CANBERRA: Research into Australia’s next-generation patrol and pursuit fleets continues, with cops in the ACT this week kicking off a test program with Volvo’s S60 T6 R-Design sedan.
The midsized sedan, decked out in full police livery and loaded with the requisite lights and computer tech, will be evaluated over the coming year for its potential as a full-time addition to the fleet.
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While not up to top-shelf S60 Polestar standards, the T6’s 242kW and 480Nm turbocharged six-cylinder engine time makes it a capable enough unit for most police duties.
And, although it’s not as large as the Commodore and Falcon units currently in service, the S60 T6 R-Design’s all-wheel-drive configuration and 5.7 second 0-100km/h sprint time should boost its appeal for the boys and girls in blue.
“Police vehicles are required to perform to a high level in dynamic, high stress environments. By doing this trial we can obtain direct feedback from our officers on how the S60 performs under various driving conditions,” Traffic Operations boss Sergeant Rod Anderson said.
“We are particularly interested in our officers’ opinions on the all-wheel drive capability of the S60 and what advantages it offers over our current rear-wheel drive fleet.”
The Volvo is one of a number of models being tested over the next 12-18 months ahead of the coming Commodore and Falcon production ends, but Volvo Australia boss Kevin McCann is confident of the S60’s potential.
“Volvo has a proven track record in supplying highway surveillance and rapid response vehicles to police forces around the world, including Sweden, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK.
“The S60 T6 R-Design is a high performance sedan with a range of active and passive safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection to protect both drivers and other road users. We look forward to working closely with ACT Police to assess the S60’s suitability to meet its operational requirements.
