Four models are available: S60 2.4 ($26,370), S60 2.4T ($30,425), S60 2.5T AWD ($32,175), and S60 T5 ($32,825).

S60 2.4 comes with a 2.4-liter, five-cylinder engine that produces 168 horsepower and 166 pounds-feet of torque. (A 165-horsepower, super-low-emissions, or SULEV, version is sold only in California.) A five-speed manual transmission is standard. A five-speed automatic transmission adds $1000. The 2.4T gets redesigned 15-inch alloy wheels for 2003. A new Sport Package ($750) adds fog lights and upgrades the wheels to 16-inches. The $2,995 Premium Package adds Electronic Climate Control, wood trim and a trip computer, in addition to a moonroof, leather upholstery, and a power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support and memory.
S60 2.4T offers more power with a low-pressure turbocharger to generate 197 horsepower and 210 pounds-feet of torque. That torque comes on at a much lower engine speed (1800 rpm instead of 4500 rpm), giving this model much better acceleration away from intersections. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. Wood-grain interior trim and electronic climate control are standard. The 2.4T gets redesigned wheels and bigger tires this year (P215/55R16). The Sport Package ($700) for this model adds 17-inch wheels with 235/45R17 tires and Geartronic auto-stick control for the transmission. A Premium Package ($2,755) for 2.4T and 2.5T AWD adds leather upholstery, trip computer, moonroof, and power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support and memory.

S60 2.5T AWD brings still more power and all-wheel drive. Last year's all-wheel-drive model was powered by the same engine as the 2.4T. New for 2003, the 2.5T AWD model runs with a slightly larger-displacement five-cylinder, still using light-pressure turbocharging to produce a responsive 208 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque. The torque peaks at a super-low 1500 rpm for low-speed pulling power. The Geartronic automatic is standard. The Sport Package ($750) adds 17-inch wheels, 235/45R17 tires and T5 model's front and rear sport seats. S60 T5 uses a high-pressure turbo to produce 247 horsepower and 243 pounds-feet of torque for truly pulse-quickening acceleration. A five-speed manual transmission is again standard, with the Geartronic automatic a $1200 option. Aluminum mesh replaces woodgrain in the interior. Power-adjustable sport seats and a trip computer are standard. The T5 Sport Package ($750) adds 17-inch wheels, 235/45R17 tires, and a stiffer suspension. The Premium Package for the T5 ($1995) adds leather and power moonroof.
Volvo is a leader in safety and all S60 models get a raft of safety and security items: front, side and head airbags up front; five head restraints; seats that move on impact to reduce whiplash injuries; an immobilizer and an alarm; a Safe Approach and Home Safe Lighting System; and anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake distribution. Convenience features common to every S60 include air conditioning with a pollen filter; power windows, trunk release and door locks; illuminated visor mirrors; a trunk light; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel wrapped in leather; headlight wipers; power folding headrests; 60/40 split-folding rear seat; cupholders front and rear, steering-wheel controls for the audio system; and remote keyless entry.

books

sponsored links

The Climate Package (standard on 2.5T AWD, $495 on other S60's) includes Rainsensor wipers, which replace the intermittent wiper control and automatically adjusts wiper speed based on the amount of water sensed on the windshield. A Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound stereo ($1200) is available on 2.4T, 2.5T AWD, and T5. Volvo's new On Call Plus telematics/mobile phone ($835) is available for all models.

Overall, the Volvo S60 interior is handsome and comfortable. The seats are cushy with the optional pigskin-type leather; however, you tend to slide around a bit in them. The leather looks and feels like quality. There's good interior space up front, more than in the BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The dashboard flows in a pleasant shape. Attractive wood trim appears sparingly on the glovebox lid and on all four doors. The quality of the material used to cover other surfaces is good. The gauges are attractive, with their flat gray background, and easy to read, while the switches are intuitive and easy to use. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls are well designed and easy to operate, with big buttons that use Volvo's clever metaphoric design to direct the airflow. Electric window buttons with auto-down are conveniently mounted on the door. Inside door handles are easy to grab. The innovative radio controls take some familiarization to master. Changing preset channels involves turning a knob, rather than pressing a button, for example. Once understood, however, it works very well. The leather-wrapped steering wheel features controls for the audio system that makes operating it easier while driving.

The center console storage is awkward to reach as it is positioned rearward. The cup holders, mounted just forward of the console, are covered with a flimsy lid. There's another mini cup holder on the center of the dash. The manual shift lever has a silver-colored plastic cover at its base that looks like silver-colored plastic. A traditional boot would look so much classier, especially with the S60's luxurious leather.