A Wolf in Viking’s Clothing
By Gaywheels.com Staff
“That is not your Father’s Volvo. Man, they have come a long way.” This, a typical comment we heard while driving a 2006 Sonic Blue Metallic Volvo S60 R. It is very true, Volvo has come a long way, especially compared to the 1986 Volvo 740 Wagon that one of the Gaywheels.com staffers drives and loves oh so much. Just looking at the curvaceously-bodied 2006 S60 R next to the classic “box on wheels” 1986 740 makes it very clear – a lot has changed indeed.
Once relegated to the crunchy professor types, modern-day Volvos offer safety, reliability and longevity wrapped in uniquely attractive packages. Our S60 R added to that list impressive performance. Propelled by a 300 HP turbo-charged five cylinder and AWD, this midsize sports sedan delivered on the “go-fast safely” theme with a Swedish accent. Like its other 5-cylinder brethren, the power plant isn’t exactly melodious, but not altogether unpleasant. At the end of the day, it delivers the performance and that is what cars like this are all about.
When first driving the S60 we felt the ride was not as sporty and firm as we expected it would be. One logbook entry noted that “the suspension seems mushy, almost floaty”. We soon realized that the Four-C Adaptive Suspension was on the comfort setting. Our opinion changed drastically when the switch moved into the Sport mode and then even more so, when taking highway off ramps in the Advanced Sport mode. The almost 3,700 lb. Swedish girl hunkered down and swallowed up the off ramp sharp curve at an alarming speed. The incredible handling can be attributed to the Advanced setting on the suspension and Volvo’s Electronically controlled Haldex All Wheel Drive system – both standard on the S60 R.
The handling and performance weren’t the only things that impressed us. The interior of the S60R put smiles on our faces as well. The seats are simply the most comfortable in the industry. They may not be the most supportive but if you prioritize comfort over lateral support, you will be very happy. Adding to the standard S60 accoutrements were blue “R” gauges and aluminum inlays. Subtle reminders that you are piloting the top-of-the-line S60.
Our tester was loaded with options including: metallic paint @ $475, Premium Package @ $2,400 (power glass moonroof, Audio Max stereo system with in-dash 6 CD-player), automatic transmission w/ geartronic @ $1250 and 18” PEGASUS alloy wheels @ $995. The 2006 S60 R sticker price with options rounded out at $43,735. That may seem like a lot of cash for an entry-luxury high-performance sports sedan, but when compared to the Audi S4 and or BMW M3, it begins to look like a bargain. One may argue that the competition has more horsepower but we think that Volvo owners are more about being a little different than comparing measurements.
Likes:
- Front seats – extremely comfortable – might even say the most comfortable in the industry
- Blue “R” gauges
- Adjustable suspension
- 300 horsepower engine
Dislikes:
- 5-cylinder engine noise – did not match the vehicles appearance
- >Rearward visibility – chunky C-pillars
- >Optional lower body kit – scrapped on several occasions
- >Steering feel – vague with not a lot of road feel
- >Turning radius – very difficult to make 3-point turns and park in city situations
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I own one of these. The dislikes are pretty lame.
The engine noise is gorgeous, especially with the sound of the turbo spooling up.
Rearward visibility is exceptional..the chunky C pillars are never a problem….especially if you have the side rear-view mirrors adjusted properly for blind spots.
The body kit makes the car look gorgeous, and as in any car with a lower profile, you have to watch to not nick it against curbs etc.
Steering feel is really good, yours must have had worn bushings as it’s an issue.
I do agree the turning radius is really bad.