The sleek new S60 adds a number of very sexy curves to Volvo’s rather staid image as a producer of solid and safe cars.
Although Volvo cars are still made in the Swedish plant, Volvo sold the car division to Ford who recently sold it to Zhejang Geely Holdings of China. Despite management changes, it retains its distinctively European DNA. Volvo has made a modest mark in India selling their excellent XC90, XC60 and the S80 saloons that were prestigious but slightly less expensive alternatives to the German luxury brands.
The new S60 is positioned to be an in between size that is longer than a Mercedes-Benz C Classe and shorter than their E Classe. It is offered with two diesel variants with a refined 205 HP engine at approximately `27 and 32 lakhs (ex-showroom) and a 304 Hp petrol model at `34 lakhs. It comes with a number of features that are seen in India for the first time like a pedestrian warning system with sensors that trigger automatic braking action if a pedestrian, cyclist or any other object comes in front of the moving vehicle. It also has cameras at the back to track vehicles coming from behind and to help in parking. There is also a ‘driver alert’ system that watches the driver and energises him if he shows signs of lethargy and many other examples of electronic wizardry including a simple but most comprehensive on board computer display of all functions.
But for most potential buyers it is the sleek and sexy curves that first attract the eye. Pretty creases to break up the typically slab sided looks of the old Volvos are a welcome change. The interiors are also outstanding with superb leather seats and many other features including an attractive centre console that floats in a thin metallic bridge. This Volvo has become a foxy vixen.
The writer is an automotive expert and the former
editor of a national magazine.