Volvo S60 (Z)

Most people knew about Volvos wandering what would the next S60 looked like following the arrival of the new generation Volvo V60 estate and after moments of conspiracy theories, Volvo showed the world the new S60 and this is going to be a turning point for Volvo, especially the fact that the only Swedish carmaker we know is now under the hands of its Chinese owners from Geely. Let's evaluate.

2019 Volvo S90

One major fact about the new S60 is a fully imported model straight from the United States of America. Why made in the USA? It's all thanks to Mr. Tariff Man of course because he's not a fan of EU-made cars so that's why Volvo responded to this grim fandango to produce the new S60 on American grounds, whatever it takes. Geopolitics isn't the least of its problems because the way the new S60 is just one of them and it just suffered from the case of the Russian doll approach like every other luxury carmakers do, meaning when you park this car next to its big brother, the S90, you really can't explain what that means.

2019 Volvo S90 interior

Same issue goes to the interior because Volvo thinks that the signature dashboard first applied on the XC90 looks so good, they want to apply it on today's Volvo models, especially this one because they want their interiors to value functionality before form and that's how it got here but anyway, dashboard issues aside, it still snuggles and works like every other luxury midsize saloon should be. Be it a family car, a chauffeur-driven car to escort the VIPs, or for TNVS purposes, the S60 almost ticks the boxes of what a saloon should be and the boot space is relatively decent as well.

2019 Volvo S90

While this is made in a greatest country on earth that dropped out from the Paris accord because Mr. Tariff Man says so, the new S60 leads the charge for Volvo's diesel-free future because beginning on this model, Volvo will not have diesels on it due to today's climate and instead, they have a choice of a 2.0L T5 petrol engine, a Twin Charged 2.0L T6 hybrid petrol engine with 340PS of power, 2.0L T8 Twin Engine with 390PS of power, and then there's the range-topping Polestar Engineered T8 Twin Engine with 405PS of power. The T8 variants are the fastest of the range with a 0-100kph time of 4.6 seconds while the efficiency goes to the Twin Engine T6 variant with 1.5 - 2.3l/100km of WLTP-calculated fuel economy. All of these engines are mated to a Geartronic automatic gearbox.

Compared to the old S60, the new S60 now behaves like a new car because of the Scalable Product Architecture as well as revised dynamics that leaves drivers surprised on how decent the handling is although it's not BMW-ish but more like Audi-ish because of the four-wheel drive drivetrain essential to its hybrid powertrain. Yes, there will be some arm-breaking understeer but behaving as a normal car, it feels business as usual. Whether you take it to work or for a trip to the mall or whatever, the new S60 does its luxury car charms rather well even if it's not quite as exciting as a BMW 3-Series.

When the previous, second-generation, Volvo S60 revolutionized car safety with the first ever City Safety which involves putting emergency brakes that can stop the car itself when it detects approaching pedestrians. The new, third-generation, S60 continues its predecessor's lineage and Volvo's vision of a safer motoring future by carrying over its City Safety with Autobrake technology which now also engages auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions, a world first for a midsize saloon. Along with the upgraded Pilot Assist system, the Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert, and other safety tech, the new S60 is hands down one of the safest cars in the world, whatever that means.

2019 Volvo S60

The new S60 starts at 398,900 SEK (around 2,202,000 Philippine Pesos), which sounds fairly expensive for a midsize luxury car but if you can't afford the high price, you can take advantage of the Care by Volvo subscription service where you can keep the car for 36 months. Simple as that.

Despite its American blood, the S60 is still Swedish at heart, which isn't so bad for being a Euro-American citizen that crossed across the Atlantic to get through Scandinavia and showcase its legendary Volvo safety to the mass motorists. While the design of the new S60 is too much to tell because of the Russian doll effect, the strong suit of the new S60 is its twin charged engines and the safety tech that made us believe in Volvos. It may not be one of the most exciting luxury saloons in the world but it's one of the safest and it's all about getting the job done with no questions asked.

Photo: Volvo Car Corporation

Forza Motorsport 6: AWD Bipolar Opposites

Ever since Subaru launched the WRX S4 in the Japanese market two years ago, its main purpose was intended to be a chief rival to the Volvo S60. Now with hotter versions like the WRX STi and the S60 Polestar in the picture, these all-wheel drive bipolar opposites are going head to head round the Top Gear Test Track to see which one is the best.



But before I tackle this unique comparison between the two all-weather super saloons, let's get to know more about these two.



A year after the Subaru WRX made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, the long-awaited return of the high-performance WRX STi sports saloon made its premiere at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.

For global markets, including the US, the new WRX STi comes with the EJ25 engine developing 305HP of power and 290lb-ft of torque while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox. New for the 2015 WRX STi is the Active Torque Vectoring, which joins alongside other tech such as Driver Controlled Center Differential, Symmetrical AWD, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and Brembo Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS.

In Japan, two kinds of WRX models are offered such as the S4 model which features a brand new FA20 Direct Injection Turbo engine developing over 300PS of power while mated with a Sport Lineartronic gearbox as seen in its station wagon derivative, the Levorg, and this one equipped with the smaller EJ20 turbo engine which produces a similar power output of over three hundred horsepower. Both these models were launched in August 2014.



