Introduced for the 2011 model year, Volvo’s second-generation S60 is an often-overlooked and underrated entry in the compact

Photo: Simon Hill, Canadian Auto Press

 executive sedan market. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy: For those who want something a little different from the hordes of BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C Class sedans out there, Volvo’s contender has a lot to offer.

For the 2015 model year the S60 has been refreshed with a new front fascia and grille, new hood and fenders, new headlights, and new integrated exhaust pipes at the back. Interior changes include a new adaptive TFT instrument display in some models, new paddle shifters in the T6 AWD and R-Design models (also available optionally on the T5), upgraded transmission programming with Advanced Quick Shift in Sport mode, and a bevy of new available technology features including pedestrian and cyclist detection with full auto braking.

The new front end styling takes a conservative approach, looking less insect-like than

Photo: Simon Hill, Canadian Auto Press

before but perhaps a little staid, with a wide expanse of grille dominated by a large Volvo "Ironmark" logo. The underlying structure remains as rock solid as ever, and in combination with all the available safety technology this earns the S60 a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

Under the hood, the S60 is available with a couple of efficient new "Drive-E" four-cylinder turbocharged engines, each displacing 2.0 litres and developing either 240 horsepower in T5 guise or 302 horsepower (thanks to an additional supercharger) in T6 guise. These new engines are only available in the front-wheel drive models, however. All-wheel drive models get either a 2.5-litre four-cylinder developing 250 horsepower (T5 models) or a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 cranking out 300 horsepower (T6 models). My test car, a T6 AWD, was about as top-of-the-range

Photo: Simon Hill, Canadian Auto Press

as it’s possible to get without stepping into the R-Design version, and as such it had the V6.

On the road the T6 AWD offers a real Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde difference when you slip the transmission from Drive to Sport mode. It goes from being a relaxed (if perhaps very slightly firmly sprung) family car into a speed demon performance machine. If you think Swedes are all sensible and dull, try popping the S60 T6 AWD into Sport mode and mashing the throttle (either that or check out some YouTube video of amateur Swedish rally racing!). At full trot, the T6 AWD will charge to 100 km/h in about 5.8 seconds, which is plenty fast.

The handling, as the slightly firm suspension hints, is buttoned-down and responsive. Go easy on the throttle and you can achieve reasonable fuel economy: Transport Canada rates the T6 AWD at 11.7 / 8.0 L/100km (city/highway),

Photo: Simon Hill, Canadian Auto Press

and there’s an Eco mode for the digital instruments that helps you maximize your economy with an Eco Guide gauge. Drive in an especially thrifty manner and you’ll get rewarded with a glowing swirly "e" in the gauge. Put your boot to the throttle, however, and your fuel economy will suffer accordingly: my test car was showing a long-term average consumption of about 13 L/100km, and I used just over 15 L/100 in mostly city driving. If you want better economy, opt for the T5 version.

Inside, the S60 has a chic, minimalist Scandinavian style and some of the most sublimely comfortable seats I’ve ever sat in. They really are incredibly comfortable and supportive, certainly for my 5-foot-11 frame, and frankly I could buy this car for the seats alone. The back seats are also comfortable and spacious enough to keep my tall teenagers happy, and are 60/40 split folding for cargo carrying versatility. With the seats up, trunk space is a reasonable 339 litres.

The

Photo: Simon Hill, Canadian Auto Press

interior materials are all up to par, with soft touch door uppers (and lowers too!), cloth-wrapped A-pillars, and a soft-surface dash (although I found this a little rubbery looking). Nice woodgrain trim and metallic accents round things out, and the new alloy shift paddles are a particularly nice touch with their elegantly punched-out + and – symbols. As an aside – and this is an often-underrated attribute – I found that the S60 smells great inside, all leather and cloth with no harsh plastic odors.

The adaptive instrument display is, in my mind, digital instrumentation done right. It offers three modes – Elegance, Eco and Performance – each with a slightly different focus. Performance, for instance, has a red theme with a big central tach and digital speedo. Eco gives you a central speedometer (I liked how a glow followed the needle around, making it easy to read at a glance) and the Eco Guide off

Photo: Simon Hill, Canadian Auto Press

to the left. Elegance has a more subdued look with a temperature gauge replacing the Eco Guide.

Equipment wise, you can load up the S60 with all the expected features, plus a few unexpected ones. T6 AWD models can be had in Premier, Premier Plus and Platinum trim. Premier trim starts at $46,865 (including the $1,715 destination fee) and gets you features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, Volvo’s Sensus connectivity with 7-inch colour display, Bluetooth interface, power passenger seat, auto-dimming mirror, leather upholstery, power moonroof, sport seats, keyless entry with pushbutton start, and the adaptive TFT digital instrument display. Premier Plus ($47,665 destination in) adds an integrated garage door opener and back-up camera, while Platinum ($50,865 including destination) adds navigation, premium sound, retractable auto-dimming exterior mirrors and accent lighting. Much of the available equipment, such as the adaptive cruise control, collision warning,

Photo: Simon Hill, Canadian Auto Press

lane departure warning, pedestrian and cyclist auto braking, active high beams, and blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, can be ordered in a pair of packages: a Technology Package ($1,500) and a BLIS package ($1,350). There’s also a Climate package ($1,350) that adds heated just-about-everything including the rear seats, steering wheel, windshield, and washer nozzles.

All in all, the Volvo S60 T6 AWD adds up to a very appealing machine: a brisk performer with good handling, comfortable Scandinavian style, excellent safety ratings, and abundant available technology. And while it may not convey the some instant status as similarly priced models from BMW, Audi or Mercedes, for some drivers that itself is a large part of the appeal.

©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)