Topic: Test Drive: 2013 Volvo S60 T5 AWD

[Autos_Editor]

The Volvo S60 is beautiful, competent, comfortable, fast, and a unique proposition in the face of its conventional German competitors

Read More...

[hemusbull]

According to the Natural Resources Canada all Volvo cars manufactured until 2012 are premium gas designated (no recommended or required classification there). The same is for BMW/Audi/MB. Just few SAAB engines without turbo are good for regular according NRC. 
How come the carry over Volvo T5 engine for 2013 is a regular gas unit? Something missleading here...

[mixmanmash]

It's too bad Volvo doesn't offer a manual transmission like they use to.  I think now only the C30 and C70 have that choice.

[ChaosphereIX]

great car and nice that it can run on 87. Would certainly consider one of these if I were shopping for an entry premium sedan with AWD. These engines tuned up are monsters too, the torque is astonishing...

[redman]

I can't think of any 5 cyl still in production except for this one. For some reason we have never been comfortable with odd piston displacement engines. Some new 3 cyl are entering the market that may change the mindset.

Volvo makes some strong and safe cars but many have seen them stuck somewhere between a regular car and a premium luxury brand. Volvo has been instrumental as a leader in many safety developments in automotive safety which the industry has adopted as the norm. They clearly deserves to be placed in the premium brand market not only for there leadership in the progression of today's cars but also for there use of premium materials.
There is a good reason why Ford did not give up all ownership of Volvo to Geely Auto. What's developed by Volvo especially in regards to safety gets passed to Ford. Volvo has practically become Ford's safety testing and development dept.

[SaskSpecV]

I can't think of any 5 cyl still in production except for this one. For some reason we have never been comfortable with odd piston displacement engines. Some new 3 cyl are entering the market that may change the mindset.

VW group still has a few - the 2.5L in the jetta, golf, passat, and beetle.  And can't forget the turbo'ed 2.5L in the TT-RS (Snowman?  Snowman?  Bueller?)
Is GM still making the Colorado/Canyon with 5-cylinder engines?

The T5 got really good reviews on insideline's long-term fleet.  Looks like a really solid vehicle, and decent value in the luxury class.  I'm not sure what direction Volvo will go in with their new Chinese owners, but the V60 sure looks awesome...

[Gurgie]

I run my 2006 V70 2.5T AWD on regular 87 octane all the time & have had no issues with it.  Premium fuel is recommended but not required and with the electronic ignition the computer automatically retards the timing for the lower octane fuel.  Power is decreased by a little bit, but you can barely feel that... still pulls like mad from 80km/hr and up to when ever you let off the go pedal.

[superukr]

According to the Natural Resources Canada all Volvo cars manufactured until 2012 are premium gas designated (no recommended or required classification there). The same is for BMW/Audi/MB. Just few SAAB engines without turbo are good for regular according NRC. 
How come the carry over Volvo T5 engine for 2013 is a regular gas unit? Something missleading here...

C30 T5 runs on 87 no problem

[Spheric]

It's too bad Volvo doesn't offer a manual transmission like they use to.  I think now only the C30 and C70 have that choice.

Agree. The profile of this car suggests it would attract drivers who are both capable and willing to shift for themselves.

[whaddaiknow]

The Volvo S60 is beautiful, competent, comfortable, fast, and a unique proposition in the face of its conventional German competitors
Read More...

Am I the only one who finds the dash and centre console fugly? That's the only thing that keeps me away from the Volvo showroom.

[Weels]

My T6 is fine on 87 but I always run 91 though.

Back almost 2 years ago when I was buying I drove the T5 & T6 back to back.  The 5 was nice, but I would have kicked myself endlessly if I bought that instead of the T6.
It is a sweeet engine.  Agree with the article that the chassis isn't quite up to the task of handling what the T6 can dish out though.

[aaronk]

I've always liked Volvos - they're well-built cars and good value in terms of luxury brands. This new S60 would be a strong contender if I were shopping in the segment, but I do wish there was a wagon version.

[Winterpeg]

I've always liked Volvos - they're well-built cars and good value in terms of luxury brands. This new S60 would be a strong contender if I were shopping in the segment, but I do wish there was a wagon version.

Plus 1.....The Volvos look very sharp and unique...drive like the German brands and interior looks great (agree with the too tiny buttons on the dash though). Hmmmm...is someone humming that BNL song, "....if I had a million dollars.....".   

[dirtyjeffer]

I've always liked Volvos - they're well-built cars and good value in terms of luxury brands. This new S60 would be a strong contender if I were shopping in the segment, but I do wish there was a wagon version.

there is the very nice XC70 (or XC60 if you want something a little smaller).

[CAS]

I wonder about the long term effects of running regular gas on this car.  After using regular fuel for 106,00 km on my turbocharged car (premium recommended but 87 AKI can be used), my intake valves needed replacing because they were thinned out badly - it was a costly repair.  My mechanic implored me not to use regular gas anymore, which I haven't since.

I don't know if I would choose this car as I find that Volvo suspensions are horrid over irregular roads.  The bumps transmit into the cabin as crashes.  Otherwise, good car.

[Fobroader]

I wonder about the long term effects of running regular gas on this car.  After using regular fuel for 106,00 km on my turbocharged car (premium recommended but 87 AKI can be used), my intake valves needed replacing because they were thinned out badly - it was a costly repair.  My mechanic implored me not to use regular gas anymore, which I haven't since.

I don't know if I would choose this car as I find that Volvo suspensions are horrid over irregular roads.  The bumps transmit into the cabin as crashes.  Otherwise, good car.

I wouldnt run 87 on any turbo car unless it was an emergency situation. For a couple of bucks a tank I wouldnt compromise reliability and performance.

[easyrider]

it's got a droopy face.

[CanuckS2K]

Sweet looking car inside and out.  I really like the simplicity of the centre console.  Strangely enough, I've never ever driven a Volvo.   

[Rupert]

Nice shape, few folds. I like that. Pity the smaller cars, that purse string constraints allow, have lots of folds now and overdone styling.

[Cord]

I can't think of any 5 cyl still in production except for this one. For some reason we have never been comfortable with odd piston displacement engines. Some new 3 cyl are entering the market that may change the mindset.

Volvo makes some strong and safe cars but many have seen them stuck somewhere between a regular car and a premium luxury brand. Volvo has been instrumental as a leader in many safety developments in automotive safety which the industry has adopted as the norm. They clearly deserves to be placed in the premium brand market not only for there leadership in the progression of today's cars but also for there use of premium materials.
There is a good reason why Ford did not give up all ownership of Volvo to Geely Auto. What's developed by Volvo especially in regards to safety gets passed to Ford. Volvo has practically become Ford's safety testing and development dept.

According to this press release Ford retained no ownership in Volvo.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/28/ford-finalizes-deal-to-sell-volvo-to-geely-for-1-8-billion/