Power-packed economy from the Volvo S60

ROAD TEST

The element of surprise can prove a welcome experience.

But then when you have a car with the wallop to reach 62mph in less than seven seconds you don’t expect it to return 75 miles per gallon.

That’s the case though with models fitted with the new Drive-E engine family from Volvo – and it’s set to become a game-changer for the industry.

The Swedish brand has been working on this programme for the greater part of six years and its first example is the latest 2.0-litre D4 diesel unit available in several Volvo variants including the tested S60 saloon.

In this model the 180bhp powerplant, along with stablemate the V70 estate, represents a strong proposition to company car drivers in particular with its 99g/km of CO2 emissions as well as that sensational economy.

Similar units are being rolled out over the next couple of years, all under the umbrella of Drive-E, and also aimed at taking efficient driving pleasure to a new dimension.

Leading the way is the D4, fitted with a six-speed manual transmission as standard and also available with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Many car manufacturers offer frugal, low emissions, models but they don’t tend to be the most enjoyable to drive, often feeling a bit laboured.

Energetic and sweet, the S60 D4 is a delight. It is it’s fast, composed, has a beautifully weighted feel from the steering and grips the road with assurance.

It can also blast to 62mph in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph and while I couldn’t match the official Combined fuel figure – mine was in the low-60s – it was nonetheless okay for my predominantly urban driving.

As for styling the S60 is a low, attractive looking car anyway, made even more striking by the aquamarine paint job on the tested version.

Part-leather seats ensure comfort and while there’s ample space for four to stretch out, the centre rear passenger position is compromised by a transmission tunnel and perched seat.

As you would expect from the Swedes, the layout is simple, uncluttered, of good quality and well thought out. Need to carry anything more than the minimum luggage though and the V60 sports Wagon is a must.

Six trim grades are up for grabs with D4 prices from £23,195 for the Business Edition rising to £33,395 for the sporty R-Design Lux Nav.