Strange that the quoted curb weight is low versus the Volvo build site but the 0-60 claim is per the manufacturer.

 

Yes, that is strange, as you wouldn't think that they'd be running around with a scale.

Good review, though. And pretty much sums up what I thought the car would be. Including the ride which I expected to be surprisingly stiff for a Volvo. Driving the S80 with the sport suspension, I noted that it was quite firm for a Volvo, even firmer than some of the German competition. But that was all at low speeds.

I hope that some retailers have guts to order 4C, or it comes on some of the demo cars. Would love to see how it stacks up in this car. I know it was great in the S80 Gen II.

 

And Volvo continues to put in its cars some of the most comfortable seats available in a car today.

Gosh, I hope that's true. I really miss the seats from my S60. The seats in this S40 are way too hard. Might have to trade up to one of these new S60s when people are dumping them (or coming off lease) after ~2 years

 

No problem with Vibrant Copper; then again I had a Sonic Blue S60R! Makes them easy to find among the other colors.
As far as the 4C I had on the R I think it was over rated and I didn't get much out of it; one man's opinion.

 

I am looking forward to driving the 4C on the S60. I know that the 4C in the S80 Gen II is vastly superior to the system in my R.

 

I am on the press car list, I'll be sure to post when I get it. Volvo's press fleet may not be ready until September however.

 

So I build one just for the fun of it...
skipped on the 4C which gave me the ability to slap some coilovers on it
Definately looks unique....too bad it's not a manual

 

I tell you, if there is a T5 MT, I might consider it. Although would be surprised if AWD comes in anything other than T6 guise.

 

Unfortunately no more turbo 5 for the S60. The "T5" is a 2.0T 4 cylinder. Really stupid move IMO. Makes the car less premium.

 

There...but not here, from the rumors floating around.

 

First Dutch road test also complains about to much understeer on the 2.0 FWD, slightly better on the D5 AWD. Little feel in the steering. Can't uphold Volvo's claim that this is the most sportive Volvo ever.

 

Ugh so disappointed. That's just deflating to hear.

 

Does anyone actually know the weight distro of the T6 and can someone confirm that the transverse engine is mount in front of the front axle like the A4's.

 

As with most Volvo cars, you can argue it is more-or-less over the axle/slightly in front. We shall see how it compares to other AWD vehicles when it arrives. Being front heavy is a very common Audi complaint in reviews, but it doesn't always translate into poor owner experiences.

 

The short rear deck probably doesn't help balance the weight distribution. I wouldn't assume a I6 aluminum block motor wouldn't weigh that much although probably a bit heavier than a V6. The new TL compensates for the inherent push using SH-AWD. Does anyone know what Volvo's strategy is for taming understeer.

 

Electronic control systems mostly. Enhanced DSTC that will brake wheels to keep the arc, but they do it in a much more subtle way than the current cars do. Suspension tuning, sway bar tuning all add to this. However, most car manufacturers in general tune their cars towards under-steer.

 

Attached link to review from Australian perpective from launch in Portugal.

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/first-drive-new-volvo-s60-20100521-vzp5.html

Interesting read with some not so flattering comments on the auto transmission. I really do hope we do not end up with runflats here in Oz.

Also second Australian review with on a bit more info on engines other than the T6.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2010/medium-passenger/volvo/s60/s60-goes-gunning-for-3-19438

Tony

 

Interesting read with some not so flattering comments on the auto transmission.

Ugh, totally not good.

 

From one of the reviews : " Of course there's a manual override, allowing the driver to take more control, although it defeats the purpose of an automatic transmission."

I would have liked to know the response time for the manual override.
Either way...I'll keep mine in manual mode all the time

 

Transmission issues? You take that back! It seems like it's starting in 3rd, but I can't say for sure. I know it's not 1st because if I get on the gas after I start rolling, it'll downshift.

Edit: Checked it at lunch by switching to manual after starting from a stop in auto. It was in 1st or 2nd depending on how quickly I switched. I got the idea it started in 3rd by doing the same thing one day. Must have taken longer to switch from auto to manual than I thought.

 

At least the description of the handling characteristic in the article was somewhat encouraging. Maybe the shift prog will be sorted out by production. Easier to fix software issues than hardware. Any rumors on whether a manual will be offered in the future.

 

Maybe the shift prog will be sorted out by production.

Same ugly behavior since introduction in 2000. Don't expect something worthwhile in the next 5 years.

 

I apologise if I'm becoming repetitive, but further link below covering a more comprehensive review of the S60's launch in Portugal.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/reviews/2010/medium-passenger/volvo/s60/volvo-s60-19476

The review is very much an Australian perpective concentrating on the two engines that have been confirmed for Australia - the T6 and D5. Again adverse comment on the auto transmission (although only limited to the auto/T6 combination) and - for our Ozzie readers - again critical comment on the possibility of either runflat tyres or simply a puncture repair kit.

