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01/04/2011
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY
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Volvo has added a third station wagon variant to its range with the release of its all-new V60 model. Built on the same platform as the S60 sedan that was launched here late last year, the V60 sits between the Swedish company’s V50 and V70 models.
European wagons have traditionally been smaller and more stylish than their more functional Australian counterparts – although Holden has broken the mould with its latest Commodore wagon – but the Volvo V60 takes this a step further with lines that are closer to those of a coupe than a station wagon. Indeed, from the rear, the V60 could almost be mistaken for a larger version of the delightful little C30 coupe that we recently tested. The traditional boxy and boring Volvo wagon is now clearly a thing of the past.
Interior space is surprisingly good, with a plenty of rear headroom despite the coupe-like styling. Actually, on closer inspection the roof doesn’t actually dip as much as it appears to thanks to the clever design of the rear windows which creates that illusion.
Three of the seven engines available globally will be fitted to Australian V60s, the same three as are fitted to the S60 sedan: four-cylinder petrol, five-cylinder diesel and six-cylinder petrol. All engines are turbocharged.
The smallest, but most interesting, of the three is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit that will power the V60 T5 model. Named GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) it is virtually the same as the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that will soon power Australian Ford Falcons.
In the Volvo V60 the GTDi engine generates maximum power of 177 kW at 5500 rpm and torque of 320 Nm all the way from 1800 to 5000 revs. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
The twin-turbo diesel Volvo D5 gets 151 kW and 420 Nm with 7.1 L/100 km and the T6 224 kW, 440 Nm and 10.3 L/100 km
The Volvo T5 has front-wheel drive with a new dual-clutch six-speed Powershift automatic gearbox, while the D5 and T6 get all-wheel drive and six-speed Geartronic automatic. We were impressed with the new Powershift which shifted quickly and seamlessly.
The T5 and T6 both have the option of Volvo’s sporty R-Design features including a 15 mm lower modified chassis, redesigned front apron, coloured-matched body components, 18-inch alloy wheels, twin tailpipes, sports suspension, sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheels and interior trim.
Storage space in the rear is a modest reasonable 430 litres with the rear seats upright, expanding to 1241 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Note that some of this space is achieved at the expense of a spare wheel, with a puncture kit supplied in lieu of a fifth wheel.
While Volvo’s design strategy is changing, its emphasis on safety remains paramount and the V60 comes with an extensive array of features including a number that utilise radar and cameras. Standard in all models are ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, multiple airbags, dynamic stability and traction control, side impact, whiplash and rollover protection systems. All models also get Volvo’s innovative City Safety system that prevents or reduces the chance of low-speed crashes by applying the brakes if it senses the car is closing too fast on a vehicle at speeds up to 30 km/h.
Other optional safety features include Lane Departure Warning which detects when the car is moving out of a marked lane without using the turn indicator ($2075), Blind Spot Information System which warns of other vehicles approaching on either side of the car ($1275) and Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Queue Assist with Pedestrian Detection ($4175). Queue Assist is effectively a low-speed cruise control system that monitors the cars speed in stop-start traffic. Pedestrian Detection combines the car’s cameras and radar to detect pedestrian movement and brake where necessary.
These three options can be packaged together for $4990.
Audio and communications equipment includes auxiliary and USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio) and MP3-compatible CD player. A 5-inch colour screen is standard in the T5 and D5 with a 7-inch screen standard in the T6 and a $1425 option in the T5 and D5.
Our launch road test of the Volvo V60 T5 and T6 R-Design models (the D5 hasn’t arrived yet) took us on a 300-kilometre route in northern Victoria that including a segment in the foothills of the Victorian Alps. On the latter roads the Volvo wagon was well-balanced and hugged the corners with reassuring grip. The ride was firm but comfortable.
The Volvo V60 T6 was noticeably more powerful and refined with a sportier performance. We’ll get into the diesel for our extended road test and report back on its comparative performance against its petrol siblings.
The complete Volvo V60 range, with prices (excluding dealer delivery and other statutory charges) is:
T5 2.0-litre turbo petrol five-door wagon: $54,950
T5 R-Design 2.0-litre turbo petrol five-door wagon: $59,150
D5 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel AWD five-door wagon: $60,950
T6 3.0-litre turbo petrol AWD five-door wagon: $67,950
T6 R-Design 3.0-litre turbo petrol AWD five-door wagon: $72,150 |
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