Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E Polestar Power Optimisation (A) Review
17 Aug 2016|27,087 views
With a fiery engine lurking underneath the bonnet, this little red riding hood that you see here is anything but cute. That's because this handsome car is a Polestar-optimised Volvo that will suit the kind of discerning buyers who are in need of the thrill of a performance sedan that will go hand in hand with the functionality of a sport utility vehicle.
Polestar, as we have come to know, is Volvo's official performance division and is what M is to BMW or what F is to Lexus. But unlike the all-wheel drive V60 Polestar that has a much higher performance figure of 345bhp and 500Nm of torque and a nice shade of racing blue (dubbed Rebel Blue), the Volvo V60 T5 Polestar is purely a 'tuned' version of the regular T5, which makes it somewhat more comfortable and applicable to pilot around sunny Singapore, where speedy movements are more controlled.
The bodyshape of the car is revealed as a stationwagon once viewed from the side profile
Up close and Personal
Speaking of controlled, what's also controlled is the way the Volvo estate looks. Unlike what you'd find in other brands with their tuned cars, where they are unashamedly showy with their large air intakes, flared arches and bold-looking diffusers, the V60 T5 takes it down a couple of notches.
This isn't such a bad thing, considering a huge fraction of Volvo buyers will prefer an understated-looking vehicle in their garage or would have the good taste of appreciating how less can actually be more.
Being an estate, nothing from the front differentiates it from the S60 compact executive sedan sibling until you view the car from the side. Instead of adding a butt to the V60, the Swedes have clearly thought through about the car's design. Lines are nicely curved at the right places while muscular haunches and an aggressive-looking twin tailpipes add up to make the car's sheet metal a coherent and attractive one.
Polestar, as we have come to know, is Volvo's official performance division and is what M is to BMW or what F is to Lexus. But unlike the all-wheel drive V60 Polestar that has a much higher performance figure of 345bhp and 500Nm of torque and a nice shade of racing blue (dubbed Rebel Blue), the Volvo V60 T5 Polestar is purely a 'tuned' version of the regular T5, which makes it somewhat more comfortable and applicable to pilot around sunny Singapore, where speedy movements are more controlled.
Up close and Personal
Speaking of controlled, what's also controlled is the way the Volvo estate looks. Unlike what you'd find in other brands with their tuned cars, where they are unashamedly showy with their large air intakes, flared arches and bold-looking diffusers, the V60 T5 takes it down a couple of notches.
This isn't such a bad thing, considering a huge fraction of Volvo buyers will prefer an understated-looking vehicle in their garage or would have the good taste of appreciating how less can actually be more.
Being an estate, nothing from the front differentiates it from the S60 compact executive sedan sibling until you view the car from the side. Instead of adding a butt to the V60, the Swedes have clearly thought through about the car's design. Lines are nicely curved at the right places while muscular haunches and an aggressive-looking twin tailpipes add up to make the car's sheet metal a coherent and attractive one.
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On the inside, the cabin remains to be a nice place to snuggle in. With seats that are made for even the frailest of backs and a boot space that can extend up to 1,241 litres with the seats folded, comfort and space in the V60 are clearly the royal orders of the day.
As you'd come to expect, safety features are of abundance in the Volvo, even as we lament its necessity. One that particularly stood out and was consistently tested over our four-day test drive is Volvo's enhanced City Safety system that comes standard in all its cars.
This said system attempts to initiate the car's brakes should it senses a crash at lower speeds of up to 50km/h. Not to say that this pint-sized driver was driving carelessly but the safety system in the V60 does its job well whenever the car inched closely to the barriers of a parking gantry.
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The Drive
Performance figures from the 2.0-litre powerplant have been increased to 253bhp and 400Nm of twisting force, up from the regular V60 T5 of 245bhp and 350Nm of torque. While the increment of horsepower may seem insignificant, and will not translate to oohs and aahs on the straights from the lights, you do feel a difference in real world driving conditions.
Credit will undoubtedly have to go to the massive amount of torque on tap, which helps you dart in and out of traffic like a hot hatch rather than a warm wagon. The very fact that the eight-speed autobox is responsive and smooth further encourages hooliganism on the road.
2.0-litre powerplant has been tweaked for more fun
The chassis on the V60 is tight enough to please while the steering is responsive and quick to change directions, albeit a little numb. As such, you'll often find yourself overtaking slower-moving cars for the want rather than the need, regardless of whether you're on the straights around town or carving a tight corner that leads to a highway.
When you're done tooling around with the car, the V60 estate will deliver the goods without fuss. Cabin is clear of external noises and the well-tuned suspension will soak up any bumps and ruts in its stride.
Performance figures from the 2.0-litre powerplant have been increased to 253bhp and 400Nm of twisting force, up from the regular V60 T5 of 245bhp and 350Nm of torque. While the increment of horsepower may seem insignificant, and will not translate to oohs and aahs on the straights from the lights, you do feel a difference in real world driving conditions.
