Volvo S60

Our verdict

Feeling old now though still looking sleek, the Volvo S60 is worth a punt only if you can snap up a discounted bargain.

Comfort

 The ride is stiff and wooden, and the rear-seat accommodation is cramped because of that swoopy roof. But up front you get terrific seats, fine ergonomics and a great stereo.

Performance

All engines are nice-sounding and fairly lively five-cylinder jobs, which scores points over the opposition. You've got a 2.0 light-pressure turbo petrol, sandwiched, in performance terms, between two diesels. The lower-power pair supply all the urge the chassis can comfortably cope with. None are very fuel-efficient.

Cool

For a four-door it is pretty sleek and you don't see many around. Cool points for that. But then ask yourself, why don't you see many around? Hmm?

Quality

The S60 gets shuddery if you corner too hard on a rough road, which makes you feel like it isn't very solid. Actually it is strong and safe of course, and the interior is nicely put together with materials that have been steadily upgraded over the car's long life.

Handling

The S60 likes smooth, open roads, where the nicely weighted steering gives you plenty of confidence. But it skips about over bumps and chases cambers and can't cope with lots of power in a tight corner. Oh and the optional Four-C adaptive dampers don't really help, so save your money.

Practicality

The S60 has a biggish boot but a slightly cramped rear seat. Volvo makes more practical saloons, and far more practical estates.

Running costs

For the petrol especially, costs are pretty high, mainly hit by fuel and depreciation. Insurance is group 15-16 and service intervals are 18,000 miles for all versions.