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We were promised longships and we got them. Sort of. This is the all-new Volvo S60 - the proper, authentic production version - and it's pretty much identical to the concept we saw last year. Which featured Viking longships in the headlights, if you looked hard enough.
And like a ship, the S60 has been ‘built to move you', we're told, which is a useful trait in a car. We're also told that lots of technology will keep you safe behind the wheel. Things like a new pedestrian detection system, which scans the road and pavement and slams the brakes on should an errant pensioner sprawl themselves in your path.
Other details are thin, but the concept promised a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine with dual-clutch gearbox, a stop-start system and a clever self-adjusting grille shutter, which closes to reduce air drag when the engine is cool enough. If it manages all that, the now 10-year-old S60 might finally give the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class a bit of a scare.
The car won't be properly unveiled until the Geneva show next March, where various hairy Norsemen will be available to talk us through that headlight design...
Cruise ship
Volvo launches its all-new S60 barge. Can you spot the miniature Viking longboats in the headlights?
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What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
Gergo commented on this article
at 11:54 am on 10 November 2009
finally a Volvo which doesnt look like a box.its a pity that itt has front wheel drive
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Winbolt commented on this article
at 12:10 pm on 10 November 2009
Uuurrrgghh. Yukky.
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StigsIrishCousn commented on this article
at 12:23 pm on 10 November 2009
At least it does the split front light design better than the E-Class and it looks purposeful like an Insignia which I presume it shares a fair bit with. The self adjusting grille is clever, green and unnoticeable which are all good things.
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BrunoBrites commented on this article
at 12:52 pm on 10 November 2009
I agree with StigsIrishCousn, it reminds me of the Insignia, and that's a good thing, it is a great looking car. But on the other hand that front grill is way too big, makes it look like a vacuum cleaner. Still, it's better.
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airbuggy commented on this article
at 03:51 pm on 10 November 2009
volvo=safety longboats=horde of murderous vikings out to lop your head off! doesn't match,does it?
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