Credit will undoubtedly have to go to the massive amount of torque on tap, which helps you dart in and out of traffic like a hot hatch rather than a warm wagon. The very fact that the eight-speed autobox is responsive and smooth further encourages hooliganism on the road.
The chassis on the V60 is tight enough to please while the steering is responsive and quick to change directions, albeit a little numb. As such, you'll often find yourself overtaking slower-moving cars for the want rather than the need, regardless of whether you're on the straights around town or carving a tight corner that leads to a highway.
When you're done tooling around with the car, the V60 estate will deliver the goods without fuss. Cabin is clear of external noises and the well-tuned suspension will soak up any bumps and ruts in its stride.
Conclusion
This car is a funny thing, we must say. It's one stationwagon that returned merely 8.9km/L during our time with it, isn't as good-looking as the estates from Audi and has a shortage of drama due to the subdued exhaust note, which will only come on tune above 3,500rpm to 4,000rpm.
Despite being fitted with biggish 18-inchers, the V60 rides well over undulated roads
But we love everything about it.
The understated nature of the Polestar-optimised Volvo V60 T5 could very well be the most charming factor of all. It has the kind of attraction that sticks to you once you're in tune with its capabilities.
If you're the kind of person who can appreciate that less can be more and loves the idea of a reliable and safe stationwagon that has the true blue ability of offering the kind of performance that will keep you on your toes without drama, this will seal your deal.
This car is a funny thing, we must say. It's one stationwagon that returned merely 8.9km/L during our time with it, isn't as good-looking as the estates from Audi and has a shortage of drama due to the subdued exhaust note, which will only come on tune above 3,500rpm to 4,000rpm.
But we love everything about it.
The understated nature of the Polestar-optimised Volvo V60 T5 could very well be the most charming factor of all. It has the kind of attraction that sticks to you once you're in tune with its capabilities.
If you're the kind of person who can appreciate that less can be more and loves the idea of a reliable and safe stationwagon that has the true blue ability of offering the kind of performance that will keep you on your toes without drama, this will seal your deal.
With a fiery engine lurking underneath the bonnet, this little red riding hood that you see here is anything but cute. That's because this handsome car is a Polestar-optimised Volvo that will suit the kind of discerning buyers who are in need of the thrill of a performance sedan that will go hand in hand with the functionality of a sport utility vehicle.
Polestar, as we have come to know, is Volvo's official performance division and is what M is to BMW or what F is to Lexus. But unlike the all-wheel drive V60 Polestar that has a much higher performance figure of 345bhp and 500Nm of torque and a nice shade of racing blue (dubbed Rebel Blue), the Volvo V60 T5 Polestar is purely a 'tuned' version of the regular T5, which makes it somewhat more comfortable and applicable to pilot around sunny Singapore, where speedy movements are more controlled.
Up close and Personal
Speaking of controlled, what's also controlled is the way the Volvo estate looks. Unlike what you'd find in other brands with their tuned cars, where they are unashamedly showy with their large air intakes, flared arches and bold-looking diffusers, the V60 T5 takes it down a couple of notches.
This isn't such a bad thing, considering a huge fraction of Volvo buyers will prefer an understated-looking vehicle in their garage or would have the good taste of appreciating how less can actually be more.
Being an estate, nothing from the front differentiates it from the S60 compact executive sedan sibling until you view the car from the side. Instead of adding a butt to the V60, the Swedes have clearly thought through about the car's design. Lines are nicely curved at the right places while muscular haunches and an aggressive-looking twin tailpipes add up to make the car's sheet metal a coherent and attractive one.
Polestar, as we have come to know, is Volvo's official performance division and is what M is to BMW or what F is to Lexus. But unlike the all-wheel drive V60 Polestar that has a much higher performance figure of 345bhp and 500Nm of torque and a nice shade of racing blue (dubbed Rebel Blue), the Volvo V60 T5 Polestar is purely a 'tuned' version of the regular T5, which makes it somewhat more comfortable and applicable to pilot around sunny Singapore, where speedy movements are more controlled.
Up close and Personal
Speaking of controlled, what's also controlled is the way the Volvo estate looks. Unlike what you'd find in other brands with their tuned cars, where they are unashamedly showy with their large air intakes, flared arches and bold-looking diffusers, the V60 T5 takes it down a couple of notches.
This isn't such a bad thing, considering a huge fraction of Volvo buyers will prefer an understated-looking vehicle in their garage or would have the good taste of appreciating how less can actually be more.
Being an estate, nothing from the front differentiates it from the S60 compact executive sedan sibling until you view the car from the side. Instead of adding a butt to the V60, the Swedes have clearly thought through about the car's design. Lines are nicely curved at the right places while muscular haunches and an aggressive-looking twin tailpipes add up to make the car's sheet metal a coherent and attractive one.
