Portland, Oregon - Thoughts of a premium, turbocharged, all-wheel drive sport sedan with 300-ish horsepower don't typically call the Volvo badge to the minds of enthusiasts—though the automaker may be well on their way to changing that. Intended to be the most dynamic and passionate Volvo ever, the Swedish brand's latest S60 is bound to start making Infiniti G37 and BMW 335i shoppers do a double take.
The best S60 ever
For Canadian consumption, the 2011 S60 launches with a 300-horsepower, straight-six turbo engine, all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic slushbox as standard. Of course, a slew of high-end safety gizmos are also on board.
Safety First, Second and Third
Aside from the requisite list of 'smarten up and pay attention' beepers, the new S60 has been given a new 'pedestrian detection' system with fully autonomous auto-braking capabilities. If you're, say, sidetracked by texting , S60 can fully apply its brakes to stop you from hitting that distracted cell-phone social-media enthusiast who's tweeted his way right into traffic.
Other scenarios are possible—but the latest in Volvo safety aims to keep pedestrians out of Volvo S60 grilles, and vice versa.
Elegance under the radar
Safety gadgets are far from the only compelling reason to check out this machine. On the styling front, S60's elegant and understated look is plastered with numerous details that reveal themselves upon closer inspection. This is a rewarding car to look at closely, though it's relatively modest at first glance.
That's a big plus to some.
A stand-out cabin
Ironically, S60's interior is a bit more extroverted. Dark plastics contrast against orange leather, and a plethora of interesting textures and materials reward the fingertips throughout.
The initial impression of the S60's cabin is spot-on. Entry and exit is a cinch, thanks in no small part to buttery leather seats that feel Teflon-coated smooth. Comfort, feel and ergonomics-wise, these are probably the best perches in the industry.
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| The new S60 has been given a new 'pedestrian detection' system with fully autonomous auto-braking capabilities. (Photo: Volvo) |
The best S60 ever
For Canadian consumption, the 2011 S60 launches with a 300-horsepower, straight-six turbo engine, all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic slushbox as standard. Of course, a slew of high-end safety gizmos are also on board.
Safety First, Second and Third
Aside from the requisite list of 'smarten up and pay attention' beepers, the new S60 has been given a new 'pedestrian detection' system with fully autonomous auto-braking capabilities. If you're, say, sidetracked by texting , S60 can fully apply its brakes to stop you from hitting that distracted cell-phone social-media enthusiast who's tweeted his way right into traffic.
Other scenarios are possible—but the latest in Volvo safety aims to keep pedestrians out of Volvo S60 grilles, and vice versa.
Elegance under the radar
Safety gadgets are far from the only compelling reason to check out this machine. On the styling front, S60's elegant and understated look is plastered with numerous details that reveal themselves upon closer inspection. This is a rewarding car to look at closely, though it's relatively modest at first glance.
That's a big plus to some.
A stand-out cabin
Ironically, S60's interior is a bit more extroverted. Dark plastics contrast against orange leather, and a plethora of interesting textures and materials reward the fingertips throughout.
The initial impression of the S60's cabin is spot-on. Entry and exit is a cinch, thanks in no small part to buttery leather seats that feel Teflon-coated smooth. Comfort, feel and ergonomics-wise, these are probably the best perches in the industry.
 |
| The dark plastics contrast against orange leather, and a plethora of interesting textures and materials reward the fingertips throughout. (Photo: Volvo) |