When the Volvo V60 was produced, we felt this really set Volvo up there amongst other premium car makers, with it including high quality, tech-infused features. Whilst also being a spacious and stylish estate which differentiates itself from its competitors like the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate.
We’ve noticed the listed competitors offer more for driver appeal, but the V60 caters more to comfortability, with it riding well and is super-quiet when on the road.
We’ve noticed the listed competitors offer more for driver appeal, but the V60 caters more to comfortability, with it riding well and is super-quiet when on the road.
The engine, performance and drive
Within this executive estate, it only comes with four-cylinder engines, this including a 148bhp D3 and 188bhp D4 diesel, and a 257bhp T5 petrol. The Volvo V60 comes with manual or automatic gearboxes and the Pilot Assist autonomous technology is available on the options list. The D4 diesel claims to have an economy figure of 67.2mpg, a respectable figure in comparison to its competitors.
In terms of performance, Volvo made the decision instead of making the selling point of the car about its driving dynamics, instead, they went for a more relaxed approach. Therefore, it has the qualities of being quiet, comfortable and relaxed. Also, the performance of the D4 diesel is strong and excellent, as it’ll get you from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds.
Within this executive estate, it only comes with four-cylinder engines, this including a 148bhp D3 and 188bhp D4 diesel, and a 257bhp T5 petrol. The Volvo V60 comes with manual or automatic gearboxes and the Pilot Assist autonomous technology is available on the options list. The D4 diesel claims to have an economy figure of 67.2mpg, a respectable figure in comparison to its competitors.
In terms of performance, Volvo made the decision instead of making the selling point of the car about its driving dynamics, instead, they went for a more relaxed approach. Therefore, it has the qualities of being quiet, comfortable and relaxed. Also, the performance of the D4 diesel is strong and excellent, as it’ll get you from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds.
When driving the V60, you’ll notice the suspension is not as stiff as in some of its rivals’, which aids the Volvo in terms of driver comfort, however not so great for handling. You can change the feeling of how stiff it is by delving into the different driving modes, but this doesn’t compare to the feel you achieve from BMW or Audi through the steering wheel and suspension.
If you’re an often motorway driver, you’ll love the Volvo’s Pilot Assist autonomous features; it allows the car to keep a set distance from the vehicle in front once you’ve set the speed you want to travel at, but in addition to this, it keeps you in lane and steers you around gentle corners. Although, it is important to remember to always keep your hands on the wheel so that you’re ready to take over when you need to.
If you’re an often motorway driver, you’ll love the Volvo’s Pilot Assist autonomous features; it allows the car to keep a set distance from the vehicle in front once you’ve set the speed you want to travel at, but in addition to this, it keeps you in lane and steers you around gentle corners. Although, it is important to remember to always keep your hands on the wheel so that you’re ready to take over when you need to.
DesignThe exterior design captures the V90 theme well, with an addition of dynamism to it as well, making the front end of the car look athletic and the sides looking toned. Also, the rear tailgate is more vertical than on the V90.
Volvo leads a great reputation for its interior design, in terms of quality, but also it being spacious and packed with useful technology to support you during your journey. The V60 leads in this status, as the model is very much the same as the other SPA-platform cars – this consisting of the XC90, XC60 and the S90 and V90. In front of the driver seat, you’ll find a digital dashboard with vertical air vents either side of the centre screen and a stylish ribbon of Swedish veneer across the full width of the dash.
Technology
Inside the Volvo V60, it will include a nine-inch portrait touchscreen as standard, and the sat-nav comes with it too. However, you must pay for the likes of connecting your Android or Apple smartphone to the car.
The screen is responsive and it does come with some built-in apps for you to use, including the music streaming service from Spotify. However, we recommend you upgrade to the Bowers and Wilkins audio system. This is crafted by the British brand to produce one of the best in-car sound systems we’ve experienced.
Inside the Volvo V60, it will include a nine-inch portrait touchscreen as standard, and the sat-nav comes with it too. However, you must pay for the likes of connecting your Android or Apple smartphone to the car.
The screen is responsive and it does come with some built-in apps for you to use, including the music streaming service from Spotify. However, we recommend you upgrade to the Bowers and Wilkins audio system. This is crafted by the British brand to produce one of the best in-car sound systems we’ve experienced.
Practicality and comfort
Within the executive class, the Volvo V60 sets the bar as it’s a bigger car than key rivals and it fully optimises its space, as the boot and passenger space are better than you’ll find elsewhere.
Its dimensions are 4,761mm long and 1,916mm wide, from those figures this shows how the V60 is longer and wider than its rivals, but also much larger than the model it replaces. In comparison to the V90, it sits a bit lower and is 180mm shorter too.
Within the executive class, the Volvo V60 sets the bar as it’s a bigger car than key rivals and it fully optimises its space, as the boot and passenger space are better than you’ll find elsewhere.
Its dimensions are 4,761mm long and 1,916mm wide, from those figures this shows how the V60 is longer and wider than its rivals, but also much larger than the model it replaces. In comparison to the V90, it sits a bit lower and is 180mm shorter too.
Space is great within the V60, ideal to be a family car, as the cabin is great, with a six-foot passenger being able to sit comfortably behind a six-foot driver with an inch or so to spare. Although foot space is slightly hindered in the front if sat in the lowest position, while the centre tunnel further restricts other things, especially if someone is sat in the middle seat.If you’re an owner of a Volvo or have owned a Volvo in the past, you’ll know the rep it has gained with the amount of storage space it holds. Well, the same still stands with the new V60, as there’s plenty of storage space in between the front seats, in the glovebox and door bins. The boot withholds 529-litres, making it the biggest in the class.
To conclude, in our opinion the Volvo V60 is a spacious, modern-looking and well-made rival to compete against premium brands like BMW, Audi and Mercedes. However, we feel what lets it down is its fun-factor when driving it and at standard, the model doesn’t come with a lot of tech.
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