Volvo Car Malaysia has unveiled its latest addition to its stables, the new Volvo S60 T6. Yes, like the Volvo XC60 T6 we reviewed before, the S60 has 306 hp and 400 Nm on tap.
Let’s be frank. The Volvo S60 is not new. The second generation Volvo S60 debuted in Malaysia back in 2011, before undergoing several facelifts along its lifecycle, with the last at 2015. This time, Volvo has fitted into the S60 its range-topping T6 engine. producing 306 hp at 5,700 rpm and 400 Nm from 2,100 rpm to 4,800 rpm via an eight-speed automatic to the front wheels. While Volvo is keen to point out that the S60 is marketed as a family saloon, keen drivers will be pleased to know that the S60 T6 can hit 100 km/h from a dead stop in just 5.9 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 230 km/h. That’s Golf GTI-beating figures, by the way.
Elsewhere, the T6 variant of the Volvo S60 looks visually identical to the 2015 facelift, including LED DRLs mounted at the edges of the bumper, sharper headlights, cornering lights and headlight washers. Volvo Car Malaysia has equipped the T6 with 17-inch Sadia alloy wheels with 235/45R17 rubbers all round, though the car shown here features optional 18-inch alloys with 235/40R18 rubbers. Inside, much of the interior has remained unchanged, though the T6 now receives the 9-inch Adaptive Digital Display with three themes. Leather upholstery is standard fitment to the Volvo S60.
We had the chance the sample the new model from Volvo, though the short test drive lasted for only a few minutes, it did gave us an insight into how capable the engine truly is.
For starters, torque delivery is strong, thanks to its factory-fitted supercharger which provides its full 400 Nm from just 2,100 rpm. The Volvo S60 T6 takes little effort to reach highway speeds, and overtaking is done with ease. Apart from that, the engine note is remarkable, even without digital synthesizing. Despite that, with that much torque going exclusively to the front wheels meant that torque steer was inevitable, though we don’t expect owners to be gunning the sedan often.
Moving to the passenger seat, we had the chance to experience the S60 T6’s ride comfort. Due to the low profile wheels fitted to this model, bumps and road irregularities are jolted back to the cabin, though the suspension set up feels sufficiently pliant. We expect variants with the 17-inch alloys to ride better. Apart from that, NVH levels appeared to be well insulated, as we managed to converse without raising our voices.
Standard safety kit includes IntelliSafe, Volvo’s blanket name for all its safety systems. IntelliSafe includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Distance Alert, City Safety, Forward Collision Warning with full auto brake, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake, Drive Alert Control (DAC), Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Advanced Stability Control, Corner Traction Control by torque vectoring and sport mode, Active Bending Lights (ABL), Active High Beam Control, Road Sign Information (RSI), Intelligent Drive Information System (IDIS), ABS, EBD, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Ready Alert Brake (RAB), front and rear Park Assist, including Park Assist Pilot for automatic parallel parking. Six airbags come as standard fitment.
Volvo Car Malaysia has announced that the S60 T6 will retail for RM280,888 (OTR, without insurance) and limited units can be purchased at all authorized Volvo showrooms nationwide. Yes, the Volvo S60 T6 is a bargain buy, considering the performance it offers. A total of five body colours are available, which includes Ice White, Seashell, Ember Black, Saville Grey and Bright Silver.
Stay tuned for our full review of the Volvo S60 T6!
Volvo S60 T6 Photo Gallery
