Exclusive: New Volvo S60 R-Design launched at Rs 39.36 lakh

Volvo is adding some spice to its Indian line-up. Recently we told you about Volvo India gearing up to introduce its new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine in the S60 and XC60 this month. We can now tell you exclusively that the S60 will be launched in a new variant – the sporty R-Design package. The new S60 R-Design will cost Rs 39.36 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi and will sport the new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine and 8-speed automatic gearbox. 

This new engine develops 183.5PS of power and 400Nm of torque and is quicker and more efficient than the larger 215PS 2.4-litre 5-cylinder unit. Volvo claims that the S60 with this new engine returns around 25kmpl. This is achieved by using what Volvo calls ‘i-Art’ technology to cut fuel consumption. Each fuel injector is monitored and the pressure is continuously adapted per combustion cycle instead of using a single pressure sensor. The S60 R-Design also gets a new 8-speed automatic gearbox which promises quicker shifts than the lethargic six-speed unit.

Crucially, on the design front to the already attractive S60, this R-Design treatment is sure to find a few more takers. The front bumper is more aggressive with a honeycomb lower grille and a R-Design badge on the grille. New five spoke alloys on 18 inch wheels and contrast silver painted wing mirrors stand out in profile and a more pronounced diffuser and twin circular chromed exhausts are different from the standard S60.

On the inside, the R-Design gets sportier heated front buckets, a sat-nav system, 10GB of memory and a new 12 speaker music system and with this new engine a new Eco Plus driving mode.