Driving Torque

It's All About The Motors.

Driving Torque

This is the YouTube page for Driving Torque - Articles, reviews and opinions about cars and all things automotive.
Go to www.drivingtorque.com

Driving Torque
Review by Ben Harrington from Driving Torque of the Suzuki Jimny SZ5
Suzuki Jimny Review
YouTube Video UCOtVdrU-nsf_4BZwMKZ08NA_tBEwl0WmNRw
Watch as a Model X performs its Celebration Mode Easter egg in the snow
Tesla Model X Celebration Mode
YouTube Video UCOtVdrU-nsf_4BZwMKZ08NA_Z04UK1MRXjE
This is what the exhaust tail pipe of a Ford Focus RS sounds and looks like when you accelerate quickly.
2017 Ford Focus RS Exhaust
YouTube Video UCOtVdrU-nsf_4BZwMKZ08NA_QkKOE0J4baE
Another gratuitous exhaust video for you. This time it's the behemoth that is the Mercedes GL63 AMG.
Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG exhaust sounding immense
YouTube Video UCOtVdrU-nsf_4BZwMKZ08NA_S7TdJrBe8aw
This is a Porsche Cayman in Sport Plus mode with a Sports exhaust, showing the exhaust revving and moving as the car is put through its paces. Great footage of over-run and even the heat haze from the hot engine.
Porsche Cayman PDK Sport Plus
YouTube Video UCOtVdrU-nsf_4BZwMKZ08NA_8l_WTgJB0sk
Subscribe
  • Home
  • About
  • Ben’s Car CV
  • DTQ Partners
  • Contact

Volvo S60 D3 Geartronic Review

December 10, 2015 by benharrington 1 Comment

volvo s60 r-design red front

Model shown is S60 R-Design

Volvo S60 D3

The Volvo S60 has always offered a very feasible alternative to the usual suspects in the segment; BMW‘s 3 Series, Mercedes‘ C-Class and Audi‘s A4. It looks good both inside and out, is obviously as safe as 10 rows of Northern European houses, but it always just fell short in terms of driving satisfaction and refinement.

Volvo are in the process of revamping their entire range of power plants, though. MY16 cars will also see hybrid power introduced across the fleet, but for now there’s some new petrols and diesels to bring things up to speed (badged T or D respectively).

We’re testing the Volvo S60 D3 – a new 4-cylinder unit producing 150bhp and 320Nm torque that emits either 102g/km Co2 in manual guise or 110g/km when linked to Volvo‘s new 6-speed Geartronic ‘box, as our test car is.

volvo s60 r-design red rear

Model shown is S60 R-Design

Less is most definitely more in this case and the new engine is streets ahead of the old 5-cylinder unit it’s replaced. It’s smoother, quieter and more eager to respond whilst remaining more than happy to cruise unruffled for mile after mile of motorway.

The Volvo S60’s new 6-speed Geartronic ‘box is possibly even more of a triumph than the engine it’s attached to, though. Where the last generation of autos were jumpy and uninspiring, and the manual alternative felt like an afterthought, this ‘box is a pleasure to just leave to its own devices. For an extra £150, you can even opt for a pair of neat, shiny paddles to change gear with, but I wouldn’t bother as they don’t suit the car’s character – I wouldn’t be that keen to utilise the box’s ‘sport’ mode either for the same reason.

volvo s60 interior

It’s not just the Volvo S60’s powertrain that’s seen improvement, either – the suspension’s been tinkered with to make for a more direct feel around bends. Our test car was fitted with an optional Lowered Sports Chassis (£500) and 19” Portia alloys (£1,325) meaning it rode on the firmer side of supportive. These are obviously fitted at your discretion, though and the standard car will still be more dynamic than the last gen which was very comfortable but had a tendency to wobble around.

Volvo are always at the forefront of safety technology, but the more exciting side of driving like engines and cornering ability usually take a back seat. The S60’s recent improvements make for a more satisfying experience altogether, whilst keeping economy and emissions relevant in a very competitive segment.

