[TEST DRIVE] Volvo hopes to stay ahead with partially revamped model of popular S60

Industry

Published: 10 Oct. 2022, 19:06

[TEST DRIVE] Volvo hopes to stay ahead with partially revamped model of popular S60

Volvo Cars' partially revamped S60 [VOLVO CARS KOREA]

GANGNEUNG, Gangwon — Last year was a year to remember for Volvo Cars, as it beat Volkswagen in the number of units sold in the Korean market for the first time in its history.

Volvo Cars is looking to maintain the position this year with its partially revamped S60, the Gothenburg, Sweden-based automaker’s best-selling car in the global market. For S60 sales alone, Korea is the third largest market in the world.

The luxury sedan comes with a gasoline engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Mild hybrid refers to vehicles with an internal combustion engine that also includes a battery-powered electric motor to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

The Korea JoongAng Daily recently test drove the sedan on a 60-kilometer (37-mile) journey from a hotel in Sokcho to a cafe in Gangneung, both in Gangwon.

Design-wise, the four-door sedan did not change drastically from the previous version. However, the new 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and LED tail lights did give the car a sharper, more alluring appearance.

Taking the wheel, the 9-inch touchscreen in the center console really stood out. Almost every feature could be controlled through the screen, including the TMAP navigation service, in which Volvo said it has invested 30 billion won ($21 million), together with SK Telecom.

The voice system, which the company says is 99 percent accurate, proved to be especially useful. This reporter asked it to send a message to the cafe to order an iced latte about five minutes before arrival: Upon reaching the cafe, the coffee was already waiting on the table.

Interior of the partially revamped S60 [VOLVO CARS KOREA]

When asked about the Kospi index, the system responded accurately to the second decimal point. For the percentage change from the previous day, it also responded well.

“Volvo has been selling its vehicles to over 100 countries across the globe, and Korea is one of only two countries for which the company developed its own infotainment service,” according to a spokesperson for Volvo Cars.

Safety was clearly a priority. The car uses the IntelliSafe system, which stops the vehicle if an obstacle appears in its path and keeps a safe distance from other cars on the road. All possible safety functionalities are included in all models, so customers don't have to pay more for add-ons, the company said.

Driving was smooth and soft, despite the heavy rains for the entire test drive.

But the motor noise made the drive a bit less pleasant. Upon pressing the acceleration pedal, the aggressive growl was definitely noticeable. It felt like the acceleration required a great deal of effort on the car's part, unlike some of the other newer models on the market from other brands that easily speed up with just a step on the accelerator.

The car can generate a maximum of 250 horsepower and 35.7 kilogram-meters of torque.

The sticker price starts at 56.1 million won — some 10 million won cheaper than its retail price in the United States.

Volvo Cars sold 15,056 vehicles in Korea in 2021, becoming the No. 5 imported brand in terms of units sold and beating Volkswagen for the first time since it started selling cars in Korea 33 years ago.

In 2013, Korea was the 28th largest market for Volvo, but reached 10th last year.

Volvo is expected to introduce EX90, its new all-electric SUV model, in November, and Korea will be the first Asian country to receive the model.