Volvo S60: pictures and details

The Volvo S60 will sport one powerful petrol engine and two frugal diesel engines when it goes on sale, with three more petrol engines to follow.

Engines

• 304bhp 3-litre petrol T6 – 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds, a top speed of 155mph and average fuel economy of 27.mpg
• 205bhp 2.4-litre diesel D5 – 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds, a top speed of 146mph and average fuel economy of 47.9mpg
• 163bhp 2-litre diesel D3 – 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds, a top speed of 137mph and average fuel economy of 54.3mpg

An efficient 1.6-litre diesel eco edition will also join the range in 2011, achieving an average fuel economy of 65.7mpg and emitting 115g/km of CO2.

Features

Safety features include Pedestrian Detection – which automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to react to a hazard, five separate braking systems and City Safety, which reduces rear-end impacts in low speeds.

The S60 also boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control, LED lights, dynamic stability and traction control.

Inside a new “Infotainment system” colour screen operates the audio unit, sat-nav and mobile phone with steering wheel-mounted controls.

The Volvo S60 is one of the first cars to feature a MultEQ sound system, which Volvo says “removes distortion caused by the cabin’s acoustics enabling crisp, clear sound for everyone in the car.”

A range of optional extras will be available including:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Parking sensors with camera
• Lane departure warning alerts
• Bi-xenon lights, which follow the curve of the road
• Blind spot information system
• Driver alert control, used to keep distracted drivers awake
• An air quality system which prevents particles and odours from entering the cabin

Availability

The Volvo S60 will make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show on March 2 ahead of its on-sale date in August.

Prices have yet to be announced but the previous generation S60 was priced between £19,995 and £27,270.

View video footage of the new Volvo S60:

By Dominic Sacco, senior web journalist