New Volvo S60 Drive - 1.6L Turbo E85, 1,899,000 Baht

[MoonRiverOasis]

Volvo are poised to launch the latest S60 incarnation at the Thai Motor Expo (starting in 2 days time), called the "DRIVe".

The drivetrain is the high-output version Ford's Volvo's ecoboost 1.6L (Volvo T4) and also uses Ford's Volvo's 6-speed powershift (DSG) transmission. Power tops out at 180HP while making a decent (for category) 240Nm from 1,600 to 5,000. RPM - which all up is capable of accelerating the car from 0 to 100KMH in 9.0 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 17 KM/L highway and 9.9 KM/L city, for a combined rating of 13.5 KM/L (based on ADR testing).

The engine and fuel system have also been tweaked to support E85, giving the car a massive excise tax advantage in Thailand, hence the great prices...

Two CKD versions will be on offer:

DRIVe B - 1,899,000 Baht

DRIVe S - 2,149,000 Baht

Amongst the tech goodies on offer is a pedestrian sensing auto-braking system, and low-speed anti-collision system (yep, the same system that infamously failed during it's initial media lanuch day, hehe). It also features adaptive cruise control - which varies the speed to maintain correct distance in traffic, and a blind-spot warning system that that uses rader to alert you to vehicles in your blind spot when the indicators are on.

For perspective, here's some the competition it's up against:

Toyota Camry Hybrid - 1.619M- 1.799M Baht

Nissan Teana 250XV: 1.533M - 1.700M Baht

Honda Accord 2.4L: 1.547M - 1.687M Baht

Hyundai Sonata 2.0L: 1.550M - 1.870M Baht

One has to wonder how many people will buy the 2.0L Volvo S60 with it's price tag of 2,990,000 Baht now....

Edited November 27, 2011 by MoonRiverOasis

[Kwasaki]

Everything rounded up these days, would like my old one back.

[FarangBuddha]

Amongst the tech goodies on offer is a pedestrian sensing auto-braking system, and low-speed anti-collision system (yep, the same system that infamously failed during it's initial media lanuch day, hehe). It also features adaptive cruise control - which varies the speed to maintain correct distance in traffic, and a blind-spot warning system that that uses rader to alert you to vehicles in your blind spot when the indicators are on.

Call me strange but I like to drive my car myself

Also, all this stuff is probably tuned for the driving conditions found on the roads and highways of the USA and Western Europe and not the congested people, moto, and animal infested roads we have in Thailand (and other such countries). I'm sure any pedestrian sensing auto-braking system would be triggered by every soi mutt or moto that came near one's vehicle and constantly slam on the brakes making for a very herky-jerky ride. The same goes for an adaptive cruise control feature...the only such system that works in Thailand is one's foot on the brakes.

Not a bad price, however, unfortunately one also has to pay for the above unhelpful technology as well.

[MoonRiverOasis]

Call me strange but I like to drive my car myself

Ahh, don't worry - it probably won't work anyway

Jokes aside, I'm struggling to think of a better packaging example given Thailand taxes, well, until someone makes a locally assembled <1600cc E85 FFV with 219.9 HP

[Kwasaki]

Amongst the tech goodies on offer is a pedestrian sensing auto-braking system, and low-speed anti-collision system (yep, the same system that infamously failed during it's initial media lanuch day, hehe). It also features adaptive cruise control - which varies the speed to maintain correct distance in traffic, and a blind-spot warning system that that uses rader to alert you to vehicles in your blind spot when the indicators are on.

Call me strange but I like to drive my car myself

Also, all this stuff is probably tuned for the driving conditions found on the roads and highways of the USA and Western Europe and not the congested people, moto, and animal infested roads we have in Thailand (and other such countries). I'm sure any pedestrian sensing auto-braking system would be triggered by every soi mutt or moto that came near one's vehicle and constantly slam on the brakes making for a very herky-jerky ride. The same goes for an adaptive cruise control feature...the only such system that works in Thailand is one's foot on the brakes.

