Volvo is taking full advantage of its S60 sedan’s popularity with the addition of two new versions for 2016: the S60 Cross Country and the S60 Inscription.
The compact S60 Cross Country commingles all-wheel drive and a lifted ride height – features favored by SUV and crossover enthusiasts – with the appealing qualities of a sedan, including a more comfortable ride and the security of a trunk where valuables can be locked-up and out of sight.
With a ride height of 7.9 inches, the S60 Cross Country can safely venture off the highway onto dirt and gravel roads too rough for ordinary sedans; inordinately rough off-road conditions are out of its league.
Hill Descent Control, a safety system that does just what it sounds like, is standard equipment. When engaged, it takes over for the driver – whose foot is kept off the brake pedal – and uses the anti-lock brake system to keep the car from careening down steep hills.
Also standard are an advanced stability control system, corner traction control, Volvo’s City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system, and air bags and curtains everywhere.
To cover all the safety bases, there’s Volvo On Call, offering round-the-clock emergency roadside assistance, remote start, lock-unlock, and diagnostic help through Android or iOS apps.
On the fun side of things are a premium sound system, 3D navigation system, HD radio, Bluetooth, Sirius satellite radio, a sunroof, and Sensus Connect, which includes an in-car WiFi hotspot and built-in apps such as Yelp, Pandora, Weather, Glympse and Tune-In.
A spirited five-cylinder turbocharged engine assisted by a six-speed automatic transmission provides the S60’s energy, to the tune of 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy figures are 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Regular unleaded gasoline is recommended.
The base price of the 2016 S60 Cross Country, including a $940 destination charge, is $44,440.
The Volvo S60 Inscription is a long-wheelbase version of the S60, providing 3 extra inches of leg room for rear-seat passengers. It’s available in front-wheel or rear-wheel drive configuration, and replaces the previous S60 Platinum model.
Special features include a power rear window shade and manual side rear window sunshades, walnut inlays and interior accent lighting.
Two trim levels are available: Premium and Platinum. Pricing, including a $940 destination charge, starts at $39,640 for a Premium FWD and tops out at $44,140 for a Platinum AWD.
The 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country and S60 Inscription are available now at dealerships.
This is an overview of the 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country and S60 Inscription, based on an introductory event held by the manufacturer. Although the vehicles were driven briefly during the event, automotive reviews that include driving impressions and other opinions appear only after a vehicle has been given the standard weeklong test-drive.
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