The ads say “There’s more to life with a Volvo”, and if I needed any confirmation of this, I got it – in bundles – when I drove the S60 D5, writes Peta Lee.
This rather marvellous piece of equipment tosses out of the window any preconceived notions you might have of Volvos being built for geriatrics. Instead, you can plant your foot firmly on the loud pedal, crank up the volume of the exceptional sound system, and blow your hair back as this very sleek and very stunning (diesel-powered) beauty transports you from 0-100km/h in just 7.8 seconds, and to a top speed of 230km/h.
Increasingly, Volvo’s engineers back in Sweden are turning out innovative, distinctive, stylish and exciting (a word we used not to associate with Volvo, a couple of decades back) cars.
The all-new S60 range is a classic example. Powered by a powerful 2.4 litre engine (151kW @ 4000rpm and 420Nm @ 1500-3250), the D5 Geartronic is heaven on wheels. Hugely frugal – it sips just 6.3 litre of diesel per 100km during a combined cycle – it’s the ultimate vehicle for city driving as well as long journeys. You’ll find the massive boot can pack in all manner of luggage and goodies, and inside the car, legroom and headroom are more than ample.
The finish on the car is beautiful, as you’d expect from Volvo. Tasteful, subtle . . . loved the shimmer graphite aluminium trim . . . with plush leather upholstery ad gorgeous chronograph instrument dials, it’s the epitome of understated elegance and luxury.
Safety wise, of course, you can’t do better. The car’s standard equipment includes all the usual active and passive features like dual stage driver and passenger airbags, SIPS (side impact protection system), dual chamber SIPS airbags, IC (inflatable curtains), roll stability control, the famous Volvo WHIPS (whiplash protection system, front seats), ABS, DSTC (dynamic stability and traction control) with electronic brake assistance, and so on.
The S60 D5 is shod with nice big 16-inch alloy wheels, and sports a pair of beefy twin exhausts.
It looks beautiful, it’s magnificent on the road, whether in stop-start stuff or just plain flat out, and it’s incredibly eye-catching. What more, seriously, could you want?
PS: Ladies, the all-new S60 range comes in the most divine colours . . . check them out at Volvo Pinetown next time you’re in the area! Telephone 031 713 7000.
Click here to see a full range of Volvo accessories.
- The S60 D5 will set you back R408,000