Not a bad price, however, unfortunately one also has to pay for the above unhelpful technology as well.

:lol: well said, It made me think of someone getting home and saying I'm home luv the car will be along later.

[MoonRiverOasis]

Not a bad price, however, unfortunately one also has to pay for the above unhelpful technology as well.

Once you've got a front rader needed to support adaptive cruise control, the collision avoidance systems are just software. Same as the blind spot system - it's just software that implements another use for the reversing sensors...

Suggesting these systems won't work in Thailand is jumping the gun, IMHO. You can say you don't need them because you've never been in the situation they're intended to protect your from, but unless you're a Volvo engineer, you can't come out and suggest they won't work here..

[PoorSucker]

Everything rounded up these days, would like my old one back.

That one is not old.

[MoonRiverOasis]

Some videos..

A review from the UK - notice the reviewer is not comparing to Toyota's, Honda's or Nissans This also shows how the collision avoidance (which can be switched off BTW) works..

And an acceleration test for those concerned that 1.6L sounds a bit too anemic:

OK, it's no racing car, but it sure isn't outdone by similar priced cars in the segment.

I do note that there's people out there pushing this engine to 275+ HP though

Edited November 27, 2011 by MoonRiverOasis

[katabeachbum]

Not a bad price, however, unfortunately one also has to pay for the above unhelpful technology as well.

Once you've got a front rader needed to support adaptive cruise control, the collision avoidance systems are just software. Same as the blind spot system - it's just software that implements another use for the reversing sensors...

Suggesting these systems won't work in Thailand is jumping the gun, IMHO. You can say you don't need them because you've never been in the situation they're intended to protect your from, but unless you're a Volvo engineer, you can't come out and suggest they won't work here..

driving a cruise with radar for a couple of days you will always miss it. It simply keeps a set distance to vehicle(s) in same lane. at 80kmh or 180kmh

as for the rest, I assume there is an off switch, they cost nothing to manufactor but did cost a fortune to develope, and are an essential part of Volvos safety image

this is an extremely competetive package extremely well adapted to Thai taxes. only competition on par would be Skoda Superb

I assume S60 2,0 will be faded out

In Europe/uk the only japs trying to compete in this segment is Honda with its Accord 2,4. Its shorter wheelbase and shorter overall than TH/US Accord, and engine needs 95RON returning 200hp over TH/US 180hp. Still, doesnt really compete

[katabeachbum]

any links/info on engine tuning for this yamaha/ford/volvo 1,6T? I need to know before I see Volvo dealer tomorrow

[MoonRiverOasis]

any links/info on engine tuning for this yamaha/ford/volvo 1,6T? I need to know before I see Volvo dealer tomorrow

http://www.heicosportiv.de offer an ECU upgrade that gives 200HP/300Nm, as do http://www.rica.nl/v...px?vehicle=2045

From there you move on to more big-league stuff like this one with a bigger turbo and a bunch of other mods, making 275HP:

Curiously, nothing from Polestar yet for the T4, but I can't imagine it'll be far off..

Also, with this engine now also in a few Ford's (and soon many more), I'm sure it won't be long before there's a decent range of bolt-ons..

Edit: MTE in Sweden have some intersesting stuff for the T4 as well:

http://shop.mte.se/product.asp?product=56

http://shop.mte.se/product.asp?product=58

http://shop.mte.se/product.asp?product=60

http://shop.mte.se/product.asp?product=62

Edited November 27, 2011 by MoonRiverOasis

[katabeachbum]

any links/info on engine tuning for this yamaha/ford/volvo 1,6T? I need to know before I see Volvo dealer tomorrow

http://www.heicosportiv.de offer an ECU upgrade that gives 200HP/300Nm, as do http://www.rica.nl/v...px?vehicle=2045

From there you move on to more big-league stuff like this one with a bigger turbo and a bunch of other mods, making 275HP:

Curiously, nothing from Polestar yet for the T4, but I can't imagine it'll be far off..

