By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

Winter is among my least favorite seasons. It's dreary, cold and gray. But, I do look forward to winter for one important reason - it's the best time of year to test any all-wheel drive vehicle. Among the best all-wheel drive sedans is the new Volvo S60 sedan, which I put to the test on icy and treacherous winter roads of Colorado.

Later this month The Weekend Drive travels to Alberta, Canada for the extensive winter test of this all-new Volvo S60. The AWD made its public debut at the international Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany in September, showcasing an electronically controlled Active On-Demand (AOD) system which provides nearly instantaneous power distribution between the front and rear wheels.

Revolvolution is the battle cry for the renaissance made by Volvo in revolutionizing its entire product line. "My mandate was to design a car that will appeal to younger people, those who wouldn't normally consider a Volvo. In short, design a Volvo sedan that is inspired by a sports car and drives like one," comments Volvo's Chief of Design, Peter Horbury.

"I wanted to bring forward recognizable symbols of our past, design elements that define Volvo. The grille is derived from performance turbos of our past. The strong 'V' hood line is lifted from our 122 series and the strong shoulder line from our 140 series. But I also wanted something bolder. I brought in the C70 Coupe roof line and, with clever packing, created a rather comfortable rear seat for tall passengers," states the S60 designer Giza Loczi. "It's a true Volvo sedan with the heart and soul of a coupe."

Starting with the front wheel drive bias for superior traction and fuel efficiency, the S60 2.4T AWD selectively puts the rear wheels to work when demand arises for superior traction in severe driving conditions. This electronically controlled system is fully integrated with ABS, Stability Traction Control (STC) and Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC). By measuring front wheel spin, throttle position and other data, the system can determine how quickly to distribute power, and how much power to distribute

The decidedly sporting character of the tuned suspension delivers a dramatic synthesis of superior ride quality and exceptional handling, due in large part to the S60's chassis' exceptional torsional rigidity. Volvo delivers on its objective of building a performance character into the heart of this truly refined European sport sedan with the Scandinavian flare

Smooth, seamless power for the S60 AWD comes from the highly evolved and proven 2.4-litre, 5-cylinder aluminum engine with variable valve timing and light-pressure turbocharger. Output is 197 hp at 5,100 rpm and maximum torque is 210 lb./ft. at a low 1,800 rpm.

At the heart of the success of S60's cockpit are its legendary seats. These are the most comfortable seats of all that I have tested. The driving experience is enhanced with clear instruments, intuitive controls that reside within the natural arc of the hand, and the seats that are designed around orthopedic principles and a constellation of driver-centric creature comforts. In a perfect balance of form and function, the S60's graceful coupe profile does not exact a toll on interior space. To the contrary, the S60 offers a spacious interior with very comfortable seating for five. The sleek exterior profile offers additional benefits for the ear as well as the eye. In conjunction with the premium build quality, the smooth, aerodynamic shape contributes to an interior noteworthy for its quiet and reassuring sense of solidity.

Unwavering in its commitment to occupant safety, Volvo again raises the safety bar with the S60. It's equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features including standard Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side impact airbags and Inflatable Curtain (IC), Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS), seat belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners in all seating positions, dual-stage front airbags (SRS), plus Volvo's safety cage construction.

Volvo says S60 AWD buyers will be around 30-44 years old and relatively successful early in life, split evenly among men and women. Most are well educated, early-adopters of technology, and married with median income around $100,000. They value authenticity and are opposed to traditional status symbols.

HIGHS: You will not find more comfortable seats in any vehicle, at any price, period. Comfort Ride suspension is tuned perfectly. Intoxicating leather interior and aroma. Premium Swedish craftsmanship from nose to tail. AWD system is seamless, invisible, and capable.

LOWS: The 5-cylinder engine, while highly sophisticated and turbo-charged, makes a less power than I want. A 6-cylinder engine making about 215 horsepower would be perfect.

The verdict? We have a few more performance benchmarks to observe during the winter test in Canada, but we already know what to expect; the S60 is among the finest AWD sedans made, in a package that feels far more expensive than its conservative price tag would suggest.

COMPARISON VEHICLES
Trade-ups are expected from Toyota Camry, VW Passat, Honda Accord, and Acura. Buyers will likely cross-shop from A4 2.8, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

2002 VOLVO S60 2.4T All-Wheel Drive Sedan Specifications:

ENGINEERING
5 Cylinder, 197 HP with 210 lb. / ft. of Torque
Light Pressure, Intercooled Turbo
5 Speed Automatic Transmission
Stability Traction Control (STC)
Geartronic Electronically Controlled AWD (All Wheel Drive)
Comfort Chassis
16"x 6.5" "ORBIT" 7-Spoke Alloy Wheels
205/55 HR 16 All-Season Tires

