Volvo S60 2.0T Review: ReVolvolution Redefined

What we like:

Handsome proportions on the outside

cosy and well thought out cabin

high on safety

What we dislike:

Engines sounds a tad gruff when pushed hard

four-cylinder motor doesn't sound as charismatic as the old S60 2.0T's five-pot unit

handling dynamics can do with more sportiness

At the recent launch of the S60 in Singapore, we posed a few questions on the new S60 as well as Volvo’s upcoming plans to Peter Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing for Volvo Cars in Asia.

In the junior exec sector, the BMW 3 Series comes straight to mind when one mentions sporty. The S60 has been touted by Volvo as its sportiest model ever. So is the 3 Series the S60's biggest rival out there?
As with other markets, we see our direct competitors being the Audi A4 and Mercedes C Class - as well as the BMW 3 Series. Nonetheless, the all-new Volvo S60 has a beautiful and highly distinctive design, which stands out from the crowd, with its powerful wedge shape and double wave effect when viewed from the side to emphasize the low centre of gravity. The driving dynamics are simply great, where the level of engagement and excitement experienced by the driver will be taken to a whole new level. Not forgetting our ground breaking innovative technologies, such as the world’s first Pedestrian Detection, City Safety and Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist functions, which further enhance the driving and unique ownership experience. In totality, the All-New Volvo S60 is a Volvo like no other.

Will the S60 play a big role on Volvo's expansion plans in emerging markets in Asia and how vital is this new model in helping the brand back to profitability?
Yes, we have no doubt that the S60 will play a very important role in our expansion plans. Volvo Car Corporation (VCC) has been profitable this year and although the S60 will be a future contributor; VCC is not reliant on only one model to be profitable.

The second generation S60 was introduced almost ten years after the last model was launched, which is an eternity in the motoring world. Can we expect shorter product life cycles, especially for something extremely popular like the XC90?
We prefer shorter lifecycles, which can only be driven by higher sales volume and profitability. In view of our confidence that our new owners have ambitious expansion plans, Volvo will definitely stand to benefit from it.

Away from the S60:
Volvo has been making cars in China for the Chinese domestic market for a few years now. Will exports of Chinese made Volvos a possibility in the future?
In the 1970s, Japanese cars used to be considered as being inferior, and the same happened for Korean products in the 1980s and even 1990s. Since then, this perception has changed tremendously. Hence, I see no reason why Volvo cars made in China should not find their way to appropriate export markets in the future. What is essential at this juncture is to first ensure that our supply to China is sufficient to meet the huge demand for our vehicles there.

Other than a large limo rival to the S-Class, what other model range expansion plans does Volvo have?
Volvo’s model range expansion plans are generally determined by market demands.



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Credits: Story and Photos by Raymond Lai