Volvo has revealed the handily-styled new V60 wagon lineup ahead of its September debut at the Paris Motor Show and Australian launch early next year.
Looks count in any market segment and in the new V60 wagon, Volvo’s designers have delivered a beauty. Just as well because buyers in the European luxury sports wagon category can choose from a list of cracking cars.
“The typical sports wagon customer is an (Volvo) S60 buyer who would like some extra space and flexibility, but without the slightest compromise on sporty design and exciting driving properties,” explained Volvo Cars President and CEO, Stephen Odell. “The competition is razor-sharp and the customers in this segment know exactly what they want. That is why we have further boosted the interior’s sense of exclusive quality and packed the car with safety and comfort related technical innovations. The result is a truly unique sports wagon, in total harmony with its sporty attitude.”
With its definite wedge shape and powerful shoulder profile offset by the slim coupe-like roof, the new V60 shares the current styling themes of the leading European brands.
Underneath, the optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system has been improved and incorporates Volvo’s FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis.
Inside, the wide 1095mm tailgate plus clever folding of the 40/20/40 split-fold rear for a flat load area are examples of Volvo’s understanding of wagon buyers’ needs (the Swedish company has an enviable history of great wagons). European models have integrated child booster cushions in the two outer rear seats.
Volvo has also excelled in the audio department with a the premium system featuring a 12-speaker Dolby system with the award-winning Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ technology.
Power comes from improved versions of Volvo’s trusty six-cylinder petrol and five-cylinder turbo-diesels.
The 3.0-litre, six-cylinder T6 petrol engine is now up to 224kW/440Nm. Only available in all-wheel-drive with Volvo’s second-generation six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, the latest V60 T6 accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
Entry to the diesel lineup is the new 2.0-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel with 121kW/400Nm.
The twin-turbocharged 2.4-litre D5 engine provides 151kW/420Nm and fuel consumption as low as 5.4l/100kms, which Volvo says is best-in-class.
Naturally safety features are a standout including Pedestrian Protection with full auto-brake and City Safety – the groundbreaking Volvo collision avoidance systems which automatically slow and stop a vehicle even if the driver fails to touch the brakes.
Volvo Cars Australia will announce the Australia specifications and pricing closer to local launch.
