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22nd
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The sale of Volvo by Ford to Chinese manufacturer Geely marked the beginning of a radical transformation at Volvo. Henceforth, Volvo is playing the performance and sports-car card, instead of its traditional ‘'safety'' card. The neat part is that the manufacturer remains a top safety pick in consumers' minds.
Volvo/Geely is trying hard to separate itself from the flock. The ConceptCoupe, which premiered at Frankfurt, is living proof. This prototype screams ‘' We've been in the shadow of the Germans long enough. I've got personality too!''
I was pleasantly surprised by the S60 T6. All it needs to do is hang around the big guns for a while longer and next thing you know, the servant will have surpassed the Audi and BMW masters... it's almost there!
What is a 2014 Volvo S60?
The S60, not unlike the soon to be discontinued C30, is Volvo's entry-level model. It has its own unique styling, a combination of luxury and speed. Consumers can choose either the 2.5 liter 5-cylinder T5 or the 3.0 liter V6 powered T60, which are both turbocharged. An R-Design version is available for those seeking even more performance.
2014 Volvo S60 Price and Specs
The turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft torque. The 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission delivers this power to all four wheels.
Fuel economy ratings range between 8 L/100 km city and 11.7 L/100 highway.
The Volvo S60 T6 starts at $47,550. The Platinum edition which I drove was equipped with the Climate Package at $1,350, the Technology package, which adds $1,500, as well as a number of optional safety features such as blind spot detection and lane assist, as well as active Xenon headlights and exotic wood inlays. This plethora of optional equipment raised the price to $57,350.
Driving the 2014 Volvo S60 Platinum
There is no doubt as to the available power, which is easily accessible throughout the power band. I still feel that the sporty aspect of this car is undermined by the emphasis Volvo places on luxury.
Awkward delays while both upshifting and downshifting, as well as the hesitant nature of various electronic driving aids, quickly spoil the fun. That being said, this prestigious sedan remains a good compromise between refinement and driving pleasure.
The various steering-mounted controls are great, but there are far too many. Case in point, the distance alert, which, by the way, can be a little irritating, has its own wheel-mounted control. This option needn't be a standalone feature, as it can easily be combined with a number of different systems. On the other hand, there are a number of convenient features, such as the ability to lower the rear headrests in order to improve visibility, that are easily accessed from the instrument panel.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Volvo S60 Platinum
The 2014 Volvo S60 features numerous upgrades and improvements. Its muscular hood panel, sculpted rear fenders, redesigned front grille, narrow LED headlights and rectangular exhaust outlets give it a refined, modern look.
The interior benefits from a combination of new, brighter materials and quartz lighting that make it sumptuous and inviting.
I have to admit that I was quite proud to be at the wheel of this sporty sedan. It has head-turning character and charm.
The addition of numerous active technological safety features confirms Volvo's desire to attract those who are looking for peace of mind. Volvo would do well to simplify the climate-control system, which was designed to resemble the human body, as well as the complicated audio controls. Volvo demographics are not similar to those who are drawn by, let's say, the Chevrolet Spark. They would do well to provide lots of technology without adding unnecessary complexity...
Also, as much as the comfortable leather seats are sophisticated and suave... I couldn't manage to find an ideal, comfortable, seating position.
Although rear passengers are treated to overly firm seats, the amount of room for both passengers and cargo is impressive for this type of vehicle, which is the smallest sedan in the Volvo lineup.
As is always the case, the additional options raise the prestige level of the vehicle.
Comparing the 2014 Volvo S60 T6 AWD
Most people believe that the Germans (Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C Class) rule the roost in this category. The Japanese (Acura TL, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS) are also holding their own in this company.
So, where does the Volvo fit in all this? The S60, with all the latest upgrades, has certainly improved its standing. Although it's my humble opinion that the S60 is not leading this class, Volvo fans will certainly not be disappointed.
Let's give Geely some time to settle into their new company. We might get to see Volvo progress even more, to the point that... Stay tuned.
