Volvo S60 D5 ES Start/Stop Geartronic 4dr Car Review - March 2012

The Volvo S60 is a versatile saloon which boasts good handling around urban areas and also delivers an accomplished motorway cruise. Its steering is light and responsive while its road grip is impressive, allowing the model to glide through the tightest of corners with ease.

The driver's seat and steering wheel offer a good level of adjustment, allowing for maximum comfort. Most imperfections in the road are dealt with effortlessly by the S60, although the suspension can be a little firm at times, and the ride is refined, even at high speeds.

The car has a fast top speed of 143mph, and it can travel from 0mph to 62mph in a rapid 7.7 seconds. It has a power output of 212bhp, and its torque is quite powerful for a saloon at 324 lb-ft.

The S60 is a sleek and stylish saloon, but this model comes with a poor level of equipment. The interior is finished in high quality materials giving the model a premium feel to it, while the controls are laid out neatly and efficiently. Leather seating further enhances the comfort of the cabin, but is only available at an extra cost of £1,280.

The smooth external appearance of the car is enriched with alloy wheels, and can be enhanced with metallic paint for £640.

Standard equipment provided with the model includes cruise control, climate control, CD player with MP3 connectivity, electric door mirrors and electric front windows. Rear parking sensors and Bluetooth are not provided and will cost £385 and £410 respectively.

Satellite navigation is available as a cost extra for £525.

The car's warranty is standard; Volvo offer three years and up to 60,000 miles of cover. In terms of security, the car is fitted with central locking and an alarm for maximum security against theft.

The S60 has four doors and seats five occupants making it an ideal choice for a family car, with excellent access in to the vehicle. Head and legroom is generous, even for rear passengers, so a full car won't be a problem even for long journeys. The boot is of a fair size, although not as large as may be expected for a Volvo, offering 339 litres of space with the rear seats up.

The safety has been well established as there is a driver airbag, passenger airbag as well as airbags in the front side area of the vehicle to maximise protection for all passengers.

The Volvo S60 D5 ES Start/Stop Geartronic 4dr will cost £28,880 brand new. This seems competitive for the class at first, considering the high practicality of the vehicle, but buyers must take into account the poor level of equipment provided with the model.

In terms of fuel economy however, the S60 excells, performing at an average of 47.9mpg. CO2 emissions are average for the class. Overall value for money represented by the model is not too bad.