Also, with this engine now also in a few Ford's (and soon many more), I'm sure it won't be long before there's a decent range of bolt-ons..

thanks, was searching polestar too, but they probably need more hours and km before allowed to be marketed by Volvo

200hp/300nm is a good start tho

better than any japs competition

should still manage ok speed with my 55 kg rottweiler in the trunk

focus 2,0td still performs on par or better at half the price, and I am so keen on a new car I might sell my GF Ninja650R, dont worry i ll keep mine

[MoonRiverOasis]

any links/info on engine tuning for this yamaha/ford/volvo 1,6T? I need to know before I see Volvo dealer tomorrow

http://www.heicosportiv.de offer an ECU upgrade that gives 200HP/300Nm, as do http://www.rica.nl/v...px?vehicle=2045

From there you move on to more big-league stuff like this one with a bigger turbo and a bunch of other mods, making 275HP:

Curiously, nothing from Polestar yet for the T4, but I can't imagine it'll be far off..

Also, with this engine now also in a few Ford's (and soon many more), I'm sure it won't be long before there's a decent range of bolt-ons..

thanks, was searching polestar too, but they probably need more hours and km before allowed to be marketed by Volvo

200hp/300nm is a good start tho

better than any japs competition

should still manage ok speed with my 55 kg rottweiler in the trunk

focus 2,0td still performs on par or better at half the price, and I am so keen on a new car I might sell my GF Ninja650R, dont worry i ll keep mine

The MTE stage 1 kit (ECU upgrade only) seems like a pretty good start - 245HP / 370Nm for 844 Euros.. (see edited post).

[katabeachbum]

any links/info on engine tuning for this yamaha/ford/volvo 1,6T? I need to know before I see Volvo dealer tomorrow

http://www.heicosportiv.de offer an ECU upgrade that gives 200HP/300Nm, as do http://www.rica.nl/v...px?vehicle=2045

From there you move on to more big-league stuff like this one with a bigger turbo and a bunch of other mods, making 275HP:

Curiously, nothing from Polestar yet for the T4, but I can't imagine it'll be far off..

Also, with this engine now also in a few Ford's (and soon many more), I'm sure it won't be long before there's a decent range of bolt-ons..

Edit: MTE in Sweden have some intersesting stuff for the T4 as well:

http://shop.mte.se/p....asp?product=56

http://shop.mte.se/p....asp?product=58

http://shop.mte.se/p....asp?product=60

http://shop.mte.se/p....asp?product=62

MTE is all based on reflashing cars ECU, bit complicated when car is in TH, and it smells warranty issues with VolvoTH

[MoonRiverOasis]

any links/info on engine tuning for this yamaha/ford/volvo 1,6T? I need to know before I see Volvo dealer tomorrow

http://www.heicosportiv.de offer an ECU upgrade that gives 200HP/300Nm, as do http://www.rica.nl/v...px?vehicle=2045

From there you move on to more big-league stuff like this one with a bigger turbo and a bunch of other mods, making 275HP:

Curiously, nothing from Polestar yet for the T4, but I can't imagine it'll be far off..

Also, with this engine now also in a few Ford's (and soon many more), I'm sure it won't be long before there's a decent range of bolt-ons..

Edit: MTE in Sweden have some intersesting stuff for the T4 as well:

http://shop.mte.se/p....asp?product=56

http://shop.mte.se/p....asp?product=58

http://shop.mte.se/p....asp?product=60

http://shop.mte.se/p....asp?product=62

MTE is all based on reflashing cars ECU, bit complicated when car is in TH, and it smells warranty issues with VolvoTH

Apparently the sell an ECU flasher (OBD-II) for an extra ~100 Euros, making it a DIY

I'm still trying to pick myself up off the floor though - 245HP from 1595cc with all-stock mechanicals is simply amazing!

