Volvo V60 2011 Review

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Aimed at young parents, pragmatists and passionately rational types, the V60 arrives hot on the heels of its stylish S60 sedan sibling but with a more practical bent to go with Volvo's newfound on-road dynamism.

The V60 is a driver oriented, competitively priced mid-size wagon with seating for five, kid-friendly integrated booster seats and a surprising amount of cargo space that will force buyers to change their thinking on this once forgotten part of the brand's portfolio.

Following the lead from BMW's 3 Series, Benz's C-Class, Audi's A4 and Alfa's 159, Volvo says the quality fittings and fixtures crammed into the V60 – along with the brand's typically high level of safety equipment – will see it challenging “brands beneath it”. After just a few hours behind the wheel, we're inclined to agree.

Included on the spec sheet are all the usual power-assisted goodies as well as climate control, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, trip computer, powered driver's seat, 17-inch 'Njord' alloy wheels, Bluetooth streaming and telephony, auxiliary audio and USB connectivity with full iPod integration and single-CD player with steering wheel-mounted remote controls (which includes VNS voice recognition software on T6 models).

A similarly specified diesel version, or D5, is also available starting at $60,950, with a 151kW/420Nm 2.4-litre twin turbocharged unit, driving all four wheels via a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. No R Design pack is available on the D5 although a long list of options and accessories, identical to those offered on the T5, are.

Packages available for the V60 T5 and V60 D5 include Driver Assistance Package ($4990), Active Cruise Control ($4175), BLIS, or Blind Spot Information System ($1275), Lane Departure Warning with Driver Alert Control ($2075), Teknik Pack ($5500, or $4500 on T6 with Sat Nav already included as part of that model's Premium Sound system). Components of several packs are also available individually.

Topping the range, the V60 T6 boasts a 224kW/440Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine, (conventional) six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The performance-focused model also offers an R Design guise complete with standout aerodynamic package 'Ixion' 18-inch alloy wheels, special grille and rear view mirrors and R Design sports leather interior.

T6 models also include a Premium Sound system which includes a DVD player and satellite navigation with voice control, luxury trim highlights, watch-dial instrumentation and a powered passenger seat.

The V60 line-up seems to be packaged in groups of three with the trio of models each available with the choice of three steering wheels, three leather and trim combinations, three alloy wheel choices and three infotainments systems. Further, three solid paint colours are also available with the further choice of 12 (not three!) optional metallic hues ($1550).

All models feature a tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare wheel.

Confusingly, the numeral in each badge charts the models' power range and not necessarily the number of cylinders it possesses, as was previously the case. Incidentally, 'T' is for turbocharged (petrol) and 'D' is for diesel. Clear as mud, really.

The entry-level V60 T5 is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine running 16 valves and direct injection. The Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) unit, as Volvo calls it, develops 177kW at 5500rpm and 320Nm between 1800 and 5000rpm which is enough to see it sprint to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds. Mated exclusively to a six-speed Powershift twin-clutch transmission it's also the only front-wheel drive model in the line up. Combined fuel economy returns are 8.7L/100km and CO2 emissions 205g/km (Euro5).

Next, the V60 D5 features a 2.4-litre five-cylinder twin-cam twin turbocharged diesel running four valves per cylinder and driving all four wheels via a conventional torque converter-controlled six-speed automatic transmission (Volvo dubs this 'Adaptive Geartronic'). Developing 151kW at 4000rpm and 420Nm between 1500 and 3250rpm the oiler sips just 7.1L/100km and emits 188g/km of CO2 (also Euro5). Not to be left wanting, the D5 is capable of accelerating from rest to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

Finally, the range-topping V60 T6 gets the in-line 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin cam unit (24 valve), also turbocharged. Developing 224kW at 5600rpm and 440Nm between 2100 and 4200rpm, it will accelerate to 100km/h in a brisk 6.2 seconds while consuming just 10.3L/100km and emitting 247g/km of CO2 (Euro5). Like the D5, the T6 uses a six-speed automatic transmission with Neutral Control and Sports mode.

All models are suspended by a MacPherson strut (front)/ multi-link (rear) arrangement available in three model-dependent tunes -- Touring, Dynamic and Sports. Independently, two optional suspension packages are also available: Four-C ($4175) and Nlvomat self-levelling ($1350).

The electro-hydraulic steering offers 2.58 turns lock-to-lock and a turning circle of 11.9 metres. Optional speed sensitive power steering is also available ($800).

To help save fuel, all V60 models utilise Low Rolling Resistance tyres, regenerative charging, fuel efficient aerodynamic sculpting and area specific weight reduction materials. A comprehensive array of driver assistance programs and safety features are also included (see SAFETY below).

Ergonomics are particularly well thought out with the leather-clad seating in four of the five positions well contoured, supportive and genuinely comfortable. The rear seats feature Volvo's integrated children's booster seats in both outboard positions, plus ISOFIX and top-tether child seat preparation.

As you'd expect in this size of vehicle, accommodation is relatively limited, but thanks to a thoughtful layout, the V60 ranks as one of the more generously proportioned wagons in this category. The rear of the front seats is scalloped to allow more knee room, but with taller front seat occupants the rear is still tight, at least for similarly sized adults. Otherwise, head, hip and shoulder room are adequate.

