KUALA LUMPUR – Before you think twice about NOT reading this review because it is Volvo, read the facts below.
This all new Volvo S60 T8 engine produces an impressive 320bhp and a smooth 400Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h sprint is done in just 4.4 seconds. The governed top speed is 180km/h right now for safety reasons initiated by Volvo Cars headquarters. The selling price is just RM295,888.
Now keep on reading
Yes, this is all-new S60 sports sedan and it is sitting in the same segment with the BMW 3-Series that is priced at RM288,800 and has only 258bhp ready and 400Nm of torque with a 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of just 5.8 seconds and the RM304,888 Mercedes C300 sedan that delivers 258bhp and 370Nm of torque that allows it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds. So, this Volvo S60 T8 is faster from 0-100km/h, has more midrange power and comes with all-wheel drive capability.
Built and delivered for the performance minded buyer, Volvo Car Malaysia has this model in showrooms to tickle some interest away from the German brands.
We tried the power
We enjoyed this S60 in city traffic and around the roads of Petaling Jaya with its almost immediate throttle response and quick steering. Then we decided to take it for a countryside run. To Kuala Selangor on the old road via Sungei Buloh. This meant tight small estate roads maintained by JKR and little room for mistakes on the blind corners with palm oil trees to the left and right.
Turn after turn, corner after corner, this S60 eagerly attacked the twisty roads with the thin low profile tires working hard. Now, before you get too excited, please note that Volvo has been ‘playing’ with turbochargers for years, from as early as the Volvo 240 Turbo with a 155bhp engine. Yes, that is more than 30 years ago.
The steering is well-weighted and communicative and the S60 feels quite agile, despite weighing more than 2041kg. Get too carried away though and the stability control system comes in and shares its ability to keep you in control. The suspension is well-controlled. It was not upset by mid-corner bumps although it is a little jiggly at low speed on the badly maintained JKR roads. The suspension is firm but well damped and comfortable. The 8-speed automatic gets the job done and if you want more action, use the paddle shifters to shift faster.
Fuel efficiency is also a big win for Volvo. Despite being a much heavier vehicle over its immediate rival the BMW 330i (2041kg vs 1470kg), the S60 T8’s PHEV powertrain sips just 2-litre of petrol every 100km driven in a sensible manner.
So, there is a lot to like about this new S60. It is certainly more dynamic than its predecessor and it is the sportiest model in the range. From our well managed test drive, this S60 T8 is a genuine rival to the segment leaders in the luxury mid-sized sedan class but possibly the biggest hurdle will be actually getting the people into the showroom to take it for a test drive.
What You Need To Know Also
This Volvo is capable of a 250km/h top speed, but the manufacturer with social consciousness has decided to govern the top speed of this sports sedan to 180km/h which is about right for our highways, when accelerating after each speed camera along the highway.
Volvo S60 T8 R-Design Specifications
Engine: Inline-4, Turbocharged, Supercharged, PHEV electric motor
Capacity: 1969cc
Gearbox: 8-speed Conventional Automatic
Max power: 320hp @ 5700rpm (+87hp electric)
Max torque: 400Nm @ 1200rpm (+240Nm electric)
Top Speed: 180km/h (manufacturer restricted)
0-100 km/h: 4.4 seconds
Price: RM295,888 – The Vibes, October 7, 2020
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