Volvo/Geely is trying hard to separate itself from the flock. The ConceptCoupe, which premiered at Frankfurt, is living proof. This prototype screams ‘' We've been in the shadow of the Germans long enough. I've got personality too!''
I was pleasantly surprised by the S60 T6. All it needs to do is hang around the big guns for a while longer and next thing you know, the servant will have surpassed the Audi and BMW masters... it's almost there!
 |
What is a 2014 Volvo S60?
The S60, not unlike the soon to be discontinued C30, is Volvo's entry-level model. It has its own unique styling, a combination of luxury and speed. Consumers can choose either the 2.5 liter 5-cylinder T5 or the 3.0 liter V6 powered T60, which are both turbocharged. An R-Design version is available for those seeking even more performance.
 |
| The S60, not unlike the soon to be discontinued C30, is Volvo's entry-level model. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
2014 Volvo S60 Price and Specs
The turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft torque. The 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission delivers this power to all four wheels.
Fuel economy ratings range between 8 L/100 km city and 11.7 L/100 highway.
The Volvo S60 T6 starts at $47,550. The Platinum edition which I drove was equipped with the Climate Package at $1,350, the Technology package, which adds $1,500, as well as a number of optional safety features such as blind spot detection and lane assist, as well as active Xenon headlights and exotic wood inlays. This plethora of optional equipment raised the price to $57,350.
 |
| The turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Driving the 2014 Volvo S60 Platinum
There is no doubt as to the available power, which is easily accessible throughout the power band. I still feel that the sporty aspect of this car is undermined by the emphasis Volvo places on luxury.
Awkward delays while both upshifting and downshifting, as well as the hesitant nature of various electronic driving aids, quickly spoil the fun. That being said, this prestigious sedan remains a good compromise between refinement and driving pleasure.
The various steering-mounted controls are great, but there are far too many. Case in point, the distance alert, which, by the way, can be a little irritating, has its own wheel-mounted control. This option needn't be a standalone feature, as it can easily be combined with a number of different systems. On the other hand, there are a number of convenient features, such as the ability to lower the rear headrests in order to improve visibility, that are easily accessed from the instrument panel.
 |
| There is no doubt as to the available power, which is easily accessible throughout the power band. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Inside and Out of the 2014 Volvo S60 Platinum
The 2014 Volvo S60 features numerous upgrades and improvements. Its muscular hood panel, sculpted rear fenders, redesigned front grille, narrow LED headlights and rectangular exhaust outlets give it a refined, modern look.
The interior benefits from a combination of new, brighter materials and quartz lighting that make it sumptuous and inviting.
I have to admit that I was quite proud to be at the wheel of this sporty sedan. It has head-turning character and charm.
The addition of numerous active technological safety features confirms Volvo's desire to attract those who are looking for peace of mind. Volvo would do well to simplify the climate-control system, which was designed to resemble the human body, as well as the complicated audio controls. Volvo demographics are not similar to those who are drawn by, let's say, the Chevrolet Spark. They would do well to provide lots of technology without adding unnecessary complexity...
Also, as much as the comfortable leather seats are sophisticated and suave... I couldn't manage to find an ideal, comfortable, seating position.
Although rear passengers are treated to overly firm seats, the amount of room for both passengers and cargo is impressive for this type of vehicle, which is the smallest sedan in the Volvo lineup.
As is always the case, the additional options raise the prestige level of the vehicle.
 |
| As much as the comfortable leather seats are sophisticated and suave... I couldn't manage to find an ideal, comfortable, seating position. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Comparing the 2014 Volvo S60 T6 AWD
Most people believe that the Germans (Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C Class) rule the roost in this category. The Japanese (Acura TL, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS) are also holding their own in this company.
So, where does the Volvo fit in all this? The S60, with all the latest upgrades, has certainly improved its standing. Although it's my humble opinion that the S60 is not leading this class, Volvo fans will certainly not be disappointed.
Let's give Geely some time to settle into their new company. We might get to see Volvo progress even more, to the point that... Stay tuned.