2014 Volvo S60 is Solid Midsize Sedan Upgraded

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Images courtesy Volvo

Images courtesy Volvo

It has been no secret that in recent years, Volvo has become a favorite brand of mine and the S60 sedan has been a car I have really enjoyed driving. To be fair, Volvo has usually delivered something in an R-Design package but recently I was able to test the entry midsize offering and was not disappointed.

For model year 2014, Volvo, now owned by Chinese automaker Geely, has refreshed a significant number of vehicles in its lineup with the S60 included. Upgrades to this model include new front styling said to accelerate its sporty character along with interior improvements and the inclusion of the latest safety technology offered by the brand.

2014VolvoS60drive

What is delivered is still a very capable, very fun to drive sedan that offers very good acceleration from the base T5 turbocharged five-cylinder engine and dynamic road manners from a solid chassis offering all the latest creature comforts for driver and occupants.

The S60 is a five-seater that is solidly built and features contemporary styling inside and out. The car offers drivers a significant amount of fun behind the wheel no matter when choosing the base or optional powertrain. This tester arrived with the 250hp T5 engine backed by six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with advanced quick shift and paddle shifters on the steering wheel. An all-new instrument cluster allows drivers to select from one of three new electronic displays: Elegance, Eco or Performance.

Volvo offers the S60 in front- and all-wheel drive configurations and this time around we received an FWD car. One unique feature we have come to enjoy in the S60 models of late is the instant traction technology that sees power hitting the pavement in quite the swift manner adding to that driving pleasure found in this car.

2014VolvoS60interior

Some of the new technology offered on the 2014 S60 includes blind spot information system, front and rear park assist, cross traffic alert and lane change merge aid. Others include cyclist and pedestrian detection working in conjunction with the full auto brake.

Pricing for the 2014 S60 FWD T5 begins at $32,400 with this tester coming in at $38,065 thanks to Premier and Sport packages added on. The T5 offers 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway and the S60 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The majority of its parts are sourced from Belgium, Germany and Sweden with final assembly still taking place in its homeland.

2014VolvoS60rear

I make no apologies for liking a Volvo, more specifically really liking the S60 sedan. This is a car that needs to be driven to be truly appreciated, and for a front-drive, midsize sedan, this is about as good as it gets.

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About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.