With all the security tools that it options, the S60 may very well be the smarter, extra mature sedan different that customers on this value class need, says Pavan Lall.
The first time I sat in a Volvo, I used to be in faculty. That was properly over 20 years in the past.
The automotive was a sassy sedan that seemed like the offspring of a Lexus and a BMW.
“Safety” was the reply I acquired once I requested my faculty professor, its proprietor, what it was most well-known for.
Unconvinced, I pressed on. How was it safer than the relaxation? I used to be advised its physique styling and crumple zones had been designed to soak up most affect and shield occupants.
Later my classmates advised me that it was meant for older, married folks. Flash ahead to the current.
Volvo is not owned by the Swedes; its mother or father firm is the Geely Auto Group from China, and its designs and styling do extra than simply provide passenger safety primarily based on physics — it additionally appears cool.
What endures, nevertheless, is the unerring concentrate on security. It’s one thing I skilled first-hand throughout a latest drive down Worli on the well past the Four Seasons Hotel in the new S60 sedan, which is actually in competitors with the standard 3-Series by BMW and Mercedes-Benz’s C Class.
The S90 is its large brother, clearly a extra luxurious and fancier selection with its chrome touches and stately design and appears.
The S60 is extra understated however refined sufficient, and whereas Volvo hasn’t launched its value, it is more likely to be Rs 45 lakh-Rs 50 lakh.
A scooter raced previous and swerved in entrance of the automotive. In milliseconds the dashboard flashed a crimson icon together with a loud jarring alert that led me to do one factor: Slam the brakes as a reflex, though I may virtually swear I heard braking sounds even earlier than I hit the pedal.
When I seemed up, the blood virtually drained from my knuckles. I realised the two-wheeler had slowed and are available to a halt due to the automotive in entrance of it and was simply a few toes away from my automotive’s entrance finish. So what had simply occurred?
I found later that the automobile’s auto collision warning system had gone off. Here’s how that occurs.
The driver is first warned of a probably imminent collision. This warning system detects pedestrians, cyclists or autos which can be stationary or transferring in the similar path in entrance of the automobile.
If there’s a threat of collision with a pedestrian, bicycle owner or a automobile, consideration is drawn by a flashing crimson sign plus an acoustic sign.
Also, the system prompts brake help by reinforcing or making use of the brakes if it’s not completed manually in time.
It may even get activated totally routinely if the threat of collision is imminent. I realised the final situation might have utilized to me.
How do all the elements come collectively? Radar and digital camera sensors work in tandem to activate the system.
Sporty with a muscular sedan-like look and kitted with a petroleum engine, the S60 scores large on consolation so far as interiors go.
It’s outfitted with premium leather-based interiors and well-designed seats, dashboard and an infotainment display screen, and the house and leg room is ample and properly thought out, particularly for tall folks.
Although it is not competing with greater automobiles equivalent to the 5 Series and the E Class, it feels as roomy as an even bigger automotive than it’s.
The Harman Kardon audio system belt out sound that could be very passable, and its digital display screen comes with nifty touches.
The cup holders in the again are designed higher than different German automobiles, the place widgets used embrace pincer-style sockets that really feel unattainable to make use of.
Is this essentially an older, married particular person’s sedan?
It does really feel prefer it may use slightly extra razzmatazz, particularly in the engine and efficiency departments the place its pace and energy take a while to get going, in contrast to its different European stablemates that bounce to the asphalt on command.
Even so, with all the security tools that it options, the S60 may very well be the smarter, extra mature sedan different that customers on this value class need.
So no, there’s nothing geriatric about being cautious. After all, there isn’t any denying that security is paramount.
Photographs: Kind courtesy, Volvo.
Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