I'm staggered. Would love to see it

[thaiIand]

Moon, could you explain why are the fuel economy so effin terrible in thailand? 9.9km/l.. thats 10l/100km... i could get better mileage on a Chrysler 300 with a v6 and 300+ hp

[culicine]

1.6 with 180 HP ? Think b16b type R - not as much torque as the volvo but at less than 1 tonne it doesn't need it:)

Coming to a street near you:)

notice the volvo that he almost hit.. Edited November 27, 2011 by culicine

[MoonRiverOasis]

Moon, could you explain why are the fuel economy so effin terrible in thailand? 9.9km/l.. thats 10l/100km... i could get better mileage on a Chrysler 300 with a v6 and 300+ hp

It's a standard test cycle - YMMV.

The Chrysler 300 3.5L 5AT does 6.75 KM/L city, and 12.5 KM/L highway when tested using the same control procedure.

The only point of these standard tests is provide a reliable frame of reference that can be used for comparisons, some drivers will do a little better, some will do much worse.

[MoonRiverOasis]

1.6 with 180 HP ? Think b16b type R - not as much torque as the volvo but at less than 1 tonne it doesn't need it:)

Coming to a street near you:)

notice the volvo that he almost hit..

Looks like roughly 7s 0-100, but not very civilized at that rate of acceleration, so exciting more from the POV it could kill you, or explode, hehe

On a side note, the Ecoboost 1.6L in this Volvo S60 is them same engine that's going into the Fiesta ST soon (in other markets), and is also the same engine earmarked for the base model 2012 Escape.

In the Fiesta ST however, you could expect a 0-100 time in the 6s range - now that's going to be fun

[culicine]

1.6 with 180 HP ? Think b16b type R - not as much torque as the volvo but at less than 1 tonne it doesn't need it:)

Coming to a street near you:)

notice the volvo that he almost hit..

Looks like roughly 7s 0-100, but not very civilized at that rate of acceleration, so exciting more from the POV it could kill you, or explode, hehe

On a side note, the Ecoboost 1.6L in this Volvo S60 is them same engine that's going into the Fiesta ST soon (in other markets), and is also the same engine earmarked for the base model 2012 Escape.

In the Fiesta ST however, you could expect a 0-100 time in the 6s range - now that's going to be fun

Yes it looks pretty dangerous, and I'm not 20 y.o anymore so think the appeal would wear off in a matter of days stuck in BKK traffic:)

But this ecoboost engine looks interesting; so interesting I think we won't get it for quite some time, right? There was mention about the escape but I don't think we would get that in this first crop of vehicles. Such a shame we have to miss out on the good stuff (unless you have some serious money).

[wandrinstar]

So you get a 1600 . c.c. Ford with a nicer body for a bit under 2Mill. Or am i missing the point of it . Makes the Almeira look good value to me. 3 Almeiras or one Bitser Dis, Bitser Dat.

[MoonRiverOasis]

Yes it looks pretty dangerous, and I'm not 20 y.o anymore so think the appeal would wear off in a matter of days stuck in BKK traffic:)

But this ecoboost engine looks interesting; so interesting I think we won't get it for quite some time, right? There was mention about the escape but I don't think we would get that in this first crop of vehicles. Such a shame we have to miss out on the good stuff (unless you have some serious money).

Well, the Volvo S60 T4 is asembled in Thailand, so there has to be an established supply chain to here for the ecoboost 1.6L

Now that the S60 has received this engine in TH, the ecoboost 1.6L is a hot prospect for the 2012 Escape.

There's no way we'll ever see the Fiesta ST in Thailand though

So you get a 1600 . c.c. Ford with a nicer body for a bit under 2Mill. Or am i missing the point of it . Makes the Almeira look good value to me. 3 Almeiras or one Bitser Dis, Bitser Dat.

You're missing the point.

The 4.5M Baht Range Rover Evoque uses a 2.0L Ford ecoboost engine, as does the 3M Baht Volvo S60 2.0T

So, this is the single cheapest car in Thailand that gets Ford's excellent ecoboost + powershift drivetrain

What this Volvo does is make the Camry, Accord and Teana look pale by comparison, the the BMW 3 series / Benz C-Class look positively ludicrous.

