Volvo S60
There's no doubt that the Volvo S40 is an excellent saloon, but recently the Swedish firm has revised another compact executive model in its range, the svelte S60, and this shouldn't be forgotten.
With several revisions improving an already impressive car, the S60 hides its age well. It does everything required of it, but competes in a market where excellence is the norm. If you want an alternative to an entry-level Mercedes or BMW, this Volvo is worth a look - but the smaller S40 is likely to hold more appeal for most buyers.
There's no doubt that the Volvo S40 is an excellent saloon, but recently the Swedish firm has revised another compact executive model in its range, the svelte S60, and this shouldn't be forgotten.
The car has just received a mid-life facelift, which comes four years after its launch, and is intended as a reminder for buyers who may be tempted by the next-generation BMW 3-Series and Mercedes' capable C-Class. But has it got anything new to offer?
When it comes to altering the four-door's shape, Volvo's designers have exercised considerable restraint. It is a real challenge to tell this revised S60 from its predecessor, with most of the subtle changes carried out at the front. New headlamps give a more modern appearance, while a smoother bumper and grille emphasise the flowing shape.
Inside, it's hard not to be impressed by the S60's ergonomics. Aside from the £1,300 optional leather seat trim, everything looks smart and has a high-quality feel. With such a well laid-out and comfortable cabin, it comes as no surprise that the interior changes go little further than some new materials and specification upgrades.
However, it's out on the road that the facelifted S60 needs to excel if it wants to keep pace with the C-Class and 3-Series. Our test car was powered by Volvo's superb 163bhp five-cylinder diesel engine, which still offers torquey performance and impressive 44.8mpg economy when coupled to the slick five-speed manual gearbox.
This SE-spec model boasts 17-inch alloys as standard, but they don't spoil the S60's smooth ride. Yet while the front-wheel-drive four-door is most at home cruising on the motorway, it also tackles corners with minimal body roll and is surprisingly involving on B-roads.
At £23,763, the SE is the most expensive oil-burner in the S60 range, but it's undercut by last-of-the-line versions of the current 3-Series. And there seems little sense in choosing it ahead of the cutting-edge S40 if you don't need the extra space. Put simply, the S60 probably isn't memorable enough for many.
