The Volvo S60 model was introduced in 2000, replacing the S70. The S60 is a compact sedan with a coupé look.
My Volvo S60T5 was the top model, with a 2.3-liter high-pressure turbo version inline five-cylinder engine, a healthy 250 horsepower with commendable fuel economy.
There is now also a 300 hp S60R on the market.
Volvo S60 is not just an outstanding touring car or a flexible family car. It is also a competitive racing car, something it has proved in both the STCC (Swedish Touring Car
Championship) and the ETCC (European Touring Car Championship).
This T5 model was made for high speed driving on the European motorways,
therefore the ride is quite firm. Unfortunately there is a speed restriction of 100km/h
in New Zealand and many rural roads are not very smooth making the ride in the T5
a bit too firm and noisy for NZ conditions. Recently I replaced the
directional Falken FK452 tyres by Toyo Proxes CT01, these are multi- (non)
directionals and they are so much quieter, what a difference !
Safety systems include WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and IC (Inflatable Curtain).
The S60T5 includes on-wheel radio controls as well as wheel-based cruise
control. The
duel climate control includes an automatic fan and vent feature. Also
steering wheel based are the telephone controls. The phone keypad is
installed in the centre console, microphone in the rear view mirror and
speaker in the driver's headrest.
The stereo is easy enough to use and sound is quite good. The power seats include not one but three memory positions.
The boot is nicely sized, the hinges do not intrude. The S60 features friendly
rear seat releases, clearly marked and in the
boot, so that the seats can be moved down to increase cargo space.
An electric rear-headrest flipper is very handy to improve rear vision and
to make moving the seats down a little easier too.
The Volvo S60 is made at the Volvo Cars factory in Gent, Belgium
My S60T5 was first registered in Singapore and exported to New Zealand in
2006.
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Engine:
B5234T3, 20 valve, 2319cc, 184kW, 250hp/5200rpm, 330Nm
Transmission:
Geartronic AW55-50, 5-speed adaptive automatic transmission, electronically
controlled, with lock-up and winter mode selection
Wheels:
Volvo "Tethys" 17 spoke alloy 17x7.5"
Tyres:
Toyo Proxes CT01 - 225/45ZR17 - multi directional
Volvo
5cylinder Engine Codes |