Volvo S60, V60 range expanded

Volvo is capitalising on the popularity of its S60 and V60 models by offering buyers new frugal engines and an enhanced spec list.

Combined sales of S60 and V60 for the year to date outnumber passenger car models in the range and are only second to the XC60 and XC90 SUVs. Even the XC90 is under threat from the S60/V60 pair with the new model range for 2012 introducing lower emissions D3 turbodiesel and T4 petrol engine variants. Existing S60 and V60 variants are upgraded for the new model year with a seven-inch screen and premium multimedia infotainment package across the range — including the new engine variants.

"Both the D3 and T4 represent excellent value for money as the new entry level vehicles into the S60 and V60 range especially the T4, coming in under $50,000 for a luxury sedan," says Volvo Australia's Managing Director Matt Braid.

"Sales of both the S60 and the V60 are strong for newcomers in the competitive luxury market and the T4 and D3 will further cement the S60 and V60 as genuine contenders in their respective classes.''

While the D3 is a five-cylinder powerplant like the D5 engine already powering the S60 and V60 models, the newer engine displaces 2.0 litres and produces 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque. That's 31kW and 20Nm down on the 2.4-litre D5's output, but still respectable figures for the relatively small and light S60/V60 siblings. Volvo claims respective fuel consumption and emissions figures for the two D3 variants of 5.9L/100km and 155g/km for the S60, 6.0L/100km and 160g/km for the V60. Drive runs to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Coupled to a standard six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch transmission, the T4's 1.6-litre petrol engine develops 132kW and 240Nm, with fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 173g/km in combined-cycle testing.

As with the other variants in the range, the new entry-level models come with City Safety as standard and such features as electrically-adjustable driver's seat, rain-sensing wipers, reverse parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, High Performance Multimedia with Bluetooth audio streaming, a three-spoke steering wheel and a grocery-bag holder in the luggage compartment are also included in the standard specification.

Volvo is also offering buyers the option of a Teknik pack for the new variants — and the existing ones — featuring electric seat adjustment for the front passenger, headlight cleaning, satellite navigation, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Active Bending Lights (ABL), 'watch dial' look for the instrument cluster and chrome detail for the front end of the vehicle.

For 2012, the T5 R-Design S60 and V60 variants move to an 18-inch 'Ixion' alloy wheel. All T6 variants now come equipped with alarm, keyless start, Personal Car Communicator, BLIS, ABL, front parking sensors and rear lip spoiler as standard. All V60 models now come with the two-stage child booster seat cushions as standard for the outboard rear seats.

A reverse parking camera and adaptive cruise control — integrating collision warning, full auto brake, pedestrian detection and queue assist — are added to the specification for the T6 Teknik and R-Design models.

Volvo already has limited stock of the new models in showrooms and the T4 variants are being offered at an introductory price of $45,950 driveaway (S60) and $52,950 driveaway (V60). Both prices include five-year warranty and five-year roadside assist. Full supply of the 2012 models will become available from November, but the introductory prices for the T4 models will remain in force until the end of the year. After that, normal pricing will be as follows:

S60 T4 $48,990
S60 T4 Teknik $53,990
S60 T5 $51,990
S60 T5 Teknik $56,990
S60 T5 R-Design $59,990
S60 D3 $54,990
S60 D3 Teknik $59,490
S60 D5 $57,950
S60 T6 $64,990
S60 T6 Teknik $69,990
S60 T6 R-Design $72,990

V60 T4 $51,990
V60 T4 Teknik $56,990
V60 T5 $54,990
V60 T5 Teknik $59,990
V60 T5 R-Design $62,990
V60 D3 $57,990
V60 D3 Teknik $62,490
V60 D5 $60,950
V60 T6 $67,990
V60 T6 Teknik $72,990
V60 T6 R-Design $75,990

The prices listed do not include on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery.

Pictures: S60 T4 (red) V60 D3 (blue)

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