Volvo's luxurious and sporty mid-size model, the S60 in the DRIVe version is equipped with a diesel engine 1,6 λτ., which is both efficient and very economical.
Let's start with something obvious: a modern gasoline engine 1,6 l. with performance 115 horsepower would look out of place in a mid-range car like the Volvo S60, which projects an upper class character. Nevertheless, a diesel engine, like o 1,6 l. in our test S60 DRIVe, not only does it perfectly fit the model in question, but it covers overall the reason for existence and choice of a diesel: the economy. Naturally, the secret here, it is nothing but its momentum, that reaches the 270 Nm – that is, it is greater than that of T4 180 horses- and appears already from 1.750 rpm.
Motor: Civilized and efficient
The 1,6 l. The diesel engine of the S60 DRIVe responds immediately to pressing the right pedal, it is extremely supple from low and quickly accelerates the car on the go, regardless of the gear selected in the 6-speed manual transmission, through it, good feeling, selector. If one follows as faithfully as possible the gear change indications on the instrument panel, then it will be compensated by even lower consumption prices which, during our test, ranged on average at 6,3 liters for each 100 kilometers. The official price announced by Volvo is 4,3 l, corresponding to CO2 emissions 114 grams per kilometer and in traffic taxes 103 euro, based on the new data on the 2012.
With high security and technology
The standard "City Safety" has the ability to even bring the vehicle to a complete standstill for speeds below 30 km / h, when the vehicle in front brakes and the driver does not react or when the driver moves too fast towards a fixed object. Optionally, "Pedestrian Detection" is available which can detect pedestrians and bring the car to a complete stop at speeds below 35 km / h, in case the driver does not react. Worth mentioning is the Adaptive Cruise Control that maintains a predetermined distance from the car in front, the driver alertness system (DAC), the BLIS blind spot monitoring system and the inadvertent lane change warning (LDW).
On the road: Comfortable and very stable
With great comfort and with high average speeds, the S60 DRIVe covers many kilometers on the national roads keeping its passengers relaxed thanks to the very good sound insulation and the comfort offered by the suspension, while on country roads it is neutral and predictable. From here on, the medium Volvo is characterized by its safe and neutral driving behavior. More specifically, in the turns, the sophisticated multi-link rear suspension;, it ensures sure footing and high margins of adhesion even at pressured paces. The feeling is also very important, since the driver does not feel cut off even through the fast (2,6 turns) and good steering feel, actively participates in the whole process, having the confidence that the rigid body and frame exudes.
Interior: Excellent quality and with good passenger spaces
In the passenger compartment of the diesel S60, there are no differences with that of the other versions of the model, which remains distinct in design, incorporating a minimal and modern aesthetic (the "slim" center console is now a trademark). Accordingly, no differences are observed in the quality sector as well, the interior stands out for the high quality of the materials (especially for the foam plastic on the upper part of the dashboard), but also their very good finish and assembly. At space level, front passengers will feel comfortable, as well as two more back in the comfortable seats. For luggage, however, the corresponding part is small, with capacity 380 λτ., when the average in the middle category is above 500 liter.
