Volvo has introduced its all-new S60 sedan to Australia. This mid-size model has been missing from the world’s roads for two years because the Swedish company stopped building the S60 altogether during the uncertain period prior to being sold by the Ford Motor Company.

Now the Volvo S60 is back and Volvo Australia considers the new version of the car to be so much better than the old that it’s about to start a strong push with this new generation car for 2011. Indeed, the local Volvo chief, Alan Desselss feels the new S60 is right up with the Audi, BMW and Mercedes models in this class that once buyers take a test drive they will very seriously consider his new baby.

Of course image is important in this market segment and Volvo doesn’t rate as highly as the big name Germans. Then again, there’s no doubt the Swedish maker has lifted its public perception enormously in recent years. All the more so since it has got away from the practical, but somewhat square shapes it used to rejoice in.

It comes as no surprise that style plays a major role in the all-new Volvo S60. The front has a semi-sports appearance with a strong resemblance to the pretty little C30 coupe. The S60 takes an altogether different approach to the C30 at the rear, with a swooping downward roof and back window, yet manages to do so with no real loss in headroom when compared to a more conventional sedan.

Not immediately obvious in profile is the subtle up-down-up wave in the waist line that is very Swedish way that makes its elegant point with a minimum of fuss.

Inside, there is the typically simple Swedish design with an elegance that appeals to many buyers. High quality materials are used throughout and the level of finish is impressive.

Volvo S60 comes with a choice of four and six-cylinder petrol engines and a five-cylinder turbo-diesel. For some strange reason Volvo no longer uses model numbers that indicate the number of engine cylinders. So while the S60 T6 has six cylinders, the T5 has four cylinders. The five-cylinder diesel is tagged the D5.

The four-cylinder S60 T5, which won’t go on sale until early in 2011, is driven through the front wheels by a new design of 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that develops 177 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque. That torque is carried through virtually the whole rev range - going from 1800 to 5000 rpm.
 
The two topline models are on sale now and use all-wheel drive for improved traction, particularly on slippery roads. They are powered by uprated versions of engines that are already familiar to Australian Volvo drivers. Either a 224 kW 3.0-litre turbo-petrol straight-six or an in-line turbo-diesel displacing 2.4 litres and producing 151 kW.

Again, the engines are tuned to produce big torque throughout the normal rev range, the petrol managing 440 Nm from 2100 to 4200 revs, and the diesel 420 Nm between 1500 and 3500 rpm.

The two all-wheel drive S60s will use a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, while the upcoming T5 has a double-clutch six-speed for greater efficiency and therefore lower fuel consumption.

We reviewed both the T6 and T5 engines on an extended drive program in the glorious hill country of Tasmanian. There the Volvo S60 proved stable and well balanced and generally provided a quiet ride, though some coarse-chip surfaces did create quite a bit of road-tyre noise. Ride comfort was very good and the Swedes’ love of quality seats pleased us yet again.

As to the handling, the all-wheel drive models we tested did have a near neutral feel and fast, positive reactions to the steering that will please the keen driver. As to whether the Volvo is up there with the best of the Germans we would be unable to say without a full comparison test running the cars back to back. However, the Swede can’t be that far off.

The combination of comfort and road-holding means the all-new Volvo S60 certainly makes an excellent machine for long distance touring. Australian country cruisers will love the way it swallows the miles.  

The new Volvo S60 range, with prices (excluding dealer delivery and other statutory charges) is:
S60 T5 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-door sedan: $51,950
S60 D5 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel AWD four-door sedan: $57,950
S60 T6 3.0-litre turbo petrol AWD four-door sedan: $64,950