On the inside, the cabin remains to be a nice place to snuggle in. With seats that are made for even the frailest of backs and a boot space that can extend up to 1,241 litres with the seats folded, comfort and space in the V60 are clearly the royal orders of the day.
As you'd come to expect, safety features are of abundance in the Volvo, even as we lament its necessity. One that particularly stood out and was consistently tested over our four-day test drive is Volvo's enhanced City Safety system that comes standard in all its cars.
This said system attempts to initiate the car's brakes should it senses a crash at lower speeds of up to 50km/h. Not to say that this pint-sized driver was driving carelessly but the safety system in the V60 does its job well whenever the car inched closely to the barriers of a parking gantry.
As you'd come to expect, safety features are of abundance in the Volvo, even as we lament its necessity. One that particularly stood out and was consistently tested over our four-day test drive is Volvo's enhanced City Safety system that comes standard in all its cars.
This said system attempts to initiate the car's brakes should it senses a crash at lower speeds of up to 50km/h. Not to say that this pint-sized driver was driving carelessly but the safety system in the V60 does its job well whenever the car inched closely to the barriers of a parking gantry.
The Drive
Performance figures from the 2.0-litre powerplant have been increased to 253bhp and 400Nm of twisting force, up from the regular V60 T5 of 245bhp and 350Nm of torque. While the increment of horsepower may seem insignificant, and will not translate to oohs and aahs on the straights from the lights, you do feel a difference in real world driving conditions.
Credit will undoubtedly have to go to the massive amount of torque on tap, which helps you dart in and out of traffic like a hot hatch rather than a warm wagon. The very fact that the eight-speed autobox is responsive and smooth further encourages hooliganism on the road.
The chassis on the V60 is tight enough to please while the steering is responsive and quick to change directions, albeit a little numb. As such, you'll often find yourself overtaking slower-moving cars for the want rather than the need, regardless of whether you're on the straights around town or carving a tight corner that leads to a highway.
When you're done tooling around with the car, the V60 estate will deliver the goods without fuss. Cabin is clear of external noises and the well-tuned suspension will soak up any bumps and ruts in its stride.
Performance figures from the 2.0-litre powerplant have been increased to 253bhp and 400Nm of twisting force, up from the regular V60 T5 of 245bhp and 350Nm of torque. While the increment of horsepower may seem insignificant, and will not translate to oohs and aahs on the straights from the lights, you do feel a difference in real world driving conditions.
Credit will undoubtedly have to go to the massive amount of torque on tap, which helps you dart in and out of traffic like a hot hatch rather than a warm wagon. The very fact that the eight-speed autobox is responsive and smooth further encourages hooliganism on the road.
The chassis on the V60 is tight enough to please while the steering is responsive and quick to change directions, albeit a little numb. As such, you'll often find yourself overtaking slower-moving cars for the want rather than the need, regardless of whether you're on the straights around town or carving a tight corner that leads to a highway.
When you're done tooling around with the car, the V60 estate will deliver the goods without fuss. Cabin is clear of external noises and the well-tuned suspension will soak up any bumps and ruts in its stride.
Conclusion
This car is a funny thing, we must say. It's one stationwagon that returned merely 8.9km/L during our time with it, isn't as good-looking as the estates from Audi and has a shortage of drama due to the subdued exhaust note, which will only come on tune above 3,500rpm to 4,000rpm.
But we love everything about it.
The understated nature of the Polestar-optimised Volvo V60 T5 could very well be the most charming factor of all. It has the kind of attraction that sticks to you once you're in tune with its capabilities.
If you're the kind of person who can appreciate that less can be more and loves the idea of a reliable and safe stationwagon that has the true blue ability of offering the kind of performance that will keep you on your toes without drama, this will seal your deal.
This car is a funny thing, we must say. It's one stationwagon that returned merely 8.9km/L during our time with it, isn't as good-looking as the estates from Audi and has a shortage of drama due to the subdued exhaust note, which will only come on tune above 3,500rpm to 4,000rpm.
But we love everything about it.
The understated nature of the Polestar-optimised Volvo V60 T5 could very well be the most charming factor of all. It has the kind of attraction that sticks to you once you're in tune with its capabilities.
If you're the kind of person who can appreciate that less can be more and loves the idea of a reliable and safe stationwagon that has the true blue ability of offering the kind of performance that will keep you on your toes without drama, this will seal your deal.
Photos by Julian Kho
Also read our comparison article on:
Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TSI DSG R-Line vs Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E
Car Information
Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E Polestar Power Optimisation (A)
CAT B|Petrol|15.6km/L
Horsepower
189kW (253 bhp)
Torque
400 Nm
Acceleration
6.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo V60
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