The V60’s sleek lines have always been pleasing to the eye. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
Of course, today’s sport wagons are nothing like the wooden decaled behemoths that wafted down the highways and byways of my youth, their distorted AM radios buzzing War’s “Low Rider” through grossly underpowered single-speaker sound systems, or an “8-Track Stereo” if your folks happened to pay more for the luxurious tufted velour upholstery upgrade. In comparison, most of today’s mainstream volume brands reserve their “five-door” models for upper trim levels with
With a sporty profile and tall distinctive taillights, the V60 looks 100-percent premium. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
BMW and Audi are the only other carmakers currently providing compact D-segment wagons to Canadian luxury buyers, with Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Cadillac having given up on the class altogether. BMW’s $45,700 3 Series Touring can only be had with a single 2.0-litre turbo-four making 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque connecting to an all-wheel drivetrain, whereas Audi’s $47,600 A4 Allroad also features just one 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower and
The Special Edition gets upgraded headlights with cornering control, 18-inch alloys and unique aluminum-style trim. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
In comparison the much more affordable $40,600 V60 T5 Drive-E is a true five-door sport wagon that’s also powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder rated at a similar 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and mated to front- or all-wheel drive as tested, yet Volvo offers two uniquely different upgrades to this engine as well, including a turbocharged and supercharged version dubbed T6 Drive-E AWD that puts out a potent 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and then routes it solely through all-wheel drive, plus an even more imposing
The V60’s interior is beautifully finished with upscale materials. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
Of note, despite offering three times as many engine options as its competitors for 2017, the Swedish brand has actually reduced this number since last year when a five-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque was also available, as was an inline-six capable of 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The move to more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly four-cylinder powertrains is now brand-wide, with even its larger mid-size S90 sedan and V90 wagons powered solely
The driver-centric cockpit is ergonomically ideal. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
As noted, my V60 tester was equipped with the T5 Drive-E AWD powertrain, this the second most fuel-efficient in the lineup at 10.7 L/100km city, 7.8 highway and 9.4 combined compared to the base FWD model’s 9.6 L/100km city, 7.0 highway and 8.4 combined, the latter of which is actually 20-percent thriftier on the highway than the old five-cylinder model (five-percent of which is derived from Eco+ mode alone). I’m finding myself using such eco modes more often these days, as much due to environmental concerns as savings at the pump (have you noticed the price of gas is no better now than it was when crude hovered around $100 per barrel?), so a fuel-friendly wagon like this is ideal for my lifestyle.
I’d
A fully configurable digital gauge package is standard with the Special Edition. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
Still, I certainly never felt hard done by while motoring around town, cruising down the highway, or taking to the curves in the lesser model. First off, the four-cylinder’s turbo helps spool up torque quickly so that all 258 lb-ft is available from just 1,500 rpm, making accelerating from standstill brisk to say the least. Of course, AWD only improves the situation, especially
Volvo’s trademark floating centre stack is the centerpiece of the interior design. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
Of course, AWD improves handling on any road surface or condition, and while I wouldn’t consider my T5 Drive-E AWD tester a canyon carver, at least not to the level
Standard 7.0-inch Volvo Sensus infotainment includes navigation in Special Edition trim. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
This is where I need to mention my loaner’s upgraded $53,050 Special Edition trim, this being the only way you can get the V60’s T5 Drive-E AWD mechanicals in Canada. Along with AWD the unique SE gets some unique exterior detailing including a silver front centre undertray and rear diffuser plate, bright metal window surrounds and silver roof rails, sophisticated dual xenon headlights with auto
Myriad buttons depict high-end audio equipment, while a pictograph makes vent direction easy. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
The eight-speed automatic is smooth, sporty and efficient. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
All of this kit gets added to a base V60 that already comes with LED daytime running lights, heatable powered front seats, memory for the driver’s seat and side mirrors, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7.0-inch colour Volvo Sensus infotainment system, HD and satellite radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity with streaming audio, Volvo On Call telematics, a powered glass sunroof, power-folding rear headrests,
These are two of the most comfortable sport seats available. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
It all comes in a cabin that’s wonderfully quiet and very well finished, the V60 not as glitzy as the new S90, V90 and XC90 models that feature unique jewel-like faceted metals and piano black lacquered trim, but rather a more subdued quality of soft touch synthetic surfaces, textured and satin-finish aluminum accents, fabric-wrapped pillars, and more. The V60 incorporates the brand’s trademark floating centre stack filled with superbly crafted aluminum and composite switchgear, long a personal favourite design element, its surfacing mostly finished in
Rear seat spaciousness is good, especially headroom. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
Along with the V60’s unparalleled comfort is a layout that delivers more than enough room up front, headroom especially good. I suppose this makes sense being that Swedes are an inch taller than Canadians on average, plus a lot of Danes and Norwegians drive Volvos too and they’re amongst the tallest people anywhere. Along with lofty headspace the V60 provides good side-to-side roominess, while rear seat passengers should be plenty comfortable too, even if three adults are sitting beside each other being that the V60 is wider than the segment
The V60’s 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatbacks allow rear passengers more comfort on their way to the ski hill. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press) |
If it sounds like I’m more focused on practicalities than luxuries, please don’t get me wrong. I only do so because wagons are designed for those who prioritize passengers and cargo, but the V60 is no less of a luxury car than its four-door S60 sedan counterpart, both of which measure up well against the premium German, Japanese and American brands they compete against. The V60 delivers a wonderfully hushed environment that’s hard to beat, while style, performance, features, fuel economy and safety come close to class leading, and its value proposition is best by far. Also, don’t forget that if you’d rather have a crossover styled wagon, Volvo’s slightly taller and more rugged looking V60 Cross Country can be had for as little as $45,200.
Truly, the V60 should be high on any sport wagon lover’s shopping list.
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