Volvo Malaysia has introduced another new model to their lineup, this time to take on key German rivals such as the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. It’s available here in two trims – a 1.6-litre 180 hp T4 engine and the range topping 2.0-litre 240 hp T5 engine.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Volvo S60 T4 Sedan | Volvo S60 T5 Sedan |
| Engine |
1,596cc; 4-cyl turbo
|
1,999cc; 4-cyl turbo
|
| Transmission | 6-speed Powershift with Geartronic | 6-speed Powershift with Geartronic |
| Max Power | 180 hp @ 5,700 rpm | 240 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,600 – 5,000 rpm | 320 Nm @ 1,800 to 5,000 rpm |
| 0 – 100km/h; Top Speed | 9.0 seconds; 225 km/h | 7.5 seconds; 230 km/h |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM221,888.00 | RM268,888.00 |
This Scandinavian beauty was one of the four Volvo models to make the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ list for – you guessed it – being an exceptionally safe vehicle in its class.
EXTERIOR
Like the XC60, the changes done on the outside are somewhat similar and easily differentiated from the pre-facelift model. For instance, the S60 facelift gets a new front fascia and bonnet design, reworked headlights and a horizontally fitted LED daytime running lights. The grille is also bigger here, and the whole exterior package is supplemented by bolder horizontal lines around the car.
Telling the T4 and T5 apart is fairly easy, besides the obvious badge placed on their respective rumps. The T5 variant gets an additional radar box mounted to the grille, which grants you the trim exclusive Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Distance Alert. The radar box is finished in gloss black, helping it blend better into the grille. Both variants sit on 17-inch wheels, but the T4’s are wrapped with 215/50 R17 series tyres, while the T5 gets 235/45 R17 profiled rubbers.
INTERIOR
Inside, the S60 remains pretty much the same, featuring the Swedish carmaker’s familiar floating centre console design. What’s new here is the digital instrument cluster with 8-inch Adaptive Digital Display (ADD), similar to that of the Volvo V40 and XC60. The ADD, a feature exclusive only to the T5 variant, uses an active Thin Film Transistor (TFT) crystal to project essential information to the driver, and there are three themes to choose from – Elegance, Eco and Performance.
PERFORMANCE
Again, only two variants will be offered in two engine configurations. The T4 badge grants you a 1.6-litre GTDi turbocharged engine makes 180 hp at 5,700 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm, while the T5 variant gives you a 2.0-litre GTDi unit making an impressive 240 hp at 5,500 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm.
All that power gets channeled to the front wheels only via Volvo’s six-speed Powershift dual clutch automatic gearbox with Geartronic. Its numbers are good for a 9-second 0 to 100 km/h sprint with the T4 and 7.5 seconds with the T5, while maxing out at 225 km/h and 230 km/h respectively.
SAFETY
Ah, if it isn’t what all Volvos have come to be known for. Despite costing a good RM47k less than the T5, the base model T4 doesn’t quite fall short in terms of its safety features. We’re talking about a Volvo after all, right? It gets Active Bending Lights, City Safety tech (up to 50 km/h), Blind Spot Info System with Closing Vehicle Warning, Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Drive Info Display, Corner Traction Control by Torque Vectoring, Advanced Stability Control and Electric Parking Brake.
Also thrown into the safety pack are Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Ready Alert Brakes, child ISOFIX mount and a total of six airbags.
The T5 on the other hand, comes fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control with full auto braking and pedestrian detection, Driver Alert Control, Lane Departure Warning, Road Sign Information and Active Head Beam (anti-dazzling high beam function).
WHAT ELSE?
The T4 variant is priced at RM221,888 while the T5 costs RM268,888 OTR without insurance. Both variants come with Volvo’s extended coverage plan which includes a 5-year warranty, 5 years of free service including parts per scheduled maintenance, and 5 years of free roadside assist (Volvo-on-Call).
For those who want your S60 to look sportier, Volvo is offering an R-Design Styling package on top of the already alluring Swedish sedan. Not long after the XC60 was introduced, a twincharged T6 variant came along the way, one that’s good for 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Only time can tell if the S60 will come with such a motor.
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