Introduction
In the last four years, Volvo and its vehicles has gone under a major transformation to appear more modern and much more appealing to the wider market.
With the XC90 flagship SUV setting the tone back in 2014, all of the models released since have come with similarly angular styling and as much safety equipment as the Swedish brand could muster.
Now, the V60 estate has joined in on the update and has now been moved in-line with the rest of the current 90 Series and the XC60 SUV.
But with the rest of the modernised Volvos hitting it out of the park since the brand’s revamp, can the V60 keep the good run going and be a true challenger in the premium family car segment? We take a look…
Performance
Under the bonnet of our test car was the most powerful of the two diesel engines the UK will be receiving on its release – the D4-labelled 2.0-litre, which was paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sent all the power to the front wheels.
Producing 188bhp and 400Nm of torque, the D4 model has more than enough kick to get off the line in a brisk fashion, as it can get to 60mph in 7.9 seconds and can go on to a top speed of 137mph. Although it can sound a little rough at lower speeds and on start-up, it offers a serene experience at motorway cruising speeds.
Although its saloon sibling that’ll be unveiled later this year will only have petrol and hybrid powertrains, the V60 comes with the diesel options for that extra pulling power and practicality. Customers can choose from petrol and hybrid options with the V60 if they so choose.
Ride & Handling
Volvos are always set up to offer the most calming experience behind the wheel, and the V60 successfully continues that. Despite Volvo saying it’s the most dynamic car it has made, it’s best suited as being a cruising, mile-munching machine that gets you to your destination more comfortably than when you started.
It is very refined with whatever engine you go for, and even when you push it a little harder than normal, it copes well through the corners and the ride is excellent. The steering can be a tad vague, but you can sharpen that up through the adjustable driving modes that can make the car feel a bit more dynamic if you want it to be.
Interior & Equipment
In recent times, Volvo interiors have been superbly laid out, beautifully designed and well-built, so it’s no surprise that the V60 continues in that vein. Whatever trim you choose for your V60, the materials and finish are up to a high standard and every model comes with the digital instrument display and the portrait, nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
As space and storage go, the V60 offers both in spades, as it is the longest car in its class and trumps all its rivals in terms of storage too. Six-foot adults can sit in comfort in the rear and still accommodate all the luggage you will need with ease. You get 529 litres of boot space with the standard interior layout, and this can be extended by folding down the rear bench to make a 1,241-litre cavern.
Standard equipment for each V60 includes LED headlights, a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, satellite navigation and smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the Inscription trim we tested, the V60 also came with heated and ventilated massaging seats and a superb Bowers and Wilkins stereo system.
Safety is also a key feature of the V60 – as it is with modern Volvos – and this model gets the City Safety package as standard, which includes autonomous emergency braking with cyclist, pedestrian and large animal detection, and steering support. For added security on the road, Volvo offers the Pilot Assist system that provides semi-autonomous steering and acceleration control for the car, as well as keeping the car in the right lane and at the driver’s chosen speed.
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Cost
Prices for the V60 start from £31,810, which is thoroughly competitive considering the amount of equipment you get and the engines on offer. For the D4 Inscription model we tried, the cost totalled £37,610.
With the diesel engine under the bonnet, you can achieve a quoted 67.2mpg and 122g/km CO2 – both of which mean running costs will be very good for the life of owning one. Hybrid units will offer much better returns on this front depending on your driving style, with both the T6 and T8 petrol-hybrids coming in 2019.
Verdict
If you’re after a practical, well-built and comfortable estate car with enough room for pretty much anything you’ll ever need, then the V60 might be the car for you. Yes, German rivals from Mercedes, BMW and Audi may offer a more exciting drive, but the V60 trounces its competitors everywhere else – making this a serious option when considering your next family car.
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