Nifty oddment storage bins, map pockets and cup holders are spread throughout while at the rear, a capacious cargo area is accessed by a wide aperture, top-hinged tailgate. The rear seats are split 40:20:40 to maximise V60's versatility.

Up front, simple-to-read instruments are complemented by equally straightforward controls, with the possible exception of the infotainment system's keypad which is fiddly to navigate on the go.

The 'floating' centre stack, now familiar across the Volvo range, is still a nice touch, especially as it's slightly angled toward the driver for a more commanding feel. The integrated centre screen also melds seamlessly into the stack, unlike the pop-up, poorly angled examples found in its SUV cousin, the XC60.

Ventilation outlets are also well positioned with airflow reaching the face and body unhindered (read: without freezing your knuckles to the steering wheel!). The smaller diameter, thick rimmed steering wheel feels sporty in hand (a nice departure from Volvo tillers of old) and is manually adjustable for both tilt and reach.

SAFETY

In addition to the expected five-star EuroNCAP rating, now easily obtainable by even the most run-of-the-mill makes, V60 also incorporates a significant assortment of driver aids including optional Active Cruise Control, Distance Alert, Q Assist collision warning and full auto brake which, for the first time, can apply the brake at full force when required. The system works between 0 and 200km/h.

On top of standard advanced stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist, and a surfeit of airbags, the V60 also features a blind spot information system, active brake lamps, torque vectoring traction control and roll over protection, to name but a few.

A pedestrian impact warning system detects people over 80cm in height and brakes accordingly. Volvo says the system can completely avoid hitting a pedestrian at low speeds (under 35km/h) and will significantly reduce the level of injuries sustained in a pedestrian impact, even at higher speeds. (Food for thought: According to Volvo 14 per cent of all fatal road accidents in Europe involve pedestrians. In Australia, the total number of pedestrian fatalities for 2010 was 195).

Of course, anti-whiplash head restraints and three-point seatbelts are included in all five seating positions. Front seats gain pyrotechnic pretensioners and load limiters.

Sharp pricing sees the V60 T5 entry-level model ($54,950) beat similarly specified petrol/automatic wagons from German competitors by between $4350 and $12,050, which is hardly chump change. The V60 is also quicker and more powerful than all three, although matching the Audi on torque. The same can't be said for fuel consumption and CO2 outputs which see the situation reversed in the Germans' favour.

The situation is much the same with the diesels; the V60 D5 ahead again on power and torque, but beaten in the performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emission stakes by the BMW 320d Touring. In this category, the Volvo is also beaten on price by the A4 2.0 TDI, which retails for $2550 less than its Scandinavian rival. The BMW and Benz adversaries are $1950 and $8890 dearer respectively.

Pushing further into Luxury Car Tax territory and the V60 T6 is faced with only one real competitor, the 335i Touring. T6 is 1kW down in total power output against the Bavarian hyperwagon but trounces it on torque by delivering a hefty 40Nm more. Again, the Volvo loses out where 0-100km/h sprint times, fuel economy and emissions are concerned, but considering it's similarly well appointed, offers all-wheel drive grip as standard and is a considerable $44,650 cheaper (no, that's not a typo), we think the Volvo has this particular niche well covered, even when fully optioned.

Where space and payload are concerned, the German rivals have a slight lead over the Volvo in almost every respect.

Externally, the V60 is smaller in every direction except height but is also a heavier car than all comers except the Benz.

The story is much the same inside where, even if marginally, V60 is smaller in every aspect bar front legroom. Cargo space is also worth noting with the Volvo proving less than all of the aforementioned rivals (430/1241litres).

Taking the reins of the T5 first, its fluid powertrain provided ample motivation for the fast-flowing C roads heading out of Albury, backed up by a smooth and compliant ride that still served up plenty of grip. The engine is sweetly linear with no lag evident and no nasty low speed 'jerking' we've come to expect from other marques using similar technology.

Road and wind noise was negligible, allowing a peaceful cabin in which to enjoy a conversation or some tunes streamed wirelessly from the iPhone. The smaller diameter thick rimmed steering wheel felt terrific in hand and, when combined with a snug, supportive seat and sympathetic driving position made the twisty mountain sections very enjoyable.

The brake pedal allowed fine modulation over stopping pressure while the steering was also decently weighted for a 'sportier' feel, even if the level of feedback wasn't as direct as expected (that said, it's pretty good for a family wagon and shone in comparison to most of the German rivals we mentioned earlier).

Manoeuvring into the parking lot of our lunch venue highlighted the V60's strong visibility from the driver's seat. In all directions the small wagon's glasshouse offers an unimpeded view, except through the rear-side glass which is slightly encumbered by the stylistic top 'wedge'.

The return trip saw us swap into the more aggressively styled T6 R Design. Offering brawny all-wheel drive performance -- and grip -- the car's suspension could have been a touch firmer in hard cornering, perhaps wanting for the optional Four-C chassis.

Steering continued to impress – being both tactile and responsive – though the same couldn't be said for the transmission which, even when in manual mode would override the driver's decision to 'hold' gears, grabbing a higher gear when it felt necessary, often when the road conditions weren't ideal. Given its aspirations, steering wheel-mounted paddles shifts would have been a welcomed inclusion.

That said, I really am nit picking. The V60 T6 is a fabulous drive and deserves high praise for its ability to take on more expensive marques at their own game and come out trumps.  

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