2019 Volvo V60 Review

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The V60 is based on a downsized version of the underpinnings used by Volvo’s XC90 and XC60 SUVs, as well as the S90/V90 saloon and estate twins that sit a segment up. This gets the V60 off to a great start, because those models have been so positively received

Prices start from £34,665, with Volvo offering a range of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol (badged T4 and T5) and diesel (badged D3 and D4) engines, with eight-speed automatic gearboxes standard for the petrols, and a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes for the diesels. All are front-wheel-drive only.

However, there’s also a plug-in hybrid petrol marketed under the Twin Engine name due to the combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor. It comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

We’re testing the D4 automatic in the sporty R-Design trim, which slots between entry-level Momentum and more luxurious Inscription variants.

What’s the spec?

All V60s get a 12.3-inch driver’s information display, and a 9-inch central touchscreen to control Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, which includes voice control, sat-nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard.

Safety features include City Safety, which can detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals, and automatically initiate emergency braking.

R Design introduces sportier uprated suspension, part-leather sports seats, 18-inch alloys and gloss-back exterior trim for a moodier look.

What’s the Volvo V60 like inside?

It’s impressive, with a sleek, neatly laid out dashboard, a high quality feel and an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system – being able to display the sat-nav map in the instrument binnacle is particularly handy, a trick pioneered by Audi. There’s ample space for six-feet tall passengers to sit behind similarly large front-seat occupants, and 529 litres of boot space too – 29 litres more than the new BMW 3-series Touring.

Most impressive of all are the front sports seats, which can be set low to the floor for a highly dynamic feel, and combine deeply cushioned comfort with extremely generous support during more spirited driving. Only poorly finished seams let down some of the best seats we’d ever experienced.

How does it drive?

The V60 can’t match the BMW 3-series or Jaguar XE for driving fun, but in R Design trim it does feel satisfyingly alert over a favourite cross-country route, with nicely weighted steering, a composed chassis and eager mid-range acceleration, even if 187bhp and 236lb ft torque is far from spectacular these days.

Driven more sedately, the four-cylinder turbodiesel is quite noisy under acceleration from lower speeds (similar engines usually are), but quietens down at a cruise and actually offers more than enough performance for regular driving. We averaged 40mpg.

Our car was fitted with optional 19-inch alloys as well as the standard lowered sports suspension, so the chassis did feel a little knobbly at low speed and when fully loaded with people and kit (something to remember if your V60 really will be a load lugger), but at speed and less heavily loaded there’s a more supple feel.

In a nutshell

Getting a used Volvo V60 is a highly appealing alternative to the default German premium choices, in large part because Volvo hasn’t attempted to tackle those rivals head on. This is a calmer, less aggressive kind of estate car, but one that still looks purposeful and desirable, especially in our car’s R Design trim. That also offers plenty of room for five people and luggage, serves up just enough performance and returns 40mpg on our watch is also worth noting. For ultimate luxury and comfort, we’d go for the Inscription model, but there’s a lot to like about the D4 R Design.

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As an alternative, the Peugeot 508 SW is the estate version of Peugeot’s second-generation 508 which was launched in 2018. With more headroom than a traditional saloon and rear seats that fold flat, it’s a great alternative family car if you need the extra space.

However, if you are looking for a saloon car, rather than an estate, with a powerful twin-turbocharged V6 Saloon, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce.

You cannot discount the Renault Megane R.S Trophy either, the feisty, sport version of the Megane, it’s a real bundle of energy.

There is then the lesser-known Lexus ES, not well known in the UK, it’s actually been around for seven generations now. If you’re looking for a more spacious kind of premium car, the Lexus ES300h f Sport makes a strong case for itself.

Finally, the humble Ford Focus, on the other hand, is quietly and consistently been in the top 10 selling cars in the UK market, with its blend of practicality, versatility and slick gearboxes, it’s always been a popular choice with consumers.