First look: Volvo shows 2007 S60, sets C70 price

VOLVO has revealed a revised S60 sedan three weeks after the Swede’s Australian arm announced specifications and (sub-$70,000) pricing for its all-new, second-generation C70 coupe-convertible.

The headline act of the improved S60, which will be introduced here as a 2007 model without fanfare, is a suspension upgrade that aims to make S60 "more enjoyable to drive".

Volvo Car Australia remains tight-lipped about exactly when the facelifted S60 will appear Down Under, but given the new C70 is due here by late August and both the new S80 flagship sedan and facelifted XC90 luxury SUV (complete with V8 power) are expected in the fourth quarter of 2006, it’s unlikely to hit Aussie Volvo showrooms until early 2007.

While it’s unclear how the mechanical changes will affect the VCA’s current S60 line-up - which comprises the S60 LE auto ($49,950) and S60 AWD ($59,950) – Volvo says it has developed a “new Dynamic chassis” for the updated model, as well as a “revised Sport chassis for the Sport model”.

Said to make the 2007 S60 sportier to drive without compromising ride quality, the changes include 24 per cent stiffer springs, firmer shock absorbers and eight per cent more rigid anti-roll bars at both ends. Volvo says the result is a 25 per cent increase in both torsional rigidity and grip.

S60’s steering system has also received solid bushes to improve steering feel, reduce torque steer and "create a better combination of confident road manners and supple ride".

The company says its active Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) suspension system, based on that of the S60R flagship that’s no longer available here and offering push-button Sport and Comfort modes, will still be available for 2007 models.

More apparent is the 2007 S60 "subtle evolutionary" styling update, which comprises the addition of a lower front spoiler inspired by the new S80’s and a larger grille featuring Volvo’s new "iron mark" badge.

There are also new wing mirrors that include integrated side indicators, new alloy wheel designs and active bi-Xenon headlights. Three new exterior paint colours (including Orinoco blue and Maple red pearl paint plus Inscription Electric silver, which was previously only available on S60R) complete the exterior revisions.

Inside, Volvo has attempted to improve quality via stain chrome inlays on the air-vents, switches, column stalks and between the remote controls on the steering wheel, while a new “grid aluminium” trim adorns the doors and dashboard.

Perforated leather will trim a new sports steering wheel, gear-shifter and handbrake, while a new two-tone “Imola” sports leather upholstery option will feature two grades of leather in contrasting colours.

A one-touch indicator function is the only technical change inside.

"We're making the S60 sportier in every respect," said Volvo Cars senior vice-president marketing, sales and customer service, Gerry Keaney. "We've fine-tuned the chassis to create greater driver appeal and subtly spiced up the design."

Meantime, VCA has confirmed that despite strong US demand it’s all-new C70 remains on schedule for a late-August launch in Australia, where pricing will open at $69,950 for the base LE variant, powered by a 125kW/230Nm DOHC 2.4-litre inline all-alloy five-cylinder engine.

The T5 version of Volvo’s first folding steel-roofed convertible will be priced at $79,950, powered by a 162kW 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder.

Both will be fitted standard with a five-speed automatic transmission, while a manual gearbox (five-speed in LE, six-speed in T5) will be available as a no-cost option.

Standard equipment on the entry-level LE will include 17x7.5-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, powered front seats, dual-zone climate-control, woodgrain trim, trip computer, power windows/mirrors, cruise control, remote audio/cruise controls, foglights, floor mats and puddle/approach lighting.

Safety features will be typically extensive, with the LE gaining anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA), dual-stage twin front airbags, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) front side airbags, Inflatable Curtain (IC) side curtain airbags, Whiplash Protection System (WIPS), Rollover Protection System (ROPS), Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC), collapsible pedals, front seatbelt pretensioners, five three-point seatbelts, five head restraints and anti-submarining for all five seats.

Options will include metallic paint ($1350), a 12-speaker Premium sound system ($2250), six-CD stacker ($795), bi-Xenon headlights ($2250), laminated side windows ($490), rain-sensing wipers ($250), heated front seats ($315) and satellite-navigation ($5500).

While the C70 will be the next all-new model to arrive Down Under in August, it will be followed by the new S80 sedan and revised XC90 SUV – including a V8 variant for the first time – while the 2007 S60 represents the final facelift for Volvo’s mid-sized sedan before a replacement surfaces around 2008.

In the meantime, Volvo’s first compact hatch will go on sale here around mid-2007. The C30 appeared in concept guise at the Detroit motor show in January and is expected to appear in final production form at the Paris show in September.

Next January’s Detroit motor show should play host to the public debut of Volvo’s third-generation V70 wagon and its XC70 crossover twin.