Volvo S60 DRIVe ES Start/Stop 4dr Car Review - March 2012

Inside the cabin the impression of quality overwhelms. Materials used are of the highest quality and the distinctive styling makes it far more appealing than the interior of some rivals such as the BMW 3-Series. Drivers will have no problem finding the perfect driving position thanks to the range of adjustments available on the driver’s seat and steering wheel. Visibility is good all round and the seats are very comfortable and supportive.

This S60 DRIVe version is powered by Volvo’s 4 cylinder 8 valve 1.6-litre diesel power unit which is environmentally friendly with start/stop engine technology to aid fuel economy. Top speed is 121mph and it will do 0-62mph in a respectable 10.9 seconds. Maximum power is 113bhp and there’s good low range torque of 199lb-ft available. Average fuel economy is good for a car this size at 65.7mpg.

Supposedly the S60 is the sportiest car Volvo has produced, and it is good to drive, although still not in the same class as the BMW 3-Series or Mercedes C-Class for overall driving experience. The S60 is agile and has plenty of grip for cornering. There are three different settings available for the steering, so you can adjust it to be lighter or with a bit more weight depending on your taste.

In spite of the stiffened suspension and precise ride, the S60 is still supremely comfortable to travel in and noise from the road, engine and suspension is nicely deadened inside the cabin.

The S60 is stylish in its looks and the interior, in particular, offers something a little different from its sometimes clinical German rivals.

There’s no skimping on equipment in the S60. It comes well equipped with power steering, central locking, DSTC stability control, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather clad steering wheel which includes the controls for the cruise control, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, alarm, immobiliser and CD with MP3 connectivity.

Volvo also offers as optional extras, metallic paint £640, rear parking sensor £385, leather seats £1,280, Bluetooth £410 and satellite navigation £525.

Saloons are never the most practical of cars and the S60 is no exception. While passenger space is good, both in the front and rear, and the five seats are all supportive and comfortable, the 339-litres of luggage space available is less than in both the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series.

As you’d expect from Volvo the S60 is packed with safety features. Six airbags and DSTC stability control are fitted as standard as well as the City Safe automatic braking system to help avoid hitting the car in front. Optional safety systems include a pedestrian protection system which works at lower speeds and performs an emergency braking procedure should the car sense a pedestrian is in danger of being struck.

Volvo has an excellent reputation for quality and reliability. Build quality and materials used in the cabin interior are top quality and durable. A lot of the mechanicals in the S60 are well tried and tested and the S60 has scored well in recent customer satisfaction surveys.

For peace of mind the S60 is covered by Volvo’s three-year 60,000 mile warranty and regular servicing is every 12,500 miles.

The S60 offers good value for money in comparison to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class.

Priced at £23,745 you get a lot of car for what you pay. Performance is not in the same class as its rivals but the 1.6L DRIVe engine is frugal and emissions of 114g/km are low for its class keeping it in VED band C for Road Tax.

If you’re buying new – then you should be able to get a good discount from dealers. However, most S60s will be bought as company cars, so you’ll find plenty of well maintained ones coming on to the second hand market – making it even more of a bargain.

You should have no problems selling on the S60 DRIVe ES as its environmentally friendly engine and high level of equipment and safety will make it a much sought after car.