Decoding the 2012 Volvo S60: Innovation Meets Dynamism
The 2012 Volvo S60, first showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, represents a milestone for the brand, pushing the boundaries of Volvo's traditionally reserved design philosophy. A departure from the past, the S60 struts a fresh and extroverted attitude, coupled with dynamic innovations that elevate its position in the realm of sports sedans.
Styling and Exterior
Influenced by Scandinavian design principles, the new S60 stands out with its 'coupe with four doors' profile. The sensuous stretch of the C-pillar, fluidly converging with the tail lamps, combines with a slim, coupe-like roofline. The result is a silhouette that asserts a sporty yet elegant identity. Notably, the shoulders exhibit a double wave contour extending from the headlamps to the tail lamps, further enhancing the dynamism of the vehicle's appearance.
R-Design: A Pinch of Sportiness
The R-Design variant adds an extra layer of visual and performance-focused elements to the S60. On the outside, it features unique design details, while the inside is treated with new sports seats, offering more lateral support than their predecessors. The R-Design variant also promises a more engaging drive experience with sharper steering and improved agility, thanks to Volvo’s chassis refinements.
Interior and Infotainment
The cabin of the S60 continues the sporty ethos with inspirations taken from the racing track. The instrument panel and doors encapsulate a sense of motion, with the console and instruments subtly angled towards the driver. This layout aims to provide an immersive driving experience. Volvo Sensus, the brand's infotainment solution, offers a five or seven-inch colour screen, presenting crucial vehicle information while allowing the driver to stay focused on the road. Volvo also offers Bluetooth music streaming, making it a pioneer in offering this feature across its entire vehicle range.
Performance and Drive
The 2012 S60 can be confidently crowned as the most dynamic model from Volvo's stable to date. The car offers a choice between two types of chassis - a standard dynamic chassis for European markets and a touring variant, softer in its setting, for other regions. To maximize the capabilities of the new chassis, Volvo also modifies the software in the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Corner Traction Control, a new addition, uses torque vectoring to deliver smoother cornering and reduce understeer.
Powertrain: A Lineup for Everyone
The powertrain options for the S60 cover a broad spectrum, addressing different performance needs and preferences. The top-of-the-line T6 petrol engine, with its 3.0-litre displacement, generates a respectable 304 hp and a torque of 440 Nm. On the diesel front, the S60 offers refined versions of the five-cylinder D5 and D3 engines. The D5 engine has seen a boost to 215 hp and 440 Nm of torque while the D3 engine boasts improved drivability due to turbocharger refinements.
Trailblazing Safety Features
True to Volvo's safety-centric ethos, the S60 introduces Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake, an innovative safety measure designed to prevent pedestrian collisions. Additionally, the S60 comes equipped with features like City Safety, Driver Alert Control, and Blind Spot Information System. These systems collectively help to avert potential collisions and improve the overall driving safety.
Pedestrian airbag – a world first
In certain frontal collisions, the bonnet hinges are designed to be released and elevate the rear bonnet. At the same time, the pedestrian airbag inflates to cover the windscreen's lower third and the pillars. This design reduces the risk of injury to the pedestrian's head in a significant way. The S60 is the first car in the world to feature this groundbreaking safety technology.
Conclusion
With the 2012 Volvo S60, Volvo made an emphatic statement that it was ready to break away from its conventional designs and forge ahead into a more dynamic, sportier future. The car’s powerful performance, cutting-edge safety features, including the world's first pedestrian airbag, and a sharp, sporty design make the S60 an attractive choice in the sports sedan market. By blending Scandinavian design ethos, Volvo's safety heritage, and performance-enhancing technologies, the 2012 S60 presents a compelling case for buyers seeking a perfect balance of form, function, and safety.