By Ben Harrington

Specifications; Volvo S60 D3 Geartronic SE Lux Nav, Engine – 2.0l 4 cylinder diesel, Transmission – 6 spd automatic, Layout – Front engine, FWD, Power – 150BHP, Torque – 320Nm, Emissions – 110g/km CO2, Economy – 67.3 mpg combined, Maximum Speed – 134mph, Acceleration – 9.0s 0-62mph, Price – £30,895 OTR, £41,105 as tested (S60 range is available from £21,005)

The Volvo S60 is available now. For full details go to; www.volvocars.com

Filed Under: D-Segment, Driven, Review, Road Test Tagged With: 3 series, a4, automatic, C Class, geartronic, Safety, Saloon, swedish, Volvo, Volvo S60, volvo s60 d3

Trackbacks

  1. Volvo XC90 Review - Driving Torque says:
    February 5, 2016 at 10:01 am

    […] nose dominates the front of the XC90, bisected grille standing upright and sporting the new Volvo Iron Mark logo. Thor’s Hammer headlights are perhaps unashamed in a non-typically Volvo […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Driving Torque

I'm Ben Harrington and I'm a car lover, freelance motoring journalist and family-man (I'll let you decide the order!) I started Driving Torque in 2010 to share my love of all things motoring with the wider world. Since then, … continue reading

Driving Torque’s Instagram Posts

driving_torque

We’ve spent some time recently with the crossove We’ve spent some time recently with the crossover it’s ok to be seen in - the All-New Subaru Outback. #subaru #outback #carsofinstagram
Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the las Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the last Honda HR-V. This goes back today, though, and I think I’ll miss it. #honda #hondahrv #carsofinstagram
Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the las Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the last Honda HR-V. This goes back today, though, and I think I’ll miss it. #honda #hondahrv #carsofinstagram
Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the las Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the last Honda HR-V. This goes back today, though, and I think I’ll miss it. #honda #hondahrv #carsofinstagram
Another highlight from this week’s SMMT Test Day Another highlight from this week’s SMMT Test Day was this; the unashamedly macho Ford Mustang Mach 1. A full review will follow later this year, hopefully. #ford #fordmustang #forduk #carsofinstagram
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Driving Torque’s Twitter Feed

Ben Harrington Follow

Freelance motoring writer and Editor of Driving Torque. @NGMWcars member. Classic VW owner. Husband and father to a wonderful wife and two amazing young ladies.

DrivingTorque
drivingtorque Ben Harrington @drivingtorque ·
4h

https://buff.ly/3a464Wv #subaru #outback #review #roadtest #crossover

Reply on Twitter 1543299467960532993 Retweet on Twitter 1543299467960532993 Like on Twitter 1543299467960532993 Twitter 1543299467960532993
drivingtorque Ben Harrington @drivingtorque ·
1 Jul

https://buff.ly/3a464Wv #subaru #outback #review #roadtest

Reply on Twitter 1542936828826763269 Retweet on Twitter 1542936828826763269 Like on Twitter 1542936828826763269 1 Twitter 1542936828826763269
drivingtorque Ben Harrington @drivingtorque ·
1 Jul

https://buff.ly/3a464Wv #subaru #outback #review

Reply on Twitter 1542831103362404352 Retweet on Twitter 1542831103362404352 1 Like on Twitter 1542831103362404352 Twitter 1542831103362404352
drivingtorque Ben Harrington @drivingtorque ·
29 Jun

https://buff.ly/3ObO4Z5 #honda #hrv #hybrid #review #roadtest

Reply on Twitter 1542117432768299013 Retweet on Twitter 1542117432768299013 1 Like on Twitter 1542117432768299013 Twitter 1542117432768299013
drivingtorque Ben Harrington @drivingtorque ·
28 Jun

https://buff.ly/3lWtAH5 #ssangyong #tivoli #review #suv

Reply on Twitter 1541740446468243458 Retweet on Twitter 1541740446468243458 1 Like on Twitter 1541740446468243458 Twitter 1541740446468243458
Load More

© 2022 · DrivingTorque.com · Site designed and built by Kobestarr.com