Volvo S60 Receives 2011 International Sedan of the Year ICOTY Award

The North American division of Volvo was awarded the 2011 International Sedan of the Year at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) by the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury, for the S60 model. According to Volvo, its all-new sports sedan was deemed best-in-class for the "most superlative connection with consumer lifestyles."

The company decided to introduce a new S60 trim level in the United States that will make the new sedan more affordable by approximately $7,000 as compared to the initial top version. The T5 is powered by a 2.5-liter turbo engine that develops 250 horsepower.

In terms of performance, the T5 goes from a naught to sixty in 6.8 seconds, while fuel consumption goes, according to the EPA estimates cited by the aforementioned source, to 20 and 30 mpg city and highway, respectively.

"To receive the International Sedan of the Year award and be named 'Most Dependable' demonstrate first-hand that the Volvo S60 connects with consumers' lifestyles on both an emotional and rational level," said Doug Speck, president and CEO of VCNA, who accepted the award. "From our advanced technology safety features and masterful Scandinavian design, to its best-in-class fuel economy and award-winning engine, the S60 delivers something for everyone. It is without a doubt a game changer for us."

Trophies were presented by Courtney Caldwell, Mike Martini (president, Consumer OE, Bridgestone Americas), James Bell (market analyst and president, Motor Press Guild), Joe Wiesenfelder (senior editor, Cars.com), Denise McCluggage (contributor, AutoWeek), and B.J. Killee (road test editor, Drivers Talk Radio).

"The ICOTY Awards are not based on camshafts and chrome but rather lifestyle compatibility and how well automakers achieve that goal," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY executive producer.