A Volvo Ireland executive hit me with a double barrel question at a recent meeting. How do you make the most dynamic Volvo even more dynamic? It will also look and handle even better he said.
I gave up and he was delighted to give relief to my ignorance. He said, “You add the Volvo R-Design treatment to the all-new Volvo S60 for just €3,120.”
Well you can imagine I had to check that one out in more detail. Volvo Car Ireland has indeed just the launched the all-new S60 R-Design model, created to deliver a dynamic driving experience in a coupé-style saloon. Featuring a specially developed chassis, Volvo say that the new R-Design models ensure that the driving experience matches the car's sporting appearance.
Volvo claim that the enhanced sporting driving characteristics and styling offered by the R-Design is priced from just over €3,000 more in Ireland and is available for all new orders. The carmaker says that it is anticipated that the R-Design specification will be added to about 25 per cent of all S60s sold in Ireland.
The R-Design is available across the S60 range - not just the higher-spec variants. Customers can opt for an economical, efficient 2.0-litre D3 diesel, the 180bhp T4 petrol engine or the range topping 205bhp D5, with all cars benefiting from the sportier looks of the R-Design variant.
The all-new Volvo S60 R-Design comes with a range of specially developed design details both inside and outside.
In the interior, the driver and front passenger sit in sports seats in which the backrest from the S60 is matched by an all-new seat cushion with even closer side support than before.
On the outside, the cars have an imposing redesigned front valance while a distinctive diffuser houses twin exhaust tailpipes. To finish, unique five-spoke 18-inch diamond cut wheels emphasise the overall sporty appeal.
The special leather/textile upholstery is available trimmed in off-black and ceramic light, or in an all-black variant, both with contrasting stitching. The interior also features an R-Design steering wheel, gear selector, sports pedals, and floor-mats.
The chassis team has fitted a strut brace under the bonnet to stiffen up the body structure and at the rear, the S60 R-Design features monotube dampers. Unlike the twin-tube dampers previously used, the monotube system features compression and return damping via the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means the damper responds more quickly.
“This higher operating speed takes care of the initial roll tendency which can be felt just as you turn the steering-wheel. It's an effective way to improve the response and the connected feel,” says Stefan Sällqvist, manager of vehicle dynamics at Volvo Cars.
The front and rear springs have been shortened by 15 mm and spring stiffness is 15 per cent higher compared to the standard-fit dynamic chassis in the S60. This makes the car easier to control and reduces any tendency to lurch.
Other enhancements include the fact that the bushings with which the rear dampers are attached to the body have been made 20 per cent stiffer compared with the dynamic chassis in the S60.
The new Corner Traction Control system provides even smoother progress in curves. In addition, the DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control ) system has several functions that improve driving and safety properties.
You should well ask the question - are all the design and technological changes worth €3,120 more for the R-Design body kit treatment? Well it certainly looks more dynamic and beautifully finished. However, I'd have to reserve judgement until I drive the enhanced model and explore the promised more dynamic drivability.
