Glendal's Favorite Reviews

Glendal's Favorite Reviews

The highly competitive and hugely desirable compact executive class is moving on, following a stagnant few years in which no new models were launched. Over the past six months or so we鈥檝e seen a brand-new BMW 3 Series, as well as updated versions of the Jaguar XE and Mercedes C-Class. A heavily revised Audi A4 is just around the corner, too, and the latest arrival is this: the all-new Volvo S60. The estate-bodied V60 has been around long enough for us to run one on our test fleet, covering around 8,000 miles in just six months. So we did have some idea what to expect from this new S60 saloon. That鈥檚 no bad thing, though, as we were thoroughly impressed with our diesel V60鈥檚 refinement and usability. As you might expect, the S60 delivers in those areas, too. Wind and road noise are hushed even at motorway speeds, and engine noise is very well isolated. But Volvo doesn鈥檛 plan to add any diesel engines to the range, and there鈥檚 only one petrol available at the moment (the 247bhp 2.0-litre T5 tested here), which comes mated to an eight-speed automatic box as standard.

There鈥檚 also only one trim to pick from, the R-Design Edition, which means your choices are pretty limited to begin with. The engine isn鈥檛 bad; it鈥檚 quiet, and we managed economy towards the top end of the official claimed range of 35.3-39.8mpg. But it鈥檚 just not that easy to recommend. A diesel engine, like the 148bhp D3 we ran in our V60, or a less powerful petrol would make more sense in the hushed S60. But the good news is that a selection of plug-in hybrid versions is on the way, and these are likely to be a better fit for private buyers and company car drivers alike. That鈥檚 especially true when you consider this car鈥檚 CO2 emissions and associated Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rating. By emitting 155g/km, this S60 T5 sits in the lofty 35 per cent bracket - just two points from the top. A new 330i M Sport emits just 134g/km, placing it five bands lower.

Higher-mileage motorists should note that a diesel 3 Series can emit as little 112g/km, so even with the four per cent surcharge, the 320d鈥檚 BiK rating is identical to its petrol sibling鈥檚. Elsewhere, although the S60 R-Design Edition has 19-inch wheels as standard, our test car was fitted with optional 20-inch rims, so the ride wasn鈥檛 perfect. It was nice and smooth on motorways and A-roads, but rather more uncomfortable anywhere with potholes or small bumps. Despite the S60 controlling body roll pretty well, and having plenty of grip, it can鈥檛 prevent harsh bumps from being transmitted into the cabin. The 3 Series is much more compliant, as well as being significantly more agile. The basic message here is that the S60 isn鈥檛 as good to drive nor as comfortable as some of its key rivals, but it鈥檚 not as far wide of the mark as it might seem. For a start, the Volvo鈥檚 interior is among the best in class, with a simple yet elegant design and high-quality materials used throughout. It makes the larger S90 look expensive, in fact, because it鈥檚 very similarly trimmed inside - but for a much lower asking price. The fully digital dials and crisp infotainment follow this line, too, as the set-up is one of the best in the business, thanks to a sharp and responsive touchscreen display. However - and this is a problem in all modern Volvos - the screen-operated air-con means it鈥檚 a pain to change the fan speed or temperature while driving, as you have to look down to see what you鈥檙e doing. On the other hand, the light steering means it鈥檚 easy to drive, and the bumpy ride is somewhat mitigated by the superb seats. There鈥檚 lots of legroom in the back as well, although the 拢1,200 optional panoramic sunroof does eat into headroom slightly.

5.2 in. (173.2 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Porsche 911? The 2014 Porsche 911 is 14 ft. 8.8 in. (176.8 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Hyundai Genesis? The 2014 Hyundai Genesis is 16 ft. 4.3 in. (196.3 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Ford Focus? The 2014 Ford Focus is 14 ft. 10.5 in. (178.5 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Nissan Quest? The 2014 Nissan Quest is 16 ft. 8.8 in. (200.8 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Porsche Cayman? The 2014 Porsche Cayman is 14 ft. 4.4 in. (172.4 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze? The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze is 15 ft. 1 in. (181 in.) long. How long is the 2014 BMW X3? The 2014 BMW X3 is 15 ft. 3 in. (183 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle? The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is 14 ft. 0.4 in. (168.4 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan? The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan is 14 ft. 6.5 in. (174.5 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Nissan NV200? The 2014 Nissan NV200 is 15 ft. 6.3 in. (186.3 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Volvo XC90? The 2014 Volvo XC90 is 15 ft. 9.3 in. (189.3 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Ford Fusion? The 2014 Ford Fusion is 15 ft. 11.8 in. (191.8 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu? The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu is 15 ft. 11.5 in. (191.5 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Volvo XC60? The 2014 Volvo XC60 is 15 ft. 2.8 in. (182.8 in.) long. How long is the 2014 Smart Fortwo? The 2014 Smart Fortwo is 8 ft. 10.1 in. (106.1 in.) long.