There are at least two key launches this year from Scandinavian manufacturers, and both of these are in the rather crowded ‘premium saloon’ segment.
After announcing their best first quarter for eighteen years, Volvo are throwing their hat in this competitive ring with the all new S60. Prices will range from £23,295 for the D3 ES (163PS) up to £36,745 for the top-of-the-range T6 AWD SE Lux Geartronic Premium. Orders can be placed now ahead of the car’s arrival in dealer showrooms in July, with first customer deliveries in August.
The design of the S60 is certainly sportier and more dynamic than most other Volvo launches of late- and the company are claiming that chassis, running gear and engine refinements will make this the most dynamic drivers’ cars they have ever produced.
This is probably in part due to the high level of criticism levelled in that direction of the latest manifestations of the V70 and the older S40s and S60s which were relative plodders at every level. The Desiel D3 and D5s will offer an admirable level of twist, horespower and economy, while the T6 updates the tradition of the T5 series of hot Volvos with seven second pullaway and a top end of over 150MPH.
The company are also making a huge feature of the disturbing Pedestrian Detection system, which purports to be able to recognise movement and act accordingly, whamming on the anchors if the human involved fails to react. We doubt this is a selling point to real drivers, as the thought that a computer combined with lasers and motion sensors override driver input with little warning is frankly, a little bit frightening.
The Saab 95, meanwhile, while offering a new lease of life to an increasingly broad and passionate Saab faithful, may not have put clea-enough water between it and its mediocre forebears. Sure, there are apparently a host of high tech new features. But the car doesn’t well, look that different from the last 95.
The innovation Saab claim is mostly under the skin. For example, there’s an aircraft inspired head-up information display (HUD), MP3/iPod integration, Harman Kardon audio system, DAB radio, adaptive cruise control, DriveSense adaptive chassis with continuous damping control, keyless entry and starting, dual-zone climate control, adaptive parking assistance, and XWD with electronic LSD – the all-wheel-drive system.
The all-turbo powertrain line-up carries forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, focusing on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and four cylinder turbo engines. Starting at 1.6-litres* (180PS) all transmissions are six speed and with diesel power, CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km are also on offer.
But, then, Saab interiors were always a strong point, as were the drivetrain.
For us, there’s something lacking in the whole package, that difficult-to-define element that made Saabs like the 900 and the 96 solid but stylish cars and ones that could achieve cult status through their driver feedback and offbeat character. We would like to have seen a return to the innovations of apparent style rather than loads of invisible tech.
Wether either of these essential new launches gets these fine companies, both of which have a true heritage of producing memorable cars, back on track remains to be seen.
CLICK TO ENLARGE
"Growing up, there’s always been a vehicle that never left our minds. Regardless of the shape, colour or make - chances are we’re yet to forget it. Not a single car has been mentioned, but you’ve thought "
" Legislation is going to change everything about the nature and aesthetic of urban transport. Stirling Eco have one solution. Tee and Robert Grace getting high on their own supply On October 25, 2021 the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is expanding "
"Steve Sanderson and Oi Polloi have become a fixture on the streets of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. I set up Oi Polloi with my business partner Nigel, almost exactly 20 years ago. We’re a menswear retailer and now a brand "
I wouldn't say it's necessarily that something is missing from the Saab so much as it's the dissonance created by the sub-conscious realization that the brilliant, really-looks-inspired-by-jets 9-5 is “merely” a multitude of splendid Swedish technology bolted to a General Motors platform.
It's like someone tried to emulate Colin Chapman, only instead of adding lightness, they added GM.
The S60 is certainly moving upscale, but it would seem only in appearance. Gone (?) is the formidable R-package, meeting the same fate as the rear wheel drive that endears it's 240 forefathers to so many even today. Indeed, it's as if Volvo's new handlers wish to position the S60 as a confident Euro performance saloon, while only offering front wheel drive. We shall see.
Back to the 9-5, however. That's a sweet vehicle, irregardless of whatever slovenly inbreeding might have occurred. The interior is just cracking, right down to the aircraft inspired instrument faces. I'm sure the HUD was necessary to lure driver's eyes from the attention to detail in terms of clever interior appointment. Externally, beyond the sleek nose and tail design elements, I particularly like the c-pillar. From the side, the curvature of that rear pillar evokes the classic design of the 96 and 900 of old.
All feigned automotive journalism (on my part) aside, I wish both companies nothing short of success. Brilliant cars, both of them.
I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily that something is missing from the Saab so much as it’s the dissonance created by the sub-conscious realization that the brilliant, really-looks-inspired-by-jets 9-5 is “merely” a multitude of splendid Swedish technology bolted to a General Motors platform. It’s like someone tried to emulate Colin Chapman, only instead of adding lightness, they added GM.The S60 is certainly moving upscale, but it would seem only in appearance. Gone (?) is the formidable R-package, meeting the same fate as the rear wheel drive that endears it’s 240 forefathers to so many even today. Indeed, it’s as if Volvo’s new handlers wish to position the S60 as a confident Euro performance saloon, while only offering front wheel drive. We shall see.Back to the 9-5, however. That’s a sweet vehicle, irregardless of whatever slovenly inbreeding might have occurred. The interior is just cracking, right down to the aircraft inspired instrument faces. I’m sure the HUD was necessary to lure driver’s eyes from the attention to detail in terms of clever interior appointment. Externally, beyond the sleek nose and tail design elements, I particularly like the c-pillar. From the side, the curvature of that rear pillar evokes the classic design of the 96 and 900 of old.All feigned automotive journalism (on my part) aside, I wish both companies nothing short of success. Brilliant cars, both of them.