Edited November 28, 2011 by MoonRiverOasis

[culicine]

Yes it looks pretty dangerous, and I'm not 20 y.o anymore so think the appeal would wear off in a matter of days stuck in BKK traffic:)

But this ecoboost engine looks interesting; so interesting I think we won't get it for quite some time, right? There was mention about the escape but I don't think we would get that in this first crop of vehicles. Such a shame we have to miss out on the good stuff (unless you have some serious money).

Well, the Volvo S60 T4 is asembled in Thailand, so there has to be an established supply chain to here for the ecoboost 1.6L

Now that the S60 has received this engine in TH, the ecoboost 1.6L is a hot prospect for the 2012 Escape.

There's no way we'll ever see the Fiesta ST in Thailand though

So you get a 1600 . c.c. Ford with a nicer body for a bit under 2Mill. Or am i missing the point of it . Makes the Almeira look good value to me. 3 Almeiras or one Bitser Dis, Bitser Dat.

Thanks, so it will be great if the 1.6 does come in the escape; that should represent real value. Presenting the engine in the volvo first might even spur sales of ford, assuming that Thai buyers are made aware it's the same engine ofcourse:)

You're missing the point.

The 4.5M Baht Range Rover Evoque uses a 2.0L Ford ecoboost engine, as does the 3M Baht Volvo S60 2.0T

So, this is the single cheapest car in Thailand that gets Ford's excellent ecoboost + powershift drivetrain

What this Volvo does is make the Camry, Accord and Teana look pale by comparison, the the BMW 3 series / Benz C-Class look positively ludicrous.

[wandrinstar]

I am missing the point price wise. 23 years ago i bought a Nissan Truck, imported for about 250K before they were built here. Diesel was about 8 Bht a Litre. So tolerate a Grumpy Old Man who thinks 40K GBP is a tad hi for a Fiesta Based anything . . I also recall my Brit Partner Faxing me for the O.K. on a Fiesta 18000 cc Diesel that looked remarkably like today's Mazda 2. A figure off 5500 GBP seams to be about what it cost not long ago.

[katabeachbum]

Yes it looks pretty dangerous, and I'm not 20 y.o anymore so think the appeal would wear off in a matter of days stuck in BKK traffic:)

But this ecoboost engine looks interesting; so interesting I think we won't get it for quite some time, right? There was mention about the escape but I don't think we would get that in this first crop of vehicles. Such a shame we have to miss out on the good stuff (unless you have some serious money).

Well, the Volvo S60 T4 is asembled in Thailand, so there has to be an established supply chain to here for the ecoboost 1.6L

Now that the S60 has received this engine in TH, the ecoboost 1.6L is a hot prospect for the 2012 Escape.

There's no way we'll ever see the Fiesta ST in Thailand though

So you get a 1600 . c.c. Ford with a nicer body for a bit under 2Mill. Or am i missing the point of it . Makes the Almeira look good value to me. 3 Almeiras or one Bitser Dis, Bitser Dat.

You're missing the point.

The 4.5M Baht Range Rover Evoque uses a 2.0L Ford ecoboost engine, as does the 3M Baht Volvo S60 2.0T

So, this is the single cheapest car in Thailand that gets Ford's excellent ecoboost + powershift drivetrain

What this Volvo does is make the Camry, Accord and Teana look pale by comparison, the the BMW 3 series / Benz C-Class look positively ludicrous.

I went for a test ride today, which is not something i often bother to do as most here drives like crap with comfort focused us spec suspension.

