ANOTHER QUIET ACHIEVER in the market place over the past few years has been Volvo.
The launch of the new-generation S60 sedan and V60 wagon should appeal strongly to the over-50s, especially with sharper new pricing.
Volvo claims the new models will “stand out from the crowd” in the luxury mid-size car segment”, taking the marque back to its core strength of not being a BMW/Mercedes-Benz/Audi.
Both the sedan and wagon will be offered in three grades. Entry-level Momentum, mid-range Inscription and top-of-the-line R-Design (am I the only one who misses the simple days of Standard/Special/Deluxe?)
Engine on all three will be the T5 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, a sweet unit that does everything well. It puts out 187kW and 350Nm in the Momentum and Inscription, 192kW and 400Nm in the R-Design.The R-Design can also be specified with a T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. The T8 gets a supercharger plus an electric motor, boosting output to 311kW/680Nm.
Both the T5 and T8 get an auto transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.
Not only will the new Volvo models stand apart from the C-Class/3 Series/A4 “usual suspects”, but pricing will undercut them by around $15,000.
Equipment levels are also in keeping with a luxury model, including Volvo’s Dynamic Chassis, black diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels, led headlights, power folding side mirrors with auto dimming and hands-free power operated boot (or tailgate on the wagon).
The interior doesn’t miss out either, with 9-inch touchscreen, Sensus infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android, digital radio, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/start, auto dimming interior mirror, power folding rear bench seat (S60, leather upholstery and Iron Ore trim.
The T5 Momentum kicks off at a sharp $54,990 (plus on road costs). The Inscription ups that by $6000 and the R-Design is a further $4000 more expensive. The hybrid T8 R-Design comes in at $85,990. Wagons add a further $2000 to each variant.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Volvo S60 and V70, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.