14
NEWS
Updated Volvo S60 and V60 introduce 'Intellisafe'
Host of new and improved active safety features embraced in facelifted S60 and V60 rangeVolvo's S60 and V60 stablemates have been carefully updated for 2014. The new models can be identified by frontal styling that takes the mid-range sedan and wagon in a different design direction.
However, it's the active safety developments introduced for the new model year that headline the S60 and V60 model range. The changes place the revised Volvo models at the forefront of active safety in the luxury sedan market niche up to about $80,000.
A pioneer in detecting vehicles in a blind spot, Volvo has gone one step further with its Blind Spot Information System in the S60 and V60, incorporating radar in the rear bumper corners. According to the manufacturer this is more reliable in poor weather and the radar also doubles up for Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Keeping Aid.
Cyclist Detection is a new feature, along with Full Auto Brake. The integrated system, which can identify cyclists (as opposed to motor vehicles, including motorbikes), is a development of Volvo's previous development, which could detect and identify pedestrians. Active at speeds up to 80km/h, the system can distinguish between pedestrians and cyclists, and separate those two road users from motor vehicles or roadside furniture.
Unfortunately, these advanced safety features will cost more. City Safety is standard across the range, but the Driver Alert System (incorporating Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Active High Beam Control, Forward Collision Warning and Road Sign Information) will add $2075 to the price of the car.
Bundled together, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (including Queue Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection as well as Driver Alert System), is a heavy impost at $6250. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) will set back buyers $1275 also.
But there's better news in that Volvo offers the whole shebang (along with front/rear parking sensors and the electrochromatic exterior mirrors) as part of the optional Driver Support Pack, priced at $5000.
While the focal point of the upgraded S60 and V60 is safety, it is the new look that will draw the immediate attention of buyers.
Situated in the restyled front end, the xenon headlights (halogens for the base-grade Kinetic models) now incorporate Active High Beam and Active Bending Lights, with LED Daytime Running Lights where fog lights would normally be located – in the corners of the front airdam. Also complementing the field of vision from the driver's seat are the optional electrochromatic (auto-dimming) exterior mirrors.
Inside, the S60 and V60 gain new seats and the Adaptive Digital Display already seen here in the V40 hatch. The latter changes display mode according to the way the car is being driven: 'Elegance' by default, green for eco driving and red for performance driving.
Forming a three-tier model hierarchy, the new S60 and V60 range is priced from $49,990. At that entry-level point – $500 more than the pre-facelift models – is the S60 T4 Kinetic. The mid-range trim level is renamed Luxury (formerly Teknik) and the R-Design grade (only available with T5 and T6 petrol engines) tops the pyramid. Pricing has increased in varying amounts for most S60 variants and decreased for most of the wagons. Only the R-Design models have not moved.
Standard features for the Kinetic grade include 17-inch alloy 'Sadia' wheels, single-disc CD audio system with eight speakers, seven-inch colour touch screen, Bluetooth with audio streaming, Aux/iPod/USB connectivity, multi-function leather-bound steering wheel, reversing camera with rear ultrasonic sensors, cruise control, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers/auto headlights, electric windows/heated door mirrors, electric parking brake and electric adjustment for driver's seat (with memory).
The leather gearshift knob is illuminated and has been restyled for the new model year. It too is standard for the base-grade Kinetic variants, as are puddle lights, follow-me-home lighting, climate control and remote central locking.
Variants trimmed to the Luxury grade ride on 18-inch 'Titania' alloys and come standard with voice control/satellite navigation, electrically-adjustable front passenger seat, woodgrain trim, 'silk' metal inlay for steering wheel, bright trim on front spoiler, xenon headlights, alarm and keyless entry/Personal Car Communicator.
R-Design models also ride on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, but in the 'Ixion' design. Other standard features for the flagship variants include: sport chassis, shift paddles, sports seats with perforated leather upholstery, R-Design styling treatment for floor mats/centre console/steering wheel/gearshift/headlining/sports pedals and a body kit with rear spoiler.
All models are front-wheel drive, other than the T6-engined R-Design variants. Starting with the least expensive T4 models, the 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder engine develops 132kW and 240Nm for combined-cycle fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km. The sole transmission available for this engine is a six-speed Powershift (dual-clutch) unit.
D4 models are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, producing 120kW and 400Nm, and rated at 5.9L/100km in combined-cycle testing. A six-speed conventional automatic is coupled to the diesel.
T5 models are fitted with a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder capable of generating 177kW and 320Nm, for a fuel consumption figure of 8.6L/100km. Like the T4 models, the T5s come as standard with the six-speed Powershift transmission.
High-performance T6 models retain the 3.0-litre turbocharged six, which pushes out 242kW and 480Nm, for a fuel consumption figure of 10.2L/100km. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via a six-speed conventional automatic.
Prices for upgraded S60 and V60
S60 T4 Kinetic – $49,990 (+ $500)
S60 T4 Luxury – $54,990 (new)
S60 D4 Kinetic – $55,990 (+ $500)
S60 T5 Luxury – $58,990 (+ $1500)
S60 D4 Luxury – $60,990 (+ $1000)
S60 T5 R-Design – $60,190 (no change)
S60 T6 R-Design – $75,140 (no change)
V60 T5 Kinetic – $54,990 (- $500)
V60 D4 Kinetic – $56,990 (- $1500)
V60 T5 Luxury – $59,990 (- $200)
V60 D4 Luxury – $61,990 (- $1000)
V60 T5 R-Design – $63,140 (no change)
V60 T6 R-Design – $78,140 (no change)
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Don't forget to register to comment on this article.
Share this article
Written byKen Gratton
See all articlesOur team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todaySell your car with Instant Offer™
Like trade-in but price is regularly higher
1. Get a free Instant Offer™ online in minutes2. An official local dealer will inspect your car3. Finalise the details and get paid the next business day
Get a free Instant Offer
Looking for a family car?Get the latest advice and reviews on family car that's right for you.
Explore the Family Hub
Related articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Scan to download the carsales app
Want more info? Here’s our app landing page
App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo
are trademarks of Google LLC.