Volvo V60 Review

Performance4.5/5

There’s a decent set of engines across the range – four petrol and four diesel options in all – giving plenty of Volvo V60 performance options. In the petrol line-up there are three four-cylinders and one 3.0 litre six cylinder; and the diesels include one four cylinder and three five cylinders. If you are usually in a hurry you might like to consider the petrol T6 unit, which will take you from 0-62 mph in a very brief 6.2 seconds and produces a maximum speed of 155 mph. If you are more a go with the flow person, you will probably opt for the 2.0 litre, 136 bhp diesel which is predicted to be the most popular. The 1.6 litre 115 hp diesel is going to be your most economical V60 performance choice – it’s all a question of priorities.

Handling4/5

The Volvo V60 really comes into its own on the motorways – it cruises beautifully and reasonably quietly. However, it is disappointing when something more exciting is wanted – steering is light and the manual gearshift is a bit sloppy. Unless you are driving on the worst of the country’s roads, the soft suspension will absorb most of the potholes and bumps that come your way, but this particular design feature does result in a certain amount of body roll which negatively impacts the Volvo V60’s handling somewhat.

Exterior4.5/5

The Volvo V60 is designed with style in mind – it’s sleek, sophisticated and sporty, especially the top of the range R-Design trim. The entry-level version won’t let you down either though – this is definitely a head turner throughout the range.

Interior4.5/5

Quality and style are the operative words for the V60’s interior – Volvo are really living up to the reputation they have carved for themselves. From the ‘floating’ central console, to the armchair-like comfort of its seats, to the user-friendly dash – everything is well thought out and made to last. Rear seat passengers get plenty of head and leg room; and all travellers are made more comfortable by the climate control which comes as standard.

Unfortunately the sweeping lines of the Volvo V60’s exterior come at the expense of luggage space – 430 litres is not huge, and even when the 40/20/40 rear seats are all lying flat this only expands to 1,246 litres. Many of the car’s rivals come with more than this; but as it is described by Volvo as a ‘sportswagon’ and not an estate, potential buyers may not be too worried by this.

Equipment4.5/5

The Volvo V60 comes in five trim levels – the Business Edition, the SE, SE Lux, R-Design and R-Design Lux – and all generously equipped.  At entry level, the Volvo V60’s equipment includes electronic climate control, cruise control, height adjustable driver and passenger seats, leather steering wheel and gear knob, Bluetooth handsfree system, City Safety system, anti-theft alarm, tinted windscreen, 16 inch alloys, power adjustable and heated door mirrors, and rear park assist.

If you feel inclined to shell out a bit more, you can go for an  R-design power steering system, various ‘sports’ accessories, high performance sound audio system, 17 or 18 inch alloys, rain and tunnel sensor, and an air quality system.

Safety4.5/5

The Volvo V60 was awarded the full five stars in its EuroNCAP safety test. Volvo V60 safety features include six airbags, pedestrian detection, City Safety system, side impact protection, whiplash protection, ABS, seat belt pre-tensioners, rear seat ISOFIX attachments as standard; and to deter anyone from making off with your car, there is an anti-theft alarm, immobiliser, and key integrated remote control central locking.

Buying & Owning4/5

Volvo V60 diesel models are likely to be the preferred option for those looking to keep costs to a minimum; and the D2 engine, offering as it does 62 mpg and very low carbon emissions, is the best of the lot. Resale values might prove disappointing though, with quite hefty depreciation; but if you are intending to hang on to it for a while, that will probably not prove to be too much of a deterrent.

Reviewed by cars2buy