Hot on the heels of the recently introduced T4 versions of the S80 and V60 is Volvo’s most fuel-efficient model yet – the S60 T4.
Like its aforementioned siblings, the S60 gracing this page is also powered by the 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct injection) engine, which sends 180bhp and 240Nm to the front wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Unlike its kinfolk, however, the Volvo S60 T4 is able to utilise this drivetrain to a higher degree of efficiency. It boasts a combined fuel consumption figure of 13.5km per litre, making it the most economical model in the local Volvo range. Only the sleek Volvo V60 T4 estate (which manages 13.1km/L) manages to come anywhere close.
One of the two key reasons for the S60 T4’s efficiency is its lighter weight. At 1470kg, it is 122kg lighter than its immediate sibling, the S60 2.0. This helps mitigate the engine’s lower output compared to the 2-litre motor and enables the S60 1.6 to smoothly accomplish the century dash in 9 seconds – just 0.8 second off the S60 2.0’s mark. Volvo also claims a top speed of 225km/h, which is just 5km/h shy of the S60 2.0’s limit.
Aside from the leaner mass, this S60 is also equipped with Volvo’s DRIVe function, a feature that helps burn less petrol by decoupling the gearbox whenever you lift your foot off the accelerator while the car is coasting.
Release the throttle as you approach a red light, for example, and the engine speed drops back to its idle point. Step on the accelerator again, and the process is reversed.
Volvo’s turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder is at its most efficient here.
The whole operation, which is pretty seamless, is akin to shifting a manual gearbox into neutral when rolling to a stop. Most drivers will find the entire operation to be unobtrusive, but if you happen to find yourself in the camp that disagrees with this, you can always push a button to keep it permanently switched off.
More likely to be always left on is the cabin’s hi-fi system, which is more than decent despite featuring only six speakers (compared to eight in the S60 2.0). The interior itself hasn’t lost any charm, even if it does without the metallic trimmings and an electrically adjustable seat for the front passenger.
The Volvo S60 T4 may be lacking a few aesthetics, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on protection. This variant comes fully equipped with the same advanced protection systems (such as City Safety) that are included in its more expensive siblings. This Swede might be frugal, but it certainly isn’t lean.
Volvo S60 T4 1.6 (A)
ENGINE 1596cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged
MAX POWER 180bhp at 5700rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at 1600-5000rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed dual-clutch with manual select
0-100KM/H 9 seconds
TOP SPEED 225km/h
CONSUMPTION 13.5km/L
PRICE INCL. COE $185,000
Check out the latest Volvo S60
