Volvo S60 T6

S60 T6 Review

Among the well famed car makers across the globe, Volvo is one name that cannot be omitted. It has in its fleet some of the most stunning vehicles, of which, Volvo S60 is a captivating sedan series. In India, all the vehicles of this company are brought in through the CBU (completely built up units) route. In a bid to increase the number of sales in the car market, the company has now added a petrol variant in this model line up, which is christened as Volvo S60 T6. This variant is equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, which can generate a peak power of 306bhp and 400Nm of maximum torque output, which is rather good for Indian road and traffic conditions. It is cleverly mated with an eight speed automatic transmission gear box, which helps in delivering a decent performance along with good mileage. Volvo cars across the world have always been an epitome of safety and this variant is also packed with numerous features that ensure maximum protection to the occupants. It includes a remote control alarm, whiplash protection system, dual stage airbags, cut-off switch for the passenger airbag, warning triangle, traction control, emergency brake lights and many other such aspects. The interiors are done up elegantly with a dual tone color scheme that is further complimented by dark wood inlays, which gives it a plush look. The cabin is quite spacious and packed with a number of utility as well as comfort aspects.

Exteriors:

This enticing sedan is blessed with an aerodynamic body design, which is fitted with a lot of cosmetic aspects. Its frontage has a large radiator grille, which is fitted with a few chrome finished slats and embedded with a prominent insignia of the company. This grille is flanked by a trendy headlight cluster that features active bending lights (ABL) with motorized lamps that can turn up to fifteen degrees in any direction. It also comes with a dual xenon technology with low and high beam that adds to the advantage. The well sculpted bumper is painted in body color and accompanied by a cladding that prevents the vehicle from minor damages. It houses a wide air intake section that is fitted with two horizontally positioned slats. Coming to its side profile, it is elegantly designed with body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. The chrome finished window sill and glossy black finished B-pillars give the sides a lustrous appearance. Its ORVMs are power retractable and comes ground lighting and auto dimming function. The automaker has designed its rear profile in an elegant way with some remarkable features. These include the eye catching boot lid, which has a thin chrome strip and is embossed with company's insignia. The body colored bumper is accompanied by a couple of chrome plated exhaust pipes, which completes the look of its rear profile.

Interiors:

Its plush internal cabin comes with a beautiful color scheme and complimented by a lot of chrome inserts. It offers comfortable seating for five passengers along with ample leg room and shoulder space. There is a smooth dashboard, which has a attractive design and integrated with a few equipments. These include a three spoke steering wheel with multifunctional switches, a large glove box compartment with cooling effect and a stylish center console with numerous controls. It also has chrome accentuated air vents at both ends for better air circulation. The advanced instrument cluster houses an electronic trip computer, a digital tachometer, temperature gauge, digital clock and many other such notifications. Besides these, it displays some notifications for the convenience of its driver like fuel consumption display, door ajar warning, seat belt reminder and a few others. There is premium leather used for wrapping the gear lever knob and steering wheel, which further includes decor inlays. The amazing interior lighting and the dark wood inlays inside the cabin further gives it a classy look. 

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this variant is powered by a 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine, which is cleverly mated with an eight speed automatic transmission gear box. It distributes the engine power to its front wheels. It enables the vehicle to attain a top speed of about 230 Kmph and can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in nearly 5.9 seconds from a standstill. This 1984cc engine is integrated with four cylinders and can churn out a maximum power of 306bhp in combination with a commanding torque output of 400Nm. This motor is integrated with an advanced direct injection based fuel supply system, which allows the vehicle to deliver 15.16 Kmpl approximately. 

Braking and Handling:

The front axle is fitted with a McPherson Strut featuring anti lift function along with an anti roll bar. While the rear axle is paired with an active multi-link suspension that is loaded with similar anti roll bar. The car maker has equipped all the four wheels with high performance disc brakes. It is incorporated with an anti lock braking system that works in combination with hydraulic brake assist and ready alert brakes to reinforce the braking mechanism. In addition to this, it also has dynamic stability and traction control system. The cabin is incorporated a speed dependent power steering system, which provides precise response depending upon the speed levels. 

Comfort Features:

This variant comes equipped with a number of class leading features, including electronically adjustable driver seat with memory function and lumbar support. It has an advanced music system, which supports Bluetooth connectivity and various input options. It has an advanced electronic climate control unit that maintains the cabin temperature and it can be set independently for driver and front passenger. It also has humidity sensor, which ensures that cabin air has an appropriate level of humidity in relation to the outside climate. Volvo's IAQS (Interior air quality system) continuously monitors incoming air and if necessary, temporarily close external air vents to shut out carbon monoxide, ground-level ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Apart from these, it also has adaptive cruise control with queue assist function, trip computer, active high beam, ambient temperature gauge, road sign information and rain sensing wipers. 

Safety Features:

It comes with city safety, which is based on an advanced laser technology. In the speed range of up to 50 kmph, it can sense a collision and prepares the brakes accordingly. It can also apply brakes automatically and switch off the throttle to reduce the effect of a collision. This variant has an adaptive cruise control system queue assist, which helps to maintain pre-set gap between vehicles. The cabin has a unique energy absorbing frontal structure featuring longitudinal steel struts in doors, which reduces the impact effect on front passengers. Not only this, it also has a reinforced passenger compartment, which is built using strongest steel material available. In addition to these, it also has security features like remote controlled alarm, automatic door locking, engine immobilizer with theft protection locks, laminated side door windows and lockable wheel bolts. 

Pros:

1. Innovative safety features is its major advantage.
2. Aerodynamic body structure makes it look quite attractive.

Cons:

1. Its availability as a CBU unit makes it costlier.
3. There is scope to add a few more comfort features.