Tony

 

Some first drives:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/252142/volvo_s60_d5.html

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Volvo-S60-3.0-T6-SE-Premium-4WD/249963/

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/Volvo-S60-D5-2010-CAR-review/

http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/volvo-s60-driven/249961

All quite positive, looking forward to driving this car

 

From Car:

One glitch: the six-speed auto fitted to our test car constantly hunts for gear and in hilly terrain I ended up manually shifting to prevent mid-corner hesitation. Not the best auto 'box, especially compared with the latest ZF auto you'll find in modern BMWs or Jaguars

From AutoCar:

The six-speed autobox has the option of normal and sports setting, and the option of a sequential manual shifting. Although the sports mode is preferable, the car tends to snatch away even when the driver accelerates gently.

From WhatCar:

We also drove the D5 model, which has a 205bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, in 'Geartronic' automatic form. The combination is not as smooth as you'd expect.

VCNA / Volvo: I hope you are listening. This is not a small "preference" thing. Every single review I have read complains about the geartronic in some way, and at some level.

I seriously hope someone is taking this to heart.

 

I already made a compromise buying a V70 2.5T manual instead of a T6. The sole reason being the GT only option for the T6 engine. I even drove a C30T5 for one and a half year hoping that a manual T6 would show up.
It has been almost 2 years since buying the V70 and Volvo is still offering the outdated GearTronic as the only option on their premium model. A GearTronic which is supposed to be optimized according Volvo's marketing blah btw..
Same story for the S60. 4 cylinder isn't premium, I hope Volvo will offer the 5 cylinder again in the future but no S60 for me as long as the only manual non diesel version is a 4 cylinder.

I've decided to wait no more. V70 will stay another couple of years because it simply is an amazing car. Moved on and bought the only real R successor available at this moment. It's pricey yes but at least it's a 5 cylinder with a 6 speed manual.. Maybe the start of leaving Volvo all together.. Also because the last two Volvo's were mostly Ford anyway and to be honest they have treated me well.

I really don't understand how Volvo marketing can operate missing the boat in so many area's. The US market going V70less is the best proof of how Volvo is screwing up in this area. The S60 will probably be second since they are offering the same "doesn't sell" setup for the US market. No bright light over at Volvo can see what is going on? Oh no, of course not because the company has been operated by numbers only. Sentiment is so 2003.

Bring back the 5, bring back the 6 speed manual as an option, or an overhauled GT as an option on different markets, bring back the intermediate pricing levels and come down to earth again and see what customers really want.

And no, not everyone wants to drive a NoxBox.

 

I already made a compromise buying a V70 2.5T manual instead of a T6. The sole reason being the GT only option for the T6 engine. I even drove a C30T5 for one and a half year hoping that a manual T6 would show up.
It has been almost 2 years since buying the V70 and Volvo is still offering the outdated GearTronic as the only option on their premium model. A GearTronic which is supposed to be optimized according Volvo's marketing blah btw..
Same story for the S60. 4 cylinder isn't premium, I hope Volvo will offer the 5 cylinder again in the future but no S60 for me as long as the only manual non diesel version is a 4 cylinder.

I've decided to wait no more. V70 will stay another couple of years because it simply is an amazing car. Moved on and bought the only real R successor available at this moment. It's pricey yes but at least it's a 5 cylinder with a 6 speed manual.. Maybe the start of leaving Volvo all together.. Also because the last two Volvo's were mostly Ford anyway and to be honest they have treated me well.

I really don't understand how Volvo marketing can operate missing the boat in so many area's. The US market going V70less is the best proof of how Volvo is screwing up in this area. The S60 will probably be second since they are offering the same "doesn't sell" setup for the US market. No bright light over at Volvo can see what is going on? Oh no, of course not because the company has been operated by numbers only. Sentiment is so 2003.

Bring back the 5, bring back the 6 speed manual as an option, or an overhauled GT as an option on different markets, bring back the intermediate pricing levels and come down to earth again and see what customers really want.

And no, not everyone wants to drive a NoxBox.

Did you buy the Focus RS in those pics Johann?

As an aside, I think it's a shame that the choices are so limited, as from everything I have read, the engineers really nailed the S60's chassis and the engine is a peach.

 

Updated Car review with diesels:

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/Volvo-S60-D5-2010-CAR-review/

They really like the diesels!

By the way I just have one question:

Have driven a recent C220 CDİ with the slushbox, and it handles so awfully, constant sliding, non-confidence inspiring brakes, terribly artificial steering, OLD gearbox!! It was so bad I do not even know how they could even compare it to the 3 series!!!

So how come a new s60 does not supposedly handle as good as this terrible little car?

 

It all depends on who reviews the car and what their prejudices are. The S60 is a FWD car and even in AWD trim is still FWD biased. The C class when properly configured has a nice ride and handles well. If a RWD feel is what you seek, then no FWD car, no matter how wonderfully engineered, will ever fit the bill.

