Volvo S80 2.0T Luxe Review: Common Cents

What we like:

Cheaper to tax and fuel than any other previous and current S80 model

comfort

logical ergonomics

What we dislike:

Uninspiring engine note

lifeless steering

some of its rivals are quicker

The biggest news here is obviously the S80's new motor - the 2-litre turbo lump shared with the base variant XC60. Just like in the compact SUV, the 1999cc unit utilizes direct injection and variable valve timing to offer a blend of strong performance and good fuel consumption numbers. The four-pot unit musters 203bhp and 300Nm. The latter is available from a lowly 1750rpm, to deliver a flat plateau of pulling power from relatively low engine speeds

The 2.0T makes 28 horses less than the 2.5T and offers 40Nm less torque and hence is not as quick as its mid-range sibling. The 2.0T will accelerate to 100km/h from stand still in 8.5 seconds and has a quoted top speed of 230km/h. In comparison the 2.5T can complete the century sprint in 7.5 seconds, a full second quicker than the four-cylinder model.

The 2.0T's turbocharged four pot suffers from a small dose of turbo lag and is a tad lazy at very low revs. Once up to speed though, it'll give you a strong enough shove in the back thanks to its fat mid-range punch even though the base Audi A6 2.0 TFSI feels quicker throughout.

A big letdown of the 2.0T unit though is the noise it makes. I love Volvo's five-cylinder engines for the characteristic off-beat five pot noise they make - they just remind me of old Audi quattro rally cars and the Volvo 850 and S40 BTCC race cars. On the upside, the 2.0T unit sounds relatively refined for a four pot.

Coupled to the motor is the increasingly familiar six-speed Powershift twin clutch gearbox. The box might not be as quick as the DSG or S-Tronic boxes when it comes to shift speeds but it is far superior when it comes to smooth operation in all instances. In fact, it is so smooth that one might mistake it for a torque converter automatic box instead of a dual clutch one.

Like any other Volvo, safety is high on the S80's agenda - it comes with all sorts of kit to keep its occupants in one piece and stay unscathed in case of a shunt.

With the 2.0T motor, the S80 finally gets the engine option that it should have had from the very beginning. Moreover, the 2.0T offers more than enough performance despite its entry-level status.

Credits: Story and Photos by Raymond Lai