2010 Volvo S60 Review
Price
from: RM216,000
to: RM253,500
Installment
from: RM2,060/mth
to: RM2,418/mth
2010 Volvo S60 at a glance
The first Volvo to herald Volvo's understated design language, the 2010 Volvo S60 also features a well-built, comfy cabin and strong engines. German rivals are roomier and better on the roads, however.
2010 Volvo S60 quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Compact Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Volvo S60 ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The S60 heralded in Volvo's new design language in 2000, which then proved to be extremely well-received. Many years on, the 2010 Volvo S60 still looks attractive, combining sportiness and elegance into one understated package. The Volvo S60 underwent a couple of minor facelifts to keep the design fresh and not look out of place among its newer competitors. Like the exterior, the interior is simple yet elegant.
Handling
The Volvo S60 was engineered to be a sports sedan and it underwent a couple of tweaks to bring out a sportier drive. The rigid chassis, firm suspension and wide stance allow the 2010 Volvo S60 to take on bends and corners competently, where it exhibits minimal body roll and grips on strongly. The steering, while accurate and well-weighted, lacks sufficient feedback. The 2010 Volvo S60 is decent to drive, but it insulates drivers from the task of driving, unlike a genuine sports sedan such as the BMW 3-Series that truly engages.
Comfort
The firm suspension results in an unsettled ride at lower speeds. The ride smoothes out at higher speeds, while the cabin remains calm and refined when cruising. The interior is a very comfortable place to spend time in: drivers enjoy plenty of seating and steering column adjustments; the front seats are about the most comfortable you can find in this segment; and the dashboard layout features ergonomically-placed controls and clearly visible dials.
Quality + Reliability
Simple and elegant, the 2010 Volvo S60's cabin is however starting to look dated beside rivals'. That said, the cabin feels built to last, thanks to the solid build quality and the use of plenty of quality materials. The 2010 Volvo S60's underlying mechanicals are shared with other Volvo models, and should remain reliable.
Performance
Two in-line five-cylinder turbocharged engines are available: the 2.0T with 178 bhp and 240 Nm; and the T5 with 256 bhp and 350 Nm. Both engines are paired to a seamlessly smooth five-speed automatic transmission, while only the T5 comes with Geartronic. On the roads, both drivetrains are excellent in performance and refinement. The 2.0T takes 9.5 seconds to complete the century sprint, while the T5 needs only 6.9 seconds. The T5 is obviously much quicker, but the 2.0T should be powerful enough for most buyers.
Roominess
The 2010 Volvo S60 is wide by class standards, and so provides good shoulder room. Rear headroom is not lacking too, despite the sloping roofline. Rear legroom however is tight compared to what rivals are offering. The boot capacity is decent at 394 litres, and rear seats can 60:40 split-fold for more space. But the slim boot opening restricts the loading of bigger items.
Running Costs
The 2.0T and T5 return fuel economy of 10.5 km/litre and 10.2 km/litre respectively. Like for other luxury brands, servicing and repairs are costly. Moreover, Volvo models including the S60 are likely to depreciate heavily when compared to similar models from leading luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Value for Money
With understated looks, a well-built, comfortable cabin and strong engines, the 2010 Volvo S60 puts up a credible if not entirely convincing challenge against the Germans. As popular as the Volvo S60 has been, the Germans beat it in terms of ride-and-handling, room and running costs. And perhaps most importantly, the German trio of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are established luxury brands, while Volvo struggles to find its footing as one.
Equipment
Standard equipment includes 16" alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, front/rear fog lights, park assist, 9-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel mounted cruise control and audio controls, climate control, and power driver's seat with memory function for the seat and side mirrors. Safety kit includes front/side/curtain airbags, front/rear seat belt pretensioners, braking controls (ABS, EBD), and Stability & Traction Control (STC). The T5 variant adds 17" alloy wheels, sport seats, speed-sensitive steering, Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA), and Dynamic Stability & Traction Control (DSTC).
Environment
Carbon dioxide emissions of 227 grams/km and 244 grams/km, coupled with the subpar fuel consumption figures, mean the 2010 Volvo S60 is more polluting than comparable models from Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Understated looks
Well-built, comfortable cabin
Strong engines
Unsettled ride at lower speeds
Tight rear legroom by class standards
Running costs higher than rivals'
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