BEHIND THE WHEEL, the new Volvo V60 feels every bit as taut as its design thanks to a chassis that has been tuned to match the expectations of enthusiast drivers. It is a stylish new estate, and no one can deny it’s an impressive car.
The V60 isn’t supposed to be a load-lugging wardrobe-on-wheels though – that’s why the Swedish car maker has called it a Sports Wagon. Basically all it means is that the boot isn’t as big as you might expect, but the latest Volvo is still a very functional motor. It has a very comfortable ride, and the cabin is classy. There is a liberal amount of equipment as standard and a general feeling of quality throughout.
Six engines are available – two diesels and four petrols. Entry into the range is the D3 model, on test here, which generates 161bhp and 295lb/ft of torque (pulling power) from its 2.0 diesel powerplant. The D3 engine is probably the model to go for because you won’t have to dig too deep to run it and, with a top speed of 137mph, it is pretty lively to drive.
Equipment on all new Volvo V60 models includes Electronic Climate Control, Cruise Control, 5″ colour screen, Information Centre, steering wheel remote audio controls, alloy wheels and leather steering wheel and gear stick. In addition, six-speaker Performance Sound Audio System, 16″ alloy wheels and charcoal trim come as standard. The top-of-the-range SE Lux goes further by incorporating electric seats with memory function, leather-faced upholstery, Active Bending Lights and headlamp cleaning.
The V60 certainly feels like a premium product in every way. Behind the wheel, the car provides lots of feedback and combines good body control with a decent ride. Of course Volvo is renowned for its safety and the V60 is no exception with an abundance of hi-tech safety gadgetry fitted in and around the cabin.
All in all Volvo’s new offering is an attractive and affordable alternative to German executive estate rivals. The car offers more kit than the average BMW or Audi – so anyone considering a change from their usual ‘prestige’ motor could do a lot worse than visiting a Volvo dealership and going for the very accomplished V60.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
- Handling √
- Equipment √
- Safety√
- Boot isn’t the largest X
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 137 mph
- 0-62 mph: 9.2 secs
- Combined mpg: 53.3
- Engine layout: 1984cc 5 cylinder 20v turbodiesel
- Max. power (bhp): 161 at 5300 rpm
- Max. torque (lb.ft): 295 at 1400-2850 rpm
- CO2: 139 g/km
- Price: £ 29,435 OTR
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