STYLING AND FUNCTION FEATURES
Heated power exterior Mirrors w/memory
Central Keyless remote Locking System
Security System with Battery Back-up Siren
Exterior "Approach Lighting" (including mirror puddle lamps)
Auto-down/up Front Windows
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel w/ Integrated Audio/Cruise Controls
Leather Gear Shift Knob
Theft Deterrent System

VEHICLE SAFETY & COMFORT FEATURES
Electrical Foldable Rear Headrest
ISO-FIX Attachment Points
Emergency Trunk Release
SIPS Structure with Side Impact Air Bags
Dual Stage Front Air Bags, side Curtain
WHIPS - Whiplash Protection Seats
Pyrotechnic Pre-tensioners on all seating positions
Dual Zone Electronic Climate Control
B-Pillar Rear Seat Vents
Power 8-Way Adjustable Driver's Seat w/ Memory
60/40 Split, Fold-down Rear Seats
Six Speaker AM/FM CD stereo system
Automatic Time Lock Fuel Lid
Pollen filter for passenger compartment

EPA FUEL ECONOMY ESTIMATES
City MPG: 19
Highway MPG: 26
Estimate actual mileage tested: 27.4 MPG

MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
$31,625 nicely-equipped in the Turbo, AWD model, plus $625 destination charge.
PRICE AS TESTED, $38,025 "hard-loaded" including automatic w/Geartronic, power sunroof, metallic paint, leather interior, and alloy wheels and more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Volvo Cars, and to locate a dealer near you, visit Volvo cars.

ENJOY THE DRIVE...Remember, always buckle-up, drive safely, obey all highway laws and never drive impaired. Driving maneuvers, impressions, and statements of the author are that of a highly skilled, professional driver; do not ever attempt high-performance driving.

Distribution Rights and Contents © 2002, The Weekend Drive®, All Rights Reserved. Volvo and all Volvo brands and names used herein are Registered Trademarks, Volvo Cars North America, All Rights Reserved. Test vehicle, some specifications and information provided courtesy of Volvo. Used by permission.

KANANASKIS, Alberta, Canada - Having hosted and being most famous for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, there was probably no better place than the heart of Canada's Rocky Mountains to experience Volvo's newest AWD system.

In perhaps the most adverse conditions Volvo owners might ever experience, coupled with the distractions of stunning Canadian beauty and hospitality, Volvo offered up and succeeded in several real-life winter driving challenges.

While AWD is not new, Volvo engineered the Haldex-based system into the S60 to offer a set of capabilities that are designed to improve safety and driving pleasure. Safety is nearly always taken for granted by Volvo owners - it's the driving pleasure that's new.

Confidence can add a great deal to driving comfort, and in the absence of a drivers' high-performance ability, the Volvo system steps in automatically and independent of any driver inputs to place a new margin of safety in inclimate, and everyday driving.

I placed the Volvo S60 AWD system, with DSTC (Dynamic Stability Traction Control) both enabled and disabled into a variety of common winter driving situations that can present challenges to most drivers. Clearly, leaving DSTC enabled and allowing the car to fully extend its assistance is the best option.

At the Nakiska Ski Resort, a giant slalom presented the greatest test, and here the S60 AWD earned the Gold. The specially built test track of ice, snow and slush gave excellent opportunities to push the system to its limits in a safe, controlled environment.

Among the many challenges of this course, I drove the S60 under maximum handling (kinda fast) into an area of the track that offered a wide sweeping turn of highly-polished ice, which was entered from fairly grippy snow, and then exiting onto slushy snow. Turning in, uphill, onto the ice and then off, I was amazed at the cleanness and finesse that the S60 made each transition. In real life, this translates purely into safety for every occupant of the vehicle. And a bit of exhilaration for the one fortunate enough to be in the drivers seat.

Where the Volvo S60 AWD impresses me the most is its ability to detect and react to understeer and wheel-spin under braking and acceleration. Understeer is simply the car's tendency to keep going straight when you are turning the wheel and wanting to change your path. Wheel-spin occurs under braking or acceleration, and this happens when one or more tires begin to slip.

The Volvo system, under my testing, gave me an immediate advantage and added at least 30% greater margin of error in terms of braking distance, controlled turning, and acceleration.

The verdict: this is among the finest AWD systems on any sedan in the world - especially coupled with DSTC.

Production of the S60 AWD is limited. Suggested list price for the sedan is $33,375 and includes and extensive list of standard equipment - and again, the most comfortable seats anywhere.

ENJOY THE DRIVE...Remember, always buckle-up, drive safely, obey all highway laws and never drive impaired. Driving maneuvers, impressions, and statements of the author are that of a highly skilled, professional driver in a controlled setting; do not ever attempt high-performance driving.

Distribution Rights and Contents COPYRIGHT (c) 2002, The Weekend Drive(r), All Rights Reserved. Volvo and all Volvo brands and names used herein are Registered Trademarks, Volvo Cars North America, All Rights Reserved. Test vehicle, some specifications and information provided courtesy of Volvo. Used by permission.