When Volvo's second generation S60 first arrived in 2011, it was billed as the 'Naughty Volvo' due to its cheeky, yet still recognisably Volvo styling. It was also during this period when its 'not-so-naughty' estate version, the V60, was launched.
Last year, Volvo gave its popular 60 lineup a mid-cycle refresh as part of its most comprehensive model renewal in its history and also to keep the range competitive in a tough premium car market.
Up close and Personal
The Volvo V60 isn't just a wagon version of the marque's well-received S60 sedan. For starters, it is one of the best-looking cars that Volvo makes with its coupe-inspired styling.
For this update, a refreshed grille, logo and head lights take their place of prominence up front, adding a sense of bling to the wagon's conservative attitude. Deriving its architecture from its sedan sibling, it is no surprise that the V60 sports the same sleek shoulder line that gives the rear of the car a distinctive character.
Then there's the cabin where it continues to reflect a simple design aesthetic with high-quality yet humble execution.
First seen on the V40, Volvo's Adaptive Digital Display also comes standard on the updated V60, displaying the driver's instruments via an LCD screen and offers three distinct appearance modes - Elegance, Eco, and Performance.
Backing occupants up are new seats that add support without sacrificing comfort, which we found to be particularly true. What looks to be heavily bolstered performance seats are actually topped with a cosseting layer of soft foam beneath the leather that will definitely cushion sore bums on a long journey.
The Drive
The changes may be more fashion focused but that's not to say that the V60 is lacking in the performance department. Volvo's wagons of old aren't known for being especially sporty, but the V60 is a decent one to pilot.
For a start, there is sufficient power from the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit equipped in the T4 variant here and the six-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox mated to it is a smooth and intuitive shifter that provides a great match.
Furthermore, taking just 0.2 seconds longer than its sedan counterpart to complete the century sprint is quite respectable
for a vehicle that weighs some 60kg heavier.
The wagon doesn't mind a bit of throwing around either and even if it isn't seen as dynamic in the same sense as the S60 sedan, there's no problem putting the V60 to test as it offers a fundamentally sound chassis that remains composed and predictable even over challenging roads.
The changes may be more fashion focused but that's not to say that the V60 is lacking in the performance department. Volvo's wagons of old aren't known for being especially sporty, but the V60 is a decent one to pilot.
For a start, there is sufficient power from the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit equipped in the T4 variant here and the six-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox mated to it is a smooth and intuitive shifter that provides a great match.
Furthermore, taking just 0.2 seconds longer than its sedan counterpart to complete the century sprint is quite respectable
for a vehicle that weighs some 60kg heavier.
The wagon doesn't mind a bit of throwing around either and even if it isn't seen as dynamic in the same sense as the S60 sedan, there's no problem putting the V60 to test as it offers a fundamentally sound chassis that remains composed and predictable even over challenging roads.
Equally commendable is the V60's ride comfort that is taut but never jarring, which will satisfy most Volvo owners. Another aspect that owners will feel contented with is Volvo's enhanced City Safety system, which automatically brakes the vehicle if the driver fails to react in time to the vehicle in front, helping to cut the number and severity of low-speed rear-end collisions.
Conclusion
The upgrades to the Volvo V60 have freshened what was already a compelling and unique alternative to the other premium mid-sized offerings.
At the same time, the V60 offers a good blend of a broad range of abilities with some clever Scandindavian design and style. And compared with Volvo wagons of yore, they are really poles apart.
That said, we can expect the new Drive-E engine tested earlier in the XC60 to find its way into the local V60 lineup soon. Maybe that's when the wagon will become a little more playful.
