VOLVO has released images of the all-new S60 prior to its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
The new BMW 3 Series rival is, says the firm, ‘sportier and more distinctive than any previous Volvo’.
A front-drive 4-door saloon, it uses a new platform that the firm says is very rigid to give an Audi-rivalling sporty drive. Indeed, it is 100 percent stiffer than the old S60!
The steering is 10 percent faster than previous models and it is also available with optional 4-C computer-controlled suspension.
Engines include both new and revised units. It will be launched with a single petrol engine – a 3.0-litre T6 turbo that pumps out 304bhp. This hits 60mph in 6.5 seconds.
However, of more relevant to car dealers will be the diesel engine range. There are two to start with: either a 205bhp D5 or a 163bhp D3. Despite the confusing names, both are 5-cylinder units, and average 47.9mpg and 54.3mpg respectively.
Next year, though, there will be a significant additional car – the 1.6D DRIVe, which will average over 65mpg and emit 115g/km of CO2.
As it was thirsty and high-CO2 engines that sealed the fate of the previous S60, the launch of this green eco variant will be significant. Also, in time, will come direct-injection T5, T4 and T3 petrol engines.
Clever gadgets include torque vectoring traction control for the front wheels, which helps the nose turn into bends better.
But the highlight is the radar-detection which senses pedestrians walking in the path of the S60. If it recognises danger, it will slow and even fully stop the car – sector-first technology that’s a big safety advance.
Volvo also says stereo options include an Audyssey Laboratories MultiEQ technology system – commonly used in cinemas, but used in a car for one of the first times here.
90,000 a year will be built, with 30,000 coming to Europe and the UK being one of the top markets. More tech details will follow at Geneva – including, we hope, prices – before it goes on sale in the summer.
source: cardealermagazine
