Autos Of The World

Volvo's complete renewal of its product range reaches another milestone with the introduction of the striking new S60, a premium mid-size saloon which benefits from all the design, engineering and technology that are central to the brand's transformation. It makes its debut in ÚK showrooms in a high-specification launch version, the R-Design Edition, a pathfinder for a range that will grow to include a wide choice of equipment grades and powertrains.

The third-generation S60, built in Volvo's new state-of-the-art plant in the States, has been developed not to follow the accepted traditions of the executive saloon market, but to change customer perceptions and expectations in the same way that Volvo has successfully reinterpreted its SÚV and estate models. True to the principles that have yielded record-breaking sales results for the company, the focus is on cool and uncluttered Scandinavian-influenced design, advanced connectivity and entertainment technology, and unmatched safety provisions. The stunning S60 is also the most dynamic Volvo ever produced.

To showcase the S60's potential, the range is being launched in the ÚK in R-Design Edition form, a sporty interpretation of the model benefiting from an extremely generous specification. Its performance focus is evident in its lowered sports suspension and a set of striking 19-inch alloy wheels with a contrast diamond cut and black finish. In the cabin, the heated sports front seats are upholstered in a combination of Nappa leather and high-quality fabric, while a black headlining and metal mesh interior trim add to the sporty ambience.

At launch, the S60 is available with a single, front-wheel-drive powertrain - Volvo's proven 250hp T5 turbocharged petrol engine, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A member of Volvo's Drive-E family of lightweight 2.0-litre engines, it provides a strong combination of responsive performance and efficiency: combined cycle fuel economy ranges from 35.3 to 39.8mpg, CO2 emissions are from 152g/km, while 0-62mph can be dispatched in just 6.5 seconds.