Volvo S60 T5 R Design- Review

The Volvo brand tends to have an outdated reputation as being a car for old drivers, however with the new S60 T5 R Design, this stigma has been blown right out of the water. This car is excellent in regards to safety, provides a smooth drive and has a sleek but somewhat masculine exterior.

The petrol 6 speed automatic Volvo S60 provides a smooth and powerful drive with 177kW of power @ 5500rpm and 320Nm of torque at 1800-5000rpm. The 4 cylinder direct injection turbo engine has a combined average fuel usage of around 8.6L/100km, making it a great car for both running around town and trips up and down the freeway.

With 18 inch Diamond cut dark grey wheels, rear diffuser and an exhaust system with sport tailpipes and silk metal finish design details, the R-Design certainly makes a stylish impression. One limitation however is the option of only white and red as standard colours, however for an extra cost, 5 other colours are also available. Once inside the luxury does not stop with off-black smooth leather covering the seats, leather clad sports steering wheel with silk metal inlay, sports pedals and other R-Design interior and instrument features limited specifically to this variant of the S60.

Once inside the car does feel rather spacious and certainly very comfortable. With comfort, Volvo has also ensured that your health is taken into consideration with ergonomically designed seats that are powered for both the driver and front passenger. Electronic climate control also allows the maximum comfort of all passengers. Storage throughout the car is also a plus with the front passenger seat able to fold flat, rear center armrest with cup holders and storage compartment, glovebox, front panel and seat storage, cup holders and a front multifunction armrest.

The Volvo S60 is jam packed with technology to assist the driver including the exclusive Volvo Sensus which is activated by pushing the MY CAR button in the center console. This allows you to access all system features, choose from a variety of multi media, and if upgraded allows you to have a navigation system, phone connectivity, park assist, DVD, digital TV and even more. Even better, this can all be controlled from your steering wheel.

The S60 T5 R Design is also equipped with cruise control, the blind spot information system, a push powered parking brake, rain sensors for your windscreen wipers, heated side mirrors that also fold in, automatically dimming rear view mirror and of course a trip computer. Inbuilt into the car is also a Road and Traffic information system ensuring that you know what is happening on the roads to avoid any traffic jams or road blocks. It also boasts a High Performance Media System with 8 speakers, MP3, Bluetooth and iPod compatibility, DVD, CD, AM/FM radio and steering wheel mounted controls.

Safety has not been spared in the S60 T5 R Design with the City Safety program that senses if your car becomes too close to one in front or there is a large discrepancy in the speeds, it will automatically apply the brakes for you. With adaptive brake light technology, if the brakes are applied in a panic, the brake lights will flash at four times per second to alert the car behind you. There is also Active Bending Lights (ABL) ensuring that when you turn corners it is illuminated, Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Of course it is equipped with the standard Dynamic Stability Traction Control, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control with auto brake and pedestrian detection, Hydraulic Brake Assist and Ready Alert Brakes.

Safety is further improved with restraint technologies, Side Impact and Whiplash Protection System, seat belts with pre-tensioners, anti-submarining protection, dual and side airbags, inflatable curtain, collapsible steering column along with an energy absorbing interior and front structure. Security includes central automatic door locking, engine immobiliser and Home Safe lights.

The importance of protecting the environment and the damage cars do has increased over the past few years. Volvo has adapted to this change in the market by equipping the S60 T5 R Design with materials of the interior being tested for contact allergies and an option to have an Air Quality System and Clean Zone Interior Package. Outside the car is 85% recyclable.

All in all, Volvo is moving heaven and Earth to create a cracker of a car that is not only powerful, economical, stylish both inside and outside and provides the maximum safety for all occupants whilst considering their affect on the environment. The Volvo S60 T5 R Design is a car that has a range of options and can suit a large portion of the market.