Review: 2002 Volvo S60 AWD
SEE ALSO: Volvo Buyer's Guide
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS With its bold styling and broad lineup, the S60 sedan has been a success for Volvo. And Volvo has expanded the range for 2002 with the introduction of the S60 AWD. As can be told by the AWD name, this is an all-wheel drive model. Nothing new for Volvo there, as the S60's predecessor S70 had an AWD model and the Cross Country crossover wagon is also an all-wheel drive vehicle. Unlike the Cross Country, but very much like the S70 AWD, the S60 AWD makes no attempt at sport- utilityness. It's the Volvo interpretation of a sports-luxury sedan for ``all seasons and all reasons,'' as Volvo says. The S60 AWD starts with the drivetrain of the 2.4T model: a 2.4-liter, 197-horsepower low-pressure turbo engine and five-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with ``Geartronic'' manual shift mode. It adds an all-wheel drive system developed in conjunction with Haldex, a Swedish maker of transmission systems that has made AWD systems used by several European manufacturers. The S60 AWD works in front-wheel drive mode most of the time, with power automatically directed to the rear wheels when necessary. This can be under acceleration, hard cornering, or on wet, icy, or other slippery surfaces. As I found during my week with a new S60 AWD, the system works transparently. The car feels no different than a regular S60 2.4T in driving characteristics, and the slight extra weight of the AWD hardware is not noticeable. Although not designed specifically for performance driving, the AWD system does offer extra traction when needed in dry weather as well as wet or icy, so the AWD is not just a car for the snow belt. It adds AWD versatility to the S60's already excellent mix of style, comfort, performance, and safety. APPEARANCE: Although the front-end body panels are shared with the V70 wagon, the S60 has a distinct character. The S60 AWD looks like any other S60 sedan, but with just a slightly higher stance. This in no way disrupts its proportions or coupe-like grace, which are defined by the near-fastback roof line, strong shoulders, and aerodynamically-rounded bodywork. Angles are subdued, and curves are restrained. There is a subtle hint of vintage Volvos, like the 122 sedan, and no trace of the infamous box. COMFORT: Angles have been rounded off inside of the S60 as well as outside. The interior combines driving-oriented ergonomics with luxury comfort in a Swedish Modern design. The front seats provide comfort and support, and help keep the driver and passenger alert - safety is everywhere in a Volvo. A ``cockpit'' semi-wraparound instrument panel presents necessary information well, and all controls are within easy reach of the driver. Volvo's iconic climate control switches are the most self-explanatory in the industry, and set the tone for the S60's control design. No need to consult the fine print in the manual. The driver's seat is power- adjustable, and the manual tilt-and-telescope adjustable steering wheel helps the driver to find the perfect position. Despite the coupe-like roofline, there is good rear-seat headroom. As in the S80, rear seat passengers have B-pillar climate control vents. Numerous small, useful storage spaces add convenience. The trunk is large for the car's size, and the rear seat folds with a 60/40 split when it's necessary to carry oversize items. SAFETY: Volvo is known for safety, and the S60 AWD has a full complement of safety features as standard equipment. All seating positions have three-point safety belts, and the WHIPS anti- whiplash system is standard, as are dual-stage airbags, side and side curtain airbags, and a sturdy safety cage chassis structure with crush zones. Antilock brakes are standard, and dynamic stability control is available. ROADABILITY: The S60 AWD's slightly increased ride height doesn't seem to make any difference in its handling. And, while the AWD system is designed for improved traction in inclement conditions, it helps on dry roads as well. The front-drive bias makes itself known with a hint of torque steer under full-throttle acceleration, but the AWD tracks as solidly as any other S60, with exceptionally good stability. Can a Volvo be fun to drive? This one is, especially on a winding country road. Regarding winter conditions, I had the opportunity to drive an S70 AWD, the S60's ancestor, in central Quebec a couple of winters ago. With the proper winter tires, it made driving on icy roads remarkably un-terrifying, and I'm from a warm, ice-free climate. The latest Volvo AWD system uses electronics to fine-tune control and communicate with other systems, including traction and stability control. It should tame the slippery stuff even better. PERFORMANCE: The S60 AWD uses the 197-horsepower (at 6000rpm) low-pressure turbo (LPT) version of Volvo's 2.4-liter inline five-cylinder engine, not the high-pressure turbo of the T5. In the real world of everyday driving, this is actually an advantage, as the LPT engine has better low-end and midrange torque and is more responsive at city and usual highway speeds. Turbo lag is noticeable only at extremely low speeds, like from a standstill, and use of the five-speed automatic's ``Geartronic'' manual mode easily compensates for that. And with 210 lb-ft of torque available from 1800 to 5000 rpm, keeping the engine speed in the heart of the torque curve is no problem. CONCLUSIONS: The 2002 Volvo S60 AWD adds all-wheel drive for all-season versatility to the S60's mix of comfort, style, and safety. SPECIFICATIONS 2002 Volvo S60 AWD Base Price $ 33,375 Price As Tested $ 38,300 Engine Type dual overhead cam turbocharged and intercooled inline five-cylinder Engine Size 2.4 liters / 146 cu. in. Horsepower 197 @ 6000 rpm Torque (lb-ft) 210 @ 1800-5000 rpm Transmission five-speed microprocessor-controlled automatic with ``Geartronic'' manual-shift mode Wheelbase / Length 107 in. / 180.2 in. Curb Weight 3146 lbs. Pounds Per Horsepower 15.97 Fuel Capacity 21.1 gal. Fuel Requirement unleaded premium for best performance Tires P235/45 VR17 Pirelli P6 4-season (opt) Brakes, front/rear vented disc / disc, antilock standard Suspension, front/rear independent MacPherson strut / independent multilink Drivetrain front engine, all-wheel drive PERFORMANCE EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 19 /26 / 21 0 to 60 mph 8.0 sec (est) OPTIONS AND CHARGES Metallic paint $ 400 Touring package - includes: Homelink(tm), auto-dimming mirrors, trip computer, grocery bag holder, security laminated side glass, interior air quality system - special pricing $ 700 Premium package - includes: leather-faced seating surfaces and wrapped steering wheel, simulated wood trim, power passenger seat, upgraded audio system - special pricing $ 600 17-inch ``Thor'' alloy wheels $ 500 Dynamic stability and traction control $1,100 Destination charge $ 625