Given the relative traffic freedom of a post-Easter driving route around the lochs and mountains of Scotland, to be frank, I can think of no better way to clarion the safety and security of Volvo’s latest S60 model. It has taken a while to get here, over which even its US-build location had zero influence. With SUVs taking precedence, XC60 had to come first, followed by various estate car variants in both front and 4WD forms.
Saloon models still have value in many markets, otherwise notional rivals like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz would not have the market shares they do. Yet, Volvo always does it differently and not without good reason. It is worth highlighting that this is also the only and first Volvo not to offer a diesel option. In launch trim, the wondrous 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine benefits from turbo-boosting and develops a modest 250bhp, accompanied by 258lbs ft of torque between 1,800-4,800rpm, just where it can be put to beneficial use.
The result is a 0-60mph time of 6.2s, a top whack of 145mph and, even hooked-up to an 8-speed automatic transmission, a fuel return of up to 39.8mpg, with a CO2 rating of 155g/km, helped by ‘stop:start’ technology and gearbox efficiency. Given its head, on broadly deserted and moderately well-surfaced roads, I can tell you that you would not need much more, as the car is capable of getting into three-figure, potential licence-losing territory with tremendous alacrity.
Exploiting it is a joy enhanced by superior chassis dynamics. While Volvo is renowned for its advanced ‘electrickery’ that is intended to keep most motorists on the straight and narrow, on Scotland’s ‘s&n’s’ S60 displayed nothing less than total driver support, despite its momentous 1,616kgs kerb-weight. Riding on 20.0-inch diameter alloy wheels clad in 235/40 section rubber, I can inform you that the car’s mechanical grip levels, even in a light shower, are nothing short of legendary. While firm, the ride quality is outstanding, aided by first-rate steering geometry and deliciously driver-controllable handling finesse. Chucking the S60 around some enticing back-doubles, or whisking through long radius bends, the car’s balance is never less than impeccable, while its straight-line stability is excellent.
As a packaging exercise, Volvo has used all of the talents employed on the other versions of this platform. The gorgeous and well-equipped interior is cosseting and supportive. Yet, there is space behind me (a two-metre tall driver) for another me; in fact four ‘me’s’ and a fifth smaller occupant could fit comfortably in a flexible interior that extends to the S60’s extendible (via electric drop-switches) 442-litre boot capacity.
Be under no illusion, Volvo has created an ultimate sports saloon for a modern world in its all-new S60, which (in test trim) costs £40,535 (inc. £400 for the split-fold back seats, £1,200 for the power panoramic sunroof, £850 for the wheels and £150 for the spare wheel; all pre-discount).
