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Volvo S60 Polestar Review 2014

 

Good points

  • Genuinely quick
  • Attractive and distinctive, particularly in Rebel Blue
  • Superb interior comfort and ergonomics

Needs work

  • Torque arrives too late
  • Expensive – this is a $120k Volvo!
  • Complex adaptive damper system
2014 Volvo S60 Polestar – Chasing Cars

The Volvo S60 Polestar is the most sophisticated Swedish car ever.  It may not be an M3-killer, but it is very quick, and seriously good.

Volvo are best known for their safe, but conservative vehicles like the S60 sedan.  But, behind the scenes for several decades, Volvo has been honing an interest in performance cars, fronting modified road cars for European—and recently Australian V8 Supercar—racing events.  Recently, Volvo’s performance arm, Polestar, turned its attention to producing roadgoing (or ‘take home’, in their parlance) cars.  

This effort started with the first-generation S60 Polestar, of which fifty were produced exclusively for the Australian market.  The second-generation version of that car is now complete—a car that responds to feedback on the unrefined prototype, and a car that fronts as a genuine, though offbeat, alternative to the BMW 335i, the Audi S4, and the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz C450 Sport.  The Volvo S60 Polestar is genuinely quick, corners with swift surety, and rides with purpose.  It isn’t as sharp as a BMW M3, or as monstrous as a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: but what it is, is an incredibly impressive executive sedan.  It is expensive.  But it is the best car that Volvo has ever made, and one of the best sports sedans this side of $120,000.

ChasingCars.com.au borrowed this vehicle for our Volvo S60 Polestar review:

  • 2014 Volvo S60 Polestar (top trim), with the 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder and six-speed automatic, in Rebel Blue with black leather, priced at $99,990 before on-road costs.

Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
3.0L
Cylinders
6
Induction
Twin-scroll turbocharger
Power
257kW @ 5700rpm
Torque
500Nm @ 3000–4750rpm
Configuration
Conventional
Power to weight ratio
153kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Petrol
Fuel capacity
67L
Consumption
10.2L / 100km
Average Range
657km
Drivetrain
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
All wheel drive
Engine configuration
In-line
Gears
6
Dimensions
Length
4628mm
Width
1865mm
Height
1484mm
Unoccupied weight
1684kg
Cargo space seats up
380L
Cargo seats down
Not applicable

About Chasing cars

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