Volvo V60 estate (2010 – ) expert review

Is the Volvo V60 the best looking load lugger in its class? From the rear, quite possibly – it’s the prettiest big-booted car Volvo has ever made. There are hints of the Volvo C30 hatchback from the rear, with a big glass screen that almost looks like a tailgate on its own, and the side profile shares the coupe-like look of the V60’s saloon brother, the S60. Compared to the stout sides, the V60’s nose looks a little severe but as a whole the V60 stands out ahead of its rivals.

There’s an evolution in the cabin that indicates Volvo has taken what it has learned from previous models and built on it. The important dials are easy to read and the dash curves around the driver giving a cockpit-like feel. The seats are very comfortable, and the quality of the materials used is first rate, and easily a match for its rivals from BMW and Audi.

There’s plenty of space for occupants in the V60, and despite the car’s swooping coupe-like roofline, both headroom and visibility is very good. Volvo has even managed to find around 20mm extra for rear passenger legroom. The boot measures in at 430 litres, and the tailgate opens with a high sweep to reveal a flat floor with some additional underfloor storage. It’s, however, significantly smaller than the Ford Mondeo Estate’s 542 litres. All three rear seats can fold separately to create a flat load area, and the front passenger seat folds to create an even longer flat load area.

All V60s are fitted with what Volvo call a Dynamic Chassis, which has firmer suspension for an improved drive. But it does come at the price of some ride comfort. On our test route in Northern Italy, the roads are smooth, making the V60 a comfortable companion. When we drove it again in the UK, the scarred roads revealed the suspension to be rather too firm but not uncomfortably so. The steering is light, which makes the V60 an effortless cruiser, if lacking in the outright feel of a BMW 3 Series.

The D3 is likely to be the most popular engine and offers decent performance with a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds. The engine is smooth, and makes a pleasant roar when worked hard. The V60 is the first model to get the 1.6-litre GTDI petrol engine fitted, and it offers performance that belies its small size. It packs an 180bhp punch in the T4 model, and can sprint to 62mph in 8 seconds flat (8.7 seconds for auto). Our test car was fitted with an automatic gearbox which offered smooth gearshifts.

The Volvo V60 costs between £1,000 and £1,500 more than the S60 saloon, but it still undercuts its rivals in the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate, particular when the Volvo’s more generous equipment levels are factored in. The most efficient option is the 2-litre D3 diesel version, which is capable of returning 53.3mpg fuel economy and emitting 139g/km of CO2. Volvo’s 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine can compete with the best in class, with fuel consumption figures and CO2 emissions of 42.2mpg and 156hg/km.

The materials used feel high quality and the doors and boot shut with a reassuring thud. Volvos have an excellent reputation for build quality and the engines are tried and tested. However, certain build dates of the V60 have been subject to manufacturer recalls since its launch.

All models come with the same level of safety equipment, which is comprehensive. This includes Volvo’s City Safety system which minimises the risk of, and damage resulting from, low speed bumps by automatically braking the car if a static object is detected in the road. Optional equipment includes blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning (which beeps should the driver veer across white lines on the road) and Driver Alert Control which alerts tired or distracted drivers by analysing their driving patterns. Optional Pedestrian Detection can detect pedestrians, warn the driver and apply the brakes before impact.

The V60’s equipment levels eclipses those of its German rivals. There are three trim levels: ES, SE and SE Lux. All models include a trip computer, cruise control, a 5-inch colour screen, comprehensive sound system with steering wheel-mounted controls and 16-inch alloy wheel. The SE adds different interior trim, a leather steering wheel, automatic headlights, wipers and dimming rear view mirror, park sensors and 17-inch alloys. The SE Lux adds electric leather seats, bending-beam headlights and headlamp washers.

The Volvo V60 is a stylish, well-equipped and spacious car that majors on safety. It also marks the beginning of Volvo’s move away from its reputation as purveyor of boxy estates, thanks to sleeker, sportier lines. The V60 could prove to be one of the most important cars it has ever made. Visit the Volvo website now for more information on the Volvo V60.