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Walkaround
The Volvo S60 represents the essence of contemporary Scandinavian design. The S60 seems compact at first glance, and there's a hunched-shoulder look to the rear flanks, suggesting a hockey player ready to lead a charge up the ice. What you can't see is all the engineering designed to protect the people riding in the structure. It's there that Volvo's reputation for safety continues and deservedly so.
The S60 R is distinguished from the other models by a longer, smoother nose housing a smaller, lower grille; and a larger air dam with a bigger central scoop, flanked by serious-looking side grilles to feed the big turbo and twin intercoolers.
Active Bi-Xenon headlights are now available on all S60 models. A mini-processor gathers data to optimize their beam pattern, and the beams can be turned up to 15 degrees in either direction.
For 2007, new colors and new wheels are mostly what separate 2007 models from last year's models. Volvo claims that the front grille and bumper have been aerodynamically refined for '07, but you'd need the observational skills of Sherlock Holmes to see the difference. Nor will you likely spot the redesigned outside mirrors, although you might appreciate their new integrated-turn-signal feature. The mirror-mounted signals automatically flash three times with light pressure on the turn signal stalk. Unfortunately, the new mirrors eliminate the puddle lights that were previously standard on all S60s.
Interior Features
Overall, the interior of the Volvo S60 is handsome and comfortable. There's good interior space up front, and the optional pigskin leather has a high-quality look and feel. The seats themselves are cushy. They were redesigned for 2005 to provide better support and comfort on long trips.
The dashboard flows in a pleasant shape. Where available, attractive wood trim appears sparingly on the glovebox lid and on all four doors; while the sportier versions eschew wood for metallic trim.
New for 2007, aluminum inserts brighten the steering column stalks and steering-wheel-mounted switches. The quality of the material used to cover other surfaces is good. For 2007, a compass is built into the rearview mirror and the DSTC (stability and traction-control) shut-off has moved to the steering wheel stalk.
The standard gauges are attractive, with their flat-gray background, and easy to read. Switches are intuitive and easy to use.
For 2007, the T5 gets the watch dial instrument cluster introduced on the S80 and S60 R. The four blue-faced instruments are surrounded by grey rings with subtle blue hash marks. They feature clear, attractive gray numerals and thin red pointers on blue hubs.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls are well designed and easy to operate, with big metaphoric controls to direct the airflow. Power-window buttons with auto-down are conveniently mounted on the door. Inside door handles are easy to grab.
The innovative radio controls take some familiarization to master. Changing preset channels involves turning a knob, rather than pressing a button, for example. Once understood, the system works well. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has controls for the audio system that makes operating it easier while driving.
The center console features a covered storage bin and cup holders that fit all standard sizes of beverage container. There's another mini cup holder on the center of the dash. The manual shift lever has a silver-colored plastic cover at its base that looks like silver-colored plastic.
The back seats require a duck of the head to get in. Once back there, the S60 offers good rear headroom, though taller adults find it short on legroom.
The trunk is roomy and deep and will hold a lot of small bags. However, Volvo had to make design concessions that constrict the trunk opening to carve the S60's swoopy shape, so loading big hard-sided cases might present a challenge. The rear seats are split 60/40 and fold down to carry long items. Fold down the right rear seat and front passenger seat, and you can carry something quite long.
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