SECOND-HAND SENSE:THE 3-SERIES BMW tends to represent the benchmark in its class and its closest competitors, such as the Audi A4 and the Mercedes C-Class, also round off a German dominance to the segment. Volvo is not a name usually mentioned in the same group, but it has a worthy competitor in the S60.
The S60 has been around for eight years now, but its impact has been minimal. Nevertheless, the Volvo has qualities the others don't.
It is a smooth and comfortable car to drive and its turbo-charged engines, offer very acceptable performance levels. Being a front-wheel-drive, the S60 does not offer the same challenge as the rear-wheel-drive 3-Series, but it is hard to fault in other respects. Ride and handling are good and the car is at its best at motorway speeds.
Volvo has even seen fit to offer some sporting models but they really are a novelty: the two best versions of the S60 are the 2.0-litre petrol and the 2.5-litre diesel. The diesel is probably the best option. It has plenty of power that is evenly provided and you can get more than 40 miles to the gallon.
The interior is well finished, if unexciting. Everything is where it should be and is practical. Dials are clear and logical. Standard equipment includes multiple airbags and Volvo's side impact protection system, traction control and stability control.
The car only achieved a four-star rating in the original EuroNCAP crash tests, but Volvo takes issue with the tests and argues that its investigation of real life accidents allows it to make much safer cars than a EuroNCAP rating would suggest.
In 2006 there was a major recall for S60s because of a fuel injection leak, which could pose a fire risk, but generally reliability has been very good.
A 2005 diesel model with extras such as leather upholstery and a full service history and with 65,000 kilometres on the clock is on offer for €28,950. A 2006 petrol with the 2.0-litre engine and 28,000km is on offer for €26,995. And remember, asking prices are just that in today's market.
STAR RATING:7/10