 

Motor Trend - First Drive: 2011 Volvo S60 T6 AWD

A Sporting Volvo? Get Your Driving Gloves On

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1008_2011_volvo_s60_awd_first_drive/index.html

 

Motor Trend - First Drive: 2011 Volvo S60 T6 AWD

"When it comes to the S60's on-road suspension feel, there is one potential rub. Europeans and apparently the Chinese will get the car's overall Sport chassis setup, while buyers in the States will get a softer, Comfort version that prioritizes ride over handling, according to our Volvo sources."

Isn't that the reverse of what VCNA announced, i.e., dynamic chassis is standard in the US?

 

"The Geartronic transmission’s shifts are fast, with accurate, unslurred gear changes and a sport mode that holds onto the ratios a bit longer than most manumatics we’ve sampled. "

FINALLY, a review that tells me how quick the shifts are.

 

"The Geartronic transmission's shifts are fast, with accurate, unslurred gear changes and a sport mode that holds onto the ratios a bit longer than most manumatics we've sampled. "

FINALLY, a review that tells me how quick the shifts are.

Well, first review that's said they're quick, not slow. Others have said they're slow.

 

Will Motor Trend also be correcting the 155mph top speed mentioned in the article? I can't imagine Volvo will let US-bound S60s run all the way up 155mph, especially since the vast majority will be equipped with all-season tires.

 

Yeah, they made the correction, but now the last paragragh doesn't follow logically from the preceding one. They also seem to be think 4C is an add-on to the Touring (or Dynamic) chassis rather than the third choice of chassis, evidenced by:

"Those taking the Touring option will be able to tighten things up a bit through the use of Volvo's optional FOUR-C chassis control system"

 

FOUR-C chassis control system will be a standalone option for either chassis. Cost $750. There is no third chassis option for the U.S.

 

Whatcar? now has the full review of the new s60, they gave it 4 stars.

Only downside is the boomy diesel engines, especially with the geartronic. Most other articles mention the nice sound of the diesels when pushed and how refined they are when cruising...!

The second small drawback they found was the overly light steering, but I guess you could increase the stiffness from the menu right? They mentioned that it was very accurate though and that it becomes better when pushed harder

My only complaint with this review-and all other reviews for that matter- is how they rate the safety of the car at 4 stars, I mean this is probably THE safest car on the planet right now!!!

All in all, and considering the other first drives as well, this is most probably volvo's best car to date, very accomplished in every aspect, now all we have to do is test drive it for ourselves

I think the new DI engines will give it even higher leverage, well done Volvo!

 

I'm really anxious to try her out when she arrives. No "R", No manual, but that is better than the lack of our midsize sedan for an other year and a half(someone dropped the ballllllll).

Anyone configured theirs out yet? Looking on the Volvo Cars US site and I made me a sassy looking one.
Climate
Multimedia
Premium Packages
Flamenco Red(sexyyyyyyyyyyy)
Offblack leather
Freja 18 inch wheels(3450$)
Spoiler
Sport rear bumper with Dual Tail Pipes
Sport front bumper
Sport pedals
All that for less than 50 000$ USD.
Some of these packages will be different up here, but essentially, this car will outsell the BMW's, Audi's, Lexus at the condition that the programs support the product.

What do you guys think?

 

All that for less than 50 000$ USD.

What do you guys think?

That's too much money, IMO. You're into S4 territory. The T6 needs to compete with the A4 Premium plus, possibly the prestige - which only gets up to about $45 - $46k.

I think the price will be helped without the ridiculous price for those wheels which Volvo will figure out quickly when no one buys them at that price. You could buy a nice set of forged wheels for less. Something tells me that Volvo will figure that one out......

But that combo, which is the same at the Geneva show, is really hot. I've seen Flamenco red in person and it's really, really sharp on a sporty car. Looks awesome on the C70s'. I can't wait to see an S60 in it.

 

Its academic to me since I am not interested in a mid-sized sedan, or any sedan for that matter, but I would say that is WAY too much money. Remember, "practical cars, for practical people.' $50K is whistling in the dark. People don't cross shop S60s with S4s or M3s, they cross shop them with upper level Toyotas and Nissans. That's what practical people do. This naughty crap is just an advertising campaign to try to get people to cross shop them with the ultimate driving machine or other up scale models. I don't think it is going to work.

 

I don't agree. I think that the S60 is going to compare very nicely to the A4.

However, it is more expensive. An A4 Prestige Tiptronic with the Audi Side assist and rear side airbags is $44,800. An S60 with all packages and stand alone options is $47,400. And yes, those are fairly comparably equipped. The Volvo has a big HP edge, and it's hard to compare to the Audi since the Audi no longer comes with the 3.2. And the Audi can get more expensive with the S Line Package, Audi Drive Select or 19" Sports package, but I'm not including those because you can't get them on the Volvo at this point, with the exception of the sports suspension. The 19" sports package is $1,400 but it also comes with upgraded seats, 19" vs. the Volvo's 18" wheels and the S-line steering wheel with shift paddles.

Not good Volvo. I think you needed to undercut the Audi, or at least be on par. That's honing in on 335i territory.