Volvo S60 (00-08) - Review

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.

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.

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.