Three years after a redesign, Volvo's compact S60 sedan is still such a stunner it only gains the same headlight washers and rain-sensing windshield wipers all other Volvos get standard for 2013, and 2 newly available options—heated rear seats for any trim and all-wheel drive (AWD) for the base T5. Most complaints are fairly typical of the compact class, including a tight back seat for legroom and a less-than-roomy 12-cubic-foot trunk made even less roomy by an optional spare tire, with only an inflation kit standard. Drivers nevertheless adore this Swede machine's balance of performance, looks, quality and value, despite the S60's few unique quirks.

Those few quirks amount to Volvo's generally lackluster technology, primarily in the navigation department, where drivers would like to update their system without running the car for several hours or at least have the ability to link it up to their cell phone for more tried-and-true functionality. The lack of OnStar-like functionality also has some drivers concerned, but none of these issues resulted in anything more than a half-star taken off the highest possible review rating. Indeed, in spite of Volvo's consistency at being a few generations behind the competition on gimmicky tech, Volvo somehow keeps winning return drivers.

Could Volvo's strong driver return have something to do with "fun to drive" being the most common driver statement out of the gate, right next to "most comfortable ride and seats" with a "solid feel" and good economy on even regular fuel? No longer the boxy beast only a safety nut could love, the S60 is making a name for itself among corporate types and driving enthusiasts alike since the 2011 re-debut, and that name is "coveted." Sure, it's not the rally-bound machine of BMW's 3 Series, nor is it a showy and floaty Lexus or any cheap attempt at imitation. The S60 is, however, a responsively and comfortably tuned touring compact with plenty of gas-sipping punch and well-weighted agility for spirited urban driving, not to mention a long reputation for bulletproof safety—a combination that is simply irresistible to the practical driver, even if you don't account for the interesting high-quality interior.

The base T5 boasts 21 mpg city/30 highway economy, with its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 5-cylinder capable of propelling the S60 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds in its default front-wheel drive (FWD) form, the newly optional AWD system knocking that time down just 0.2 seconds for a slightly worse 20/29 economy still keeping it ahead of the class curve. The AWD T6 ticks that performance up a notch for 5.9 seconds to 60 mph with its turbocharged 3-liter inline-6, but fuel economy takes a hit to 18/25. Both use the same 6-speed automatic without any other transmission option, but drivers note the efficiency estimates are true to reality without significant turbo or transmission lag.

The R Design variants offer an additional 25 hp and 29 lb-ft of turbo torque with 3.5-inch twin exhaust pipes for an almost operatic experience. They're not especially faster than the T6, offering 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, but they do boast suspension components up to 400% stiffer for a significantly sportier ride. Pedal-to-pavement response is also quickened over the T6 thanks to compression and return in the same monotube valve. They gain a brakes upgrade and a new Platinum upgrade package above and beyond the rest of the lineup's gains for 2013.

Highlights of the S60's long standard features list include the 2013 updates, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-way powered driver's seat with memory and adjustable lumbar support, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, T-Tec cloth upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity and a stereo with all the HD radio, satellite radio, CD playing and iPod/USB/auxiliary audio trimmings. Upgrading to Premier is as simple as adding an option package and would upgrade the T5 to the T6's feature set minus the more powerful engine, bigger brakes and sport-tuned suspension and steering, adding keyless ignition/entry, sunroof, leather upholstery, power passenger seat and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Either trim can also upgrade to the Premier Plus and Platinum trim levels, since they, too, are essentially just options like the Climate pack, Technology pack, and standalone options such as a blind-spot warning system, heated rear seats and rear-seat dual DVD system. What few options are exclusive to any trim are exclusive only to the high-performance R-Design, leaving a wide-open world of possibilities for a car just as easy to own as it is to buy.