - The D5 has plenty of torque, and a decent 0-60 time. The engine is smooth, and has a lovely growl to it. I am averaging over 42 mpg, on mixed runs, which is good.

Safety - This is where the S60 really shines. City safe, blind spot, pedestrian detection, collision detection: the list is endless, and I chose to have them fitted. I tend to deactivate the lane departure warning, as this can be intrusive . But in terms of the others, I think they are superb, and I like to have them, hoping I will never have to use them.

Handling - Is good. Not best in class, and the steering is a bit light. But traction is good, and body roll controlled.

All in all, if you are considering an alternative to the ususual suspects, I would recommend the S60. In terms of comfort, safety, and design it stands out from the competition. Whilst the 3 Series will handle better, the Audi A4 depreciate less, a C Class have better performance, somehow they trail the S60 because they are, well, too Germanic. Me, I'll relax in safety and comfort of the Volvo.

My car

Beautiful car in Passion Red. Really well balanced. Great road holding and suspension, with minimal body roll in corners. Very precise steering. Great interior, very comfortable seats, absorbs bumps well from uneven roads. Only extra heated seats, not sure the other extras are worth the cost. Economy OK, 56 mpg at 70+ mph on long run, 40 mpg around town, engine still new. Loads of torque. Gearing not quite as flexible as previous 2006 Accord, but fine nonetheless. In my opinion, rear wheel drive BMW 3 series seriously over-rated (cramped, spartan interior, boring shape), and not much “fun” on cold, wet, muddy British roads, unlike this front wheel drive S60 R-design which takes everything in its stride.

My car

I have test driven the S60 D3 twice. Once just to get the feel of it and second to compare it against other cars I'd test driven (Audi A4; Audi A5 Sportback; Mercedes CDI 220/200; and Alfa Guiletta). I've been a Volvo owner before (old model S40) and nearly bought the old model S60 but preferred an A4 Sportline, which has been the model of reliability. So what's the new S60 like? I enjoyed driving it although I couldn't master the adaptive cruise control. The BLIS system is excellent but I had the salesman turn off the lane departure alarm. The seats are supremely comfortable; the ride and handling are good; the engine was quiet and powerful although I had to use the gears more than I would in my Audi even though the latter only has 140bhp. The steering was light but communicative. It is the best car I've driven of all those mentioned above and I would buy one except it does not have a spare wheel. Nor can you run it on run flats. All you get is a tyre sealant kit. How safe is that on a wet and wintry dark night? Volvo has lost a sale because of this - I don't care that one hardly ever has a puncture. I'd only need one. A silly oversight. Apparently all Volvos are going to go down this route in order to lessen weight and fuel consumption. As the Merc salesman said - no sealant with us - a tyre even if it is a space saver. Volvo isn't BMW and shouldn't pretend it is.