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Volvo S60 (00-08)***--

Other Volvo reviews
 

Comfort***--

The S60 may be larger than similar cars like the BMW 3-Series, but it's not as big in the rear as you'd expect - tall passengers will be cramped and legroom is limited. On the plus side the seats are some of the best available and thanks to an excellent ride the Volvo is a very refined car to travel in. The petrol engines are quiet and refined but the diesels can seem a little noisy, especially when pushed hard, however road and wind noise are well suppressed.
 
 

Practicality***--

Boot space is generous with 394 litres of space but the load area can be tricky to access due to a narrow boot opening, however the rear seats split and fold for added versatility. Of course if practicality is a key factor go for the V70 - basically the estate version of the S60. Up front there are plenty of useful cubby holes and storage bins, including a large central stowage box between the front seats. Cars from 2005 come with water repellent glass, to faster clear the windows of rain.
 
 

How does the boot space compare?

Audi A4 Saloon 445 litres
Volvo S60 394 litres
 

Equipment****-

There have been numerous changes to the S60 model line-up over the years but the entry-level car S came with ABS (with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), front and side airbags (including curtain bags), air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels. SE models add climate control with Air Quality System (AQS), front fog lights, wood trim, a four-CD audio system with Dolby surround sound, sports leather trim and 17-inch alloy wheels. T5 gained EBA (Electronic Brake Assist) and DSTC (Dynamic Stability Traction Control) in Oct 2001. The most recent trim levels are SE, SE Sport and SE Lux and all cars come with 17-inch alloy wheels, ECC (Electronic Climate Control) with Volvo's AQS (Air Quality System) and pollen filter, cruise control, six CD changer, remote audio controls on steering wheel, DSTC traction control plus an alarm and immobiliser.
 

Behind the wheel***--

The S60 has a good driving position with a steering wheel that adjusts for reach and rake and a multi-adjustable seat. Being a Volvo, the seats are supremely comfortable (albeit not particularly supportive at the side) and great on long journeys while build quality is excellent with a robust feel to all the controls and switches. The S60R interior is a bit garish but the rest of the range comes with a choice of classy seat fabric and trim finishes. Unfortunately the central console is quite button heavy and it lacks the style of more modern cars from BMW or Audi.
 
 

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