Volvo S60
People who own Volvos are individualistic. Their main concerns when buying a car tend to be safety, comfort and exclusivity. Sporty, aggressive looks don't usually feature high on their list of priorities.
If a BMW is too predictable, then the S60 D5 makes sense. But the Sport's cosmetic extras do little to enhance it, and we'd invest the cash in some choice options on a more basic model. Bear in mind that a facelifted car is due at next month's British Motor Show, too.
People who own Volvos are individualistic. Their main concerns when buying a car tend to be safety, comfort and exclusivity. Sporty, aggressive looks don't usually feature high on their list of priorities. Even the company's performance models don't flaunt their capabilities, instead preferring a more discreet 'wolf in sheep's clothing' approach.
But now the Swedish firm has added new Sport trim to its BMW 3-Series-rivalling S60 range. It sits between S and SE specs, and is aimed at those who want their Volvo to look more racy. Do such people exist? Externally, the new machine is identified by 17-inch Sentinel alloy wheels, front foglamps and, more conspicuously, a boot spoiler, which is larger than that on the scorching 300bhp S60R. This seems slightly odd, considering the S60 D5 Sport driven here has only 163bhp.
Inside, the newcomer has a gaiter-less 'space ball' manual gearlever, stylish black mesh aluminium door inlays and leather and fabric seats. These add class to the cabin, but don't feel as plush as Volvo's optional full-leather upholstery. And therein lies the problem. At £22,293, the S60 D5 Sport costs £1,400 more than the corresponding S.
This would be better spent on full leather and upgrading from 16 to 17-inch alloys on the S. After all, most buyers would probably rather have this extra comfort than slightly lowered suspension and a showy spoiler, which have a negligible effect on the driving experience.
