Volvo S60 Concept

Things may be uncertain at Volvo now that Ford has put the Swedish brand up for sale, but this S60 Concept shows the future is bright. The highlights are the way the newcomer looks – it’s very close to the model we will see in showrooms in 2010 – and the performance of the new 1.6-litre turbo engine. If Volvo achieves its desired interior finish, BMW and Audi will be in for a tough fight.

Copper load of this! Volvo wowed crowds at the Detroit Motor Show in January with this concept version of the new S60 – and now, Auto Express has driven it.

Set to take the fight to the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class when it hits the roads next year, the newcomer is one of the most striking designs ever produced by the Swedish manufacturer. And this sporty four-door prototype offers more than mere hints about the new model’s look.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Volvo S60

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Senior designer Alex Chan told Auto Express: “If you squint, you’ll see the production car!” The hand-finished S60 is intentionally Scandinavian in influence, with soft curves and gentle sculpting. It contrasts with the cool, hard-edged efficiency of its German competitors.

Even the copper colour is significant, as the metal is used on many classic buildings in Volvo’s home country. It is seen in the instrument dials and brake calipers, too.

The low, wide, sporty shape is defined by its swooping coupé-style roofline. This echoes the original S60, but is even more dramatic. The famous Volvo shoulder has also been developed, with a smooth, flowing look and more definition over the wheels.

Key to the shape, according to Chan, is the front end. It’s sportier, and a development of the new XC60, defining Volvo’s future design language. The headlight profile forms a V shape, with detailing influenced by Swedish Viking ships!

Chan also pointed out the LED tail-lamps. “Volvo V models have long been defined by their vertical lights,” he said. “Here, with the boomerang shape, we’re aiming to do the same for S models.” The interior’s floating solid glass centre console looks magnificent.

Created by premium Swedish glass expert Orrefors, it may not make production, although the look certainly will.

Bosses say they stepped back from expensive modern technology for the interior, and focused on quality. The aim is a high-grade finish, so Volvo can go upmarket and charge more for its cars. Colour schemes are light and airy, using natural materials, such as birch wood and leather. These are made in an eco-friendly way. Recycled plastics will come, but the finish is not up to standard yet.

This car sits on a shortened V70 chassis, but the production-ready version has an all-new platform that’s unique to Volvo, rather than associated with current owner Ford.

Power will come from a 1.6-litre direct-injection EcoBoost petrol turbo engine, delivering 180bhp. Although it’s still under development, it performed well, with swift, smooth acceleration. We had to concentrate to keep the speed down! Plus, if Volvo achieves its target CO2 figure of 119g/km, the throaty motor will be a big hit with private and business buyers alike. The model also steered precisely, and the front-drive chassis took corners in its stride.

Volvo chief Steven Odell says the production version will rival premium German marques, and development is continuing apace right now to ensure this.

Rival: BMW 3-Series
Great to drive, economical and with low emissions, the BMW defines this market sector. But there is an argument that it’s too familiar – leaving room for the stylish new S60 to swoop in and win over buyers.