Volvo V60 is kind of an intruder in the Volvo range, because it is a model invented at the
same time with the second-generation of S60 sedan. So, V60 is a S60 wagon.
Even if, by tradition, the wagons are not as attractive or as sports as the cars from which they come from,
Volvo V60 is here to prove otherwise. The car offers a dramatic design,
very sporty, but that can be soften by several minuses that need to be taken into consideration
if you want to buy a premium compact estate.
Volvo’s strategy for this model is very interesting: it has the same dimensions as the sedan
and even the same price. So, choosing a V60 instead of a S60, it is just a matter of taste
... and 50 liters extra capacity in the trunk.
Along with the advantage of cost, keeping the body configuration as closely to the original
brings a more flexible and dynamic design. The car does not give the impression that
it was stretched or unnaturally converted into a wagon.
Inside the car there are no dramatic changes. The trunk has a capacity of 430 liters,
like Audi A4 Avant, but is 30 liters smaller than BMW 3 Series Touring and 70 liters smaller
compared to Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate – the segment leader from this point of view.
Volvo V60 is built for extra urban escapades. The seats are soft, but offer a very good lateral support
and the upholstery, in lighter colour, give a special flavor to the comfort of this car.
The design of the instrument cluster and the center console is minimal and very pleasant.
It looks like the office of a northern artist with a clear mind.
Just like any other modern Volvo, V60 has in its standard configuration the CitySafety
automatic braking system that can get you rid of accidents at low speed.
The road behavior is both a strong point and a minus of this car. Volvo V60 is a proof of
agility and precision. It is perhaps the sportiest Volvo ever built,
without even expressly aiming to be aggressive.
The car is equipped with a system that brakes the inside wheel when turning and transmits
more power to the outside one. Thus, every movement of the steering wheel is translated
into a strong reaction of the front of the car.
Volvo allows you to choose the type of chassis, Sport or Comfort, and you do not
have to pay any extra money for it. The car in the video is equipped with the Comfort one,
and that's the problem! If the front of this break makes you think that
the grip is unlimited, the rear is slightly playful when cornering aggressively.
So, the Sports suspension, which I tested it on S60 is more suitable.
Briefly said, the Comfort settings bring more instability when cornering than the awaited... comfort.
The car in the video is equipped with the new Volvo D3 engine. It is a 2-liter turbo diesel,
with 5 cylinders, that develops 163 PS/HP. The engine is very lively,
but unfortunately... either the level of noise, OR the soundproofing, is lacking.
The consumption is also a little high. The medium consumption hardly decreases to less than 9 l/100 km.
And no... It's not the transmission fault, because this dual-clutch Powershift gearbox,
with 6 gears, works flawlessly.
At a price of slightly above 47,500 Euros with VAT, Volvo V60 has by its side the most daring
and modern design from its class, plus a top safety! But with the same money you can buy any of the three competing wagons:
3 Series, A4 or C-Klass. Each has its advantages,
from the ride to the interior space. The battle is thus open and very balanced!