Based on the facelifted second-generation Volvo S60, the high-performance Polestar edition is a Volvo that is born on the track, and built for the road. With its responsive handling, smooth shifting, and precise stopping, the S60 Polestar is made with the experience and engineering of nearly two decades of Volvo's motorsport activity and it has undergone extensive development to become a super saloon worthy of wearing the Polestar badge. It was made to be a limited-edition model.

The 2015MY Polestar model uses the T6 variant of the S60 as its foundation and thanks to Polestar, it develops 345HP of power and 369lb-ft of torque, while mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, tweaked by Polestar. Apart from the engine, the Polestar S60 comes with stiffer springs, Öhlins shock absorbers, a high-capacity brake system, and other chassis upgrades.

The S60 Polestar is an impressive, agile, and extremely responsive complete package as each component is designed and crafted to maximize drivability and control everywhere, no matter the odds.



Now that we get to know more about these two, it's time to take them two for a spin around the Top Gear Test Track because...it's fun to try out the hottest rides here. It's a great thing we have a game that features this iconic testing ground as seen on TV.

Here's a quick tidbit. In terms of performance, the S60 Polestar has more power than the WRX STi's because its T6 engine develops 345HP of power. However, the S60's almost 300 lbs heavier than the Subie, meaning it's going to be one-sided. Anyway, no time to explain because it's time to get some answers around the track.


At the end of their one-lap session, the results are in. The WRX STi did it in 1:27.809 while the S60 Polestar, despite its high power advantage and quicker shifts, did it in 1:29.221, almost two seconds slower.

It's quite amazing that despite its aged performance in a more modernized look, it's not surprising that the old-school Japanese tuner saloon beats the high-tech Swedish luxury saloon by a slight margin reserved for forensics and mediums alike, and with the WRX STi, it's still Subaru's coup de grace.

It's been fifty long years since Subaru had its first boxer engine-powered car in history but with a car like the WRX STi's, the history of Subaru boxer engine remains one heck of a fight club because of its low center of gravity compared to others, a Subie like this can squeeze itself out from the cold and it's great to have a living legend like this.

Volvo S60 Cross Country and V60 Cross Country

2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country

2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country

Following Volvo's rebirth of the Cross Country lineup starting with the V40 Cross Country tall hatchback, looks like the Swedish carmaker decided to give the S60 midsize saloon and the V60 station wagon a more rugged and outdoorsy experience and by judging on its character, it's hard to say if these latest versions are proven to be quite a handful to be lifestyle vehicles targeted for people who want to go out and do leisure stuff on the weekends.

On the contrary, they're nothing but just an S60 and V60 with some fat chunky tires, added ground clearance, and that's about it. There's nothing you can expect that these Cross Country models are made to go anywhere when the elements are thrown at them. The V60 Cross Country isn't so bad, especially it was made for those who can't afford an XC60 crossover, which is usually based on that car. As for the S60 Cross Country, looks like the big tires really spoils the sports saloon's looks. It looks like a ghetto man's donk car going on the alleyways on the evening playing with some rap music on his radio. Ooh, how would the neighbors think when they see one of these?!

Despite their odd appearances, the added ground clearance, the chunky tires, and the ALL WHEEL DRIVE system are all here to keep the car going while facing numerous road conditions like cobbled roads, slippery roads, speed bumps from your local suburbs, loose gravel, and many others. They're not really scary to drive as well especially on elevated roads like the ones you'll face somewhere between Gemini St., Leo St., and Pisces St.

Even though the V60 Cross Country and the S60 Cross Country are relatives, their engine choices are ironically different. In the S60 Cross Country model, the only engine offered is a 2.0L D4 engine producing 190PS of power output while mated with a 6-speed MT or a 8-speed AT. In the V60 Cross Country, on the other hand, it has a smaller 2.0L D3 engine, 2.0L D4 engine, and a 2.0L T5 engine producing 245PS of power. Now that's a lot of power for a station wagon of that size.

The S60 Cross Country starts at 373,200 Kr while the V60 Cross Country starts at 320,000 Kr, which is cheaper to buy than the saloon counterpart! How's that possible? No one really knows but either way, both the S60 Cross Country and the V60 Cross Country are well-targeted niches targeted for the lifestyle enthusiasts who prefer to go outdoors. Yes, they may not be as tough or rugged as any other SUVs know and they're big and horrible, but these cars aren't just cars. They're lifestyles in their own rights.

Photo: Volvo Cars

The naughty Volvo S60 in Forza Motorsport 4

Journey to the wedding

A game like Forza Motorsport 4 never gotten this naughty because the arrival of the NAUGHTY VOLVO served this point. The naughty Volvo S60 R-Design is going to be the naughtiest Volvo you will only meet on Forza 4.

Imagine if this is our car to Tagaytay?!