In the top spec S60 1,6T

Engine/auto. Powerfull, quiet, smooth, very precice dsg manual, slightly jurky below 15kmh, significantly detuned ahead of each upshift making it as smooth as a converter auto, but again directcontrol and faster than a manual. Amazing

Exterior. Luvely, red metallic and white being my favourites

Interior. Volvo design past 3-4 years, comfy seats front and rear, very nice leather quality, 3 memories for drivers seat,

Features. The cruise with radar is fantastic, the rest of the Volvo unique safety electronics comes with an off switch. Havent read the spec yet, but 1,9 million baht you probably wont need that switch

Handling and comfort. Japs go back to school, despite being smaller S60 is more comfy and its like glued to the road. Th Japs dont have 70% of this ones traction. Max 180kmh here in congested Phuket, so cant say about highspeedhandling

As said havent recieved and read the 1,9 million baht spec yet, but if kit is on par with Th japs, it is a definitive winner. It is indeed on par with benzC and bmw3, but with more TH market power and dsg and at least one million baht less, and probably handles better

Polestar isnt done reliability testing yet, but 1,6 220hp/300Nm is the word

S80 2,5 FT was also there, 20 units come with a 100k baht sportpackage containing the usual skirts and shit, pluss 245-18 Pirelli Pzero and Polestar tuned 245hp/360Nm on gasohol and slightly more on E85. starts at 2,6 mill baht

Now I am waiting to see the Motorshow deal, and I might go silly

oh and throwing this engine/auto into Th made escape, there is a new soft suv tax winner, and thus price winner, running cheap E85

question is, will there be a million baht focus with this engine/auto in 4 months?

[MoonRiverOasis]

Thanks for the hands-on review KBB

The BMW 3 gets the vote from Motoring journos on handling, but don't read too much into that - when they talk about handling they're trying to push everything to perform like a Fezza. For normal people, that constant jitter through the steering wheel on a BMW 3 is more likely to prompt them to ask BMW to explain why 3M+ Baht is still such a rough feeling car

The Benz C-class gets more respect in TH, but the S60 is a better car.

I'm happy to see that you agree the Japs have met their match And unfortunately for them , no quick remedy either. Nissan probably stand the best chance of meeting the market again, given their alliance with Renault and therefore PSA by extension.

Even the Teana (which IMHO is head and shoulders above the Camry and Accord, in every single aspect, except styling), feels thoroughly outclassed by the S60.

I have absolutely no need for a saloon, but this has me thinking of buying one (probably in red), just because I can

I am missing the point price wise. 23 years ago i bought a Nissan Truck, imported for about 250K before they were built here. Diesel was about 8 Bht a Litre. So tolerate a Grumpy Old Man who thinks 40K GBP is a tad hi for a Fiesta Based anything . . I also recall my Brit Partner Faxing me for the O.K. on a Fiesta 18000 cc Diesel that looked remarkably like today's Mazda 2. A figure off 5500 GBP seams to be about what it cost not long ago.

It's not Fiesta based - and no-one ever said it was. The special "hot-hatch" version of the Fiesta (Fiesta ST) will be getting this engine next year (mated to an MT though) so it can go head to head with the 190-200HP Euro hot-hatch rivals (Clio 200 Cup, Citroen DS3 Racing, Fiat 500C Abarth, and Golf Gti). So it's just another nod to the engine...

Edited November 28, 2011 by MoonRiverOasis

[MoonRiverOasis]

One more thing...

The V60 (the estate verison of the S60), is expected in TH in 2012.. No dates yet though, just an admission

[katabeachbum]

as for comments on engine displacement, its 27 years ago saabs 2,3T outperfomed most V8, about same time frame for audis 2,2 inline 5T, and 15 years ago vw/audis 1,8T 5 valve provided 210hp with chips only, 225hp with additional exhaust and airsupply, as sold in audi TT few years back

there is no substitute to cc was valid 50 years ago. only harley remains in this believe, and they are slow

[katabeachbum]

One more thing...

The V60 (the estate verison of the S60), is expected in TH in 2012.. No dates yet though, just an admission

oh shit, I can have a S60 in 10 days

[wandrinstar]

Get a Life , whats the possible use of that power here Moonie , instant Death. ?. Dont care what you say , its still a Fart Box that never will kiss a Mitsu baseds 4 Pot for Stamina , or the Subaru's Arse for reliability. I return to the price 40 GBP for a mediocre Fords is bloody daft.. Its a Prats Toy. Bash the B.M. as much as you like, { not You } but its not driven by Chavs or Fortuna Wannabees. A Teena would be my choice..