2015 Volvo S60

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absolutely! AUTO REVIEW | By Steve Kursar –

The 2015 Volvo S60 is a prime example that the entry-level luxury car segment is changing for the better. The newest version of Volvo’s mid-size sedan maintains its pared-down Scandinavian style with pumped up performance and sharp handling.  No longer a smaller version of its dowdy big brother the S80, the new S60 is ready to go toe to toe with the best that Germany has to offer.

Volvo, an iconic automotive brand that dates back to the 1920s, has always been known for being in the forefront of safety. We can thank the engineers at Volvo for promoting safety features that we now take for granted such as the three-point seat belt, the rear-facing child seat and rollover stability control.  And although Volvo is still based in Sweden, it’s been owned by the Chinese automaker Geely Automobile since 2010. It’s an odd international relationship that has proven very beneficial for Volvo. And if you need proof, just check out their current line up.

The latest version of the S60 continues to build on the heritage of safety that made Volvo famous with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, an innovation that scans the area ahead. If a cyclist heading in the same direction suddenly swerves in front of the car as it approaches and collision is imminent, there is an instant warning and full braking power is applied. This technology also detects if a pedestrian steps out into the road in front of the car and can automatically activate the brakes.

But the 2015 S60 has also moved into the performance realm that BMW and Mercedes once thought they owned.  The base model T5 Drive-E with an MSRP of $33,750 comes standard with a 240 hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.  This little powerhouse can move from zero to 60 in six seconds with impressive fuel economy estimates of 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The T6 Drive-E boasts a turbocharged and supercharged 302 hp, 2.0-liter inline-4 that’s only drinks a touch more gas with estimates of 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

If you’re looking for an entry-level luxury car, but you don’t want to follow the pack in the direction of Lexus and BMW, the 2015 Volvo S60 is a solid choice with a lot to offer in terms of safety, styling and performance.

Follow Steve Kursur at KursarOn

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