2001 Volvo S60 S review from UK and Ireland

Brief intermittent fault with a sensor on the brake pedal that stopped the cruise control from working for about a week. Even though the fault was not apparent by the time I got it to the dealer, the memory identified the faulty part and they replaced it under warranty.

Otherwise its been faultless.

I really like this car, usually after a year the honeymoon period is over, but the S60 has an enduring like-able character.

Styling is grown-up and understated, with distinct Volvo DNA. The designers have done a superb job of bringing traditional Volvo design cues into the 21st century. It is pleasing to the eye and won't look unfashionable next year.

It is outstandingly comfortable, the seats, driving position, controls and suspension set-up combine to produce a very pleasant place to spend time.

The 5 cylinder engine has a smooth distant hum when cruising, and changes to a warble when pushing on. If you are unfamiliar with turbo engines, you may find the initial pick-up from low revs at odds with the strong pull in the mid to upper rev range, but when the turbo is blowing hard, this is a very effective overtaking machine.

Fuel consumption is excellent for a 170BHP saloon. I get 36MPG out of town, and 29MPG in town (UK Gallons). Incidentally this car is perfectly suited to getting the best out of Shell Optimax petrol - I get a 10% improvement in consumption compared with regular unleaded, and a discern-able improvement in performance.

(I guess this is due to the engine management getting the best from turbo boost and ignition timing with the high octane of Optimax?)

Its handling is secure and predictable, but from a European perspective, I wouldn't consider it 'sporty'. If you like to throw a car around go for the BMW instead. But for the 90% that you are not white-knuckling back roads, the S60 is the better car.

It 'feels' a big and safe car. The parts of the car that you touch switches, handles, controls - its handshake if you like - is solid and firm.

The driver and front passenger are well accommodated, but its not so good for rear passengers, it's a bit stuffy and claustrophobic back there, like its mid-size saloon / sedan competitors, and if you are regularly taking rear passengers, I'd suggest the S80 would be a better option.

Thankfully I've not had reason to test it, but both passive and active safety seem to be second to none.

Volvo in the UK try very hard with dealer service, at least my personal experience is positive, and whilst service is not cheap, I have learned that you get what you pay for!

Overall, I strongly recommend the S60.

If you are considering a 3 series or C class, or A4, it is a real contender, and is better in many ways, not least in value for money. If you are the sort of chap who wears clothes with the brand logos on the inside, not the outside, this could be the one for you!