It's aimed at good low-speed response, and comes only with an automatic transmission. It's a very nice one, and shifted about equal to the best. Though not the thrill that the 247-horsepower T5 was, 2.4T offered sublime pleasures, owing to its taut chassis, elegant interior, harmonious nature and generally wonderful feel. And it wasn't underpowered, at 197 hp and 210 pounds-feet of torque. A tickle on the go pedal easily overpowered the traction control, in case tire-smoking starts turn you on.
Gripes are pretty limited.
The radio , common to all Volvos, was a royal pain. Designers no doubt thought it clever to provide a tuning knob that goes immediately to the next programmed station when turned a tiny bit. Conventional pushbuttons and an old-fashioned tuning knob, please. The back seat hasn't much leg room when a tall ones in front slide back, and less leg and hip room than the discontinued S70. But the S60's not billed as full-size, and nobody's compacts have enough room in back for adults.