Volvo S60 T3 R-DESIGN Start/Stop 4dr Car Review - March 2012

The Volvo S60 is a versatile saloon which boasts good handling around urban areas and also delivers an accomplished motorway cruise. Its steering is light and responsive while its road grip is impressive, allowing the model to glide through the tightest of corners with ease.

The driver's seat and steering wheel offer a good level of adjustment, allowing for maximum comfort. Most imperfections in the road are dealt with effortlessly by the S60, although the suspension can be a little firm at times, and the ride is refined, even at high speeds.

130mph is the top speed met by this vehicle, which is typical for a car of this class, and it takes 9.5 seconds to travel from 0mph to 62mph. The cars power output is 148bhp and its torque is 177 lb-ft.

The S60 is a stylish saloon but comes up short in terms of equipment. The interior is finished in high quality materials giving the model a premium feel to it, while the controls are laid out neatly and efficiently. Leather seating further enhances the comfort of the cabin.

The sleek external appearance of the car is enriched with alloy wheels, and can be enhanced with metallic paint for £640.

Standard equipment provided with the model includes cruise control, climate control, CD player with MP3 connectivity, electric door mirrors and electric front windows. Bluetooth and rear parking sensors are not standard, and will cost £410 and £385 respectively.

Satellite navigation is available as a cost extra for £525.

The car's warranty is standard; Volvo offer three years and up to 60,000 miles of cover. In terms of security, the car is fitted with central locking and an alarm for maximum security against theft.

The S60 has four doors and seats five occupants making it an ideal choice for a family car, with excellent access in to the vehicle. Head and legroom is generous, even for rear passengers, so a full car won't be a problem even for long journeys. The boot is of a fair size, although not as large as may be expected for a Volvo, offering 339 litres of space with the rear seats up.

The safety has been well established as there is a driver airbag, passenger airbag as well as airbags in the front side area of the vehicle to maximise protection for all passengers.

The Volvo S60 T3 R-DESIGN Start/Stop 4dr is available for £25,440. It is priced competitively but comes with very little additional equipment, as satellite navigation, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and metallic paint are only available at an additional cost.

The car produces 152g/km of CO2 emissions and performs on average at 42.8mpg in terms of fuel economy. These figures are fairly good for the class of the vehicle, however many buyers will be left desiring a greater level of technology within the model.