Volvo wants to meet the incoming challenge of the Audi A3 saloon head on and has rejigged the S60 and V60 range to allow it to compete. Although the Volvo S60 is bigger than an A3, you can now buy a basic 1.6-litre D2 diesel version, badged simply as 'S', for an Audi A3-matching €29,995. It's hardly that basic either, with City Safety, Bluetooth, a leather steering wheel, climate control, five-inch colour display, 'High Performance Sound' stereo with USB, aux input and eight peakers, steering wheel audio controls and 16-inch alloy wheels all standard.
Equipped with the 115hp 1.6-litre diesel engine, the S60 scores a 103g/km CO2 rating meaning it can be taxed for €190 a year.
"We have endeavored to provide the Volvo customer with a real value proposition in these new versions. They come in at affordable prices while retaining a high level of specification that the Volvo customer expects. The S60 and V60 D2 versions also benefit from Band A3 taxation, fantastic fuel economy and competitive BIK for the business customer" says Volvo Car Ireland MD, Adrian Yeates.
Anything else?
You can also have the S spec in Volvo V60 estate form, for €32,545 with a 108g/km CO2 figure.