Volvo has set themselves on a new course to virtually change directions and get directly on the mainstream highway. Not only has the brand been redefined for the American automotive market in the past year, but they continue to impress and gain well-deserved recognition through coveted awards. On the side of their prized midsized possession, the latest Volvo S60 continues on from its latest update as a 2015 model and offering a larger variation of the trim levels with an Inscription version.
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Sporting slightly larger proportions mostly when it comes to rear legroom, the 2016 Volvo T5 in its new Inscription form is no longer on that cusp of being compact. Instead, the slightly longer wheelbase over other S60 variations adds 3-inches of rear legroom, something that was somewhat of an issue in my book when reviewing the S60 T6 last year.
See Also: 2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Review & Test Drive
Powered by the base 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Volvo S60 T5 Inscription is a decent performer that has expected pulling power without any apparent lag out of the hole. Power is sent to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the Volvo S60 T5 Inscription retains a decent EPA-estimated fuel consumption figure of 37 mpg highway, which I saw nearly 38.6 mpg on a steady 200-miles drive on the Interstate. In the city, the S60 T5 Inscription was slightly better than its EPA-estimated 25 mpg figure getting about 27 mpg while using the persistent start/stop system.
Handling in the 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription was decent as was its compliant ride qualities, partly thanks to a longer wheelbase and nicely-patched 235/40/VR18 tires wrapping 18-inch alloy wheels.
Being the first Chinese-built vehicle on the shores of the US, in part due to its strong presence on the China vehicle market yearning the longer wheelbase, the 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription held up to my scrutiny of its interior appointments with decent fit and finish. Retaining much of the traditional Swedish roots of its design and forward-thinking safety, my 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription has a bevy of active and passive safety features. Much of the safety blanket of the latest S60 T5 Inscription is nicely masked and never discovered until you dig into the multi-layered infotainment system’s settings or enact any of the features when driving. Volvo leaves virtually no stones unturned by offer safety features such as distance alert, forward collision warning, forward emergency braking, blind spot information system, road sign information, pedestrian/cyclist detection, and low-speed collision mitigation through the clever City Safety option.
The seating area is more accommodating than it initially looks. The front seat adjustments are ample, and the rear seats have just enough room for 6-feet tall passengers much in part thanks to the S60 Inscriptions extra legroom. While most of the controls and buttons are an acquired taste for most, becoming accustomed to the operation and readouts doesn’t take long but does require some quality time spent to overcome the learning curve.
In the department of styling, the Volvo S60 T5 Inscription is just as indifferent as its unique controls and forward-thinking safety feature sets. However, to the benefit of styling, the S60 retains the traditional and contemporary look for the brand where new S60 is unmistakably, Volvo.
At the bottom line, at a price starting at $34,150, the new Volvo S60 T5 is a desirable buy and at the as-tested price of $45,925, my S60 T5 Inscription is eager to play with the luxury competition where it may exceed them in the safety department.
>> Get the best price on the Volvo S60 from a network of local dealers now. <<