This Volvo S60 R-Design is a T6 AWD model. I'd say that this model is powered by a turbocharged 3.0L 6-cylinder engine that produces 300HP of power and 324LB-FT of torque. When I got inside this NAUGHTY VOLVO, it feels like that this is somewhat a good alternative to the Subaru Legacy B4 BM9 but this NAUGHTY VOLVO is always ready to have a massive fistfight. I should say that this makes me losing my cool when I drive it too long. In multiplayer, this car always trying to show its "BEDLAM & BRAWLS" to its rivals.

This is going to be a naughty Top Gear episode, yet!

Classified as a B-Class vehicle, the Volvo S60 seems to be perfect for a game of soccer or Keep The It but it's the owners' judgement that decide the fate of the naughty Volvo S60 R-Design. We know, you might like it from the looks of it but would you like it for its performance? Not sure but be patient.

Naughty Stig is coming!

Despite my experiences with this, I am very glad to see Forza Motorsport 4 featured this Naughty Volvo S60.

Naughty Volvo gone wrong....

With the new Volvo S60 engineered to be the safest car on the road thanks to its enhanced City Safety, we think this Swedish manufacturer has to think twice before getting naughty to this safe car. 

I saw something at the website that the new S60 crashed at the press event at Sweden! It states that the new S60's Collision Warning system with Auto Braking feature didn't work and it crashed at the rear end of the truck, causing this naughty Volvo to crash! Get it? "Bruken!" Eh? "Brod Bro Bruken!" ROFL

But this is no laughing manner. Here's the clip that might shock you before Scandinavian Motors Corporation (or Viking Cars, the official Philippine distributor of Volvo) brings the new S60 this year,

Sounds like this naughty Volvo needs a recall!

Second-Generation Volvo S60

The new second-generation Volvo S60 plays a major role in safeness on the road rather than becoming the most naughtiest sedan ever made for the naughtiest drivers on the coast.

What makes the new S60 so naughty, that drivers want to take advantage of its new form? Well, since this is a production version, the new S60 is the Volvo equipped with the new design language as seen on the XC60. This new design gives this naughty sedan some naughtiness and sportiness like no other sedans ever made. For the interior, it simplifies more like the Kia K5 sedan, with even more naughtiness than its rival car, even if it comes with leather upholstery. That is correct, folks. The new S60's redesigned interior is pleasantly designed for the naughty drivers who are willing to take comfort of its naughty interior.

To add naughtiness on this new form, the new S60 is equipped with the new Dynamic Chassis. This new chassis brings the naughty sedan an extra packaging armed for the grand touring challenge. Best of all, the new S60 is equipped with the thicker front struts and the new polyurethane damper mountings, for the best handling performance like no other sedans ever engineered. For improved driving pleasure, it is equipped with the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system to prevent skidding on different corners. It also has the Corner Traction Control for smooth handling, handled for the naughtiest drivers on the road.

There are different engines and different transmissions to choose from the new Volvo S60. On the list of engines, this new sedan is offered in the following engines:

1) 2.0L Four-cylinder direct injection turbo gasoline engine (203HP)
2) D3 Five-cylinder turbodiesel engine (163HP)
3) D5 Five-cylinder turbodiesel engine (205HP)
4) T6 Six-cylinder turbo charged gasoline engine (304HP)

Depending on the engine type, there are different transmissions to choose:

1) A six-speed manual transmission
2) A six-speed automatic geartronic transmission (also available on the 4WD variants)
3) A six-speed Powershift semi-auto transmission

The ultimate level of the new S60's naughtiness is Volvo's innovative City Safety technology. With City Safety, the new Volvo S60 prevents incoming accidents from the highway and now, pedestrians as well, with the use of auto-braking feature. This auto-braking feature automatically puts the S60 to a complete halt when it reaches a nearby vehicle and this time, pedestrians, making it the safest sedan ever built. The Blind Spot Information System (similar from what they found on the latest Ford Taurus and the latest Mazda Axela) allows the S60 to detect incoming vehicles nearby at the flash of a small blinking icon found on the side mirrors, providing the safest while maneuvering at various circumstances. A Lane Departure Prevention (similar to what they found on the Hyundai Equus, Nissan Fuga and the Kia K7) triggers an alarming sound when the driver crosses the wrong lane. An added Active Cruise Control with Queue Assist makes this naughty sedan automatically sets its designated seat at the car from the front, telling the driver what speed you take and when you will brake. For parking safety, an added front, and rear parking sensors with the camera makes it useful for parking circumstances.

For convenience, the new S60 is equipped with the new infotainment system. This new system is armed on the five or seven inch monitor, giving the naughty driver a wide variety of options to choose from such as entertainment, telecommunications, navigation, and more for what the driver asks. This is the one of the first cars equipped with the Audyssey MultEQ technology, for the best sound quality as heard from reality.

My thoughts about the S60:
Destined to be the naughtiest car built for the naughtiest drivers on the world, the new S60 takes assurance and pride of its finest safety features that makes this naughty car playing safe on the roads. With the new body, new style, new performance, new packaging, and the best safety features, prepare to be gone wild because these features made this new Volvo sedan gone wild because this is a Volvo gone wild and rated XXX for its excellence, exceptional, and its expertise. Do not worry, this car is not built to have explicit content, this car is built to have the safest content. Stay sharp, everyone.