Volvo V60 T4 (A) Review
23 Mar 2011|35,182 views
Isn't it ironic that the word 'icon' has been overworked to describe people and things that aren't? When pop starlets to white loafers to automobiles are labelled as an 'icon', you know the term is in dire situation of losing its true meaning beyond the general sense of good looks. We reckon an icon brings about a number of intrinsic worth - revolutionary, triggers a series of emotions, inspirational, excellence and above all makes not just you, but many, tingle at the sight of it.
So where does the Volvo V60 stand?
We see the estate, or coupe as how Volvo would like it to be, as a contemporary vehicle. It represents the current trend that markets well amongst the young at heart. It symbolises time, truth and the occurring modernisation of automobiles. And to a near extent, Volvo has done very well. The S60 was well-received, both by the media as well as its fan base. Now, with its sibling offering extra space and flexibility without compromising on the sporty design, Volvo's estate line-up will be a strong and competitive one.
Going up against other fellow estates such as the Saab 9-3 SportCombi and the Skoda Octavia Combi, the estate version of the S60 doesn't see a 1.8 or a 2.0-litre engine. Instead, the 1.6-litre V60 has an in-line four-cylinder engine that connects very well with the creamy six-speed automatic Powershift transmission to produce what competitors can't. This immediately places the V60 as a unique car that resides soundly with its sporty attitude.
Exterior
As mentioned before, Volvo made a bold statement of calling the V60 a coupe rather than an estate. It may be a hilarious business but truth be told, it is a very good-looking car.
So where does the Volvo V60 stand?
We see the estate, or coupe as how Volvo would like it to be, as a contemporary vehicle. It represents the current trend that markets well amongst the young at heart. It symbolises time, truth and the occurring modernisation of automobiles. And to a near extent, Volvo has done very well. The S60 was well-received, both by the media as well as its fan base. Now, with its sibling offering extra space and flexibility without compromising on the sporty design, Volvo's estate line-up will be a strong and competitive one.
Going up against other fellow estates such as the Saab 9-3 SportCombi and the Skoda Octavia Combi, the estate version of the S60 doesn't see a 1.8 or a 2.0-litre engine. Instead, the 1.6-litre V60 has an in-line four-cylinder engine that connects very well with the creamy six-speed automatic Powershift transmission to produce what competitors can't. This immediately places the V60 as a unique car that resides soundly with its sporty attitude.
Exterior
As mentioned before, Volvo made a bold statement of calling the V60 a coupe rather than an estate. It may be a hilarious business but truth be told, it is a very good-looking car.
 |
In fact, just by basing the car from the front, one will be unable to tell if the car is a coupe or an estate, especially with its severe nose. Gone are the days when estates were meant for the boring, old lads.
The wedge-shaped fascia of the V60 sports a smart and contemporary styling, with sharp cut-outs to compliment the pulled-back headlamps. The signature egg-crate grille is still there, but appears to be more subtle than the previous generation models. And if you decide to pimp up the car with the additional design kits (which came with the test car), it'll be all the more eye-catching.
The sloping roofline appears to be similar as the S60's but it's the small third side window that gives the V60 a more dynamic stance over the sedan. Round the back, there are hints of the sporty C30, with a huge glass screen that seems to be supported by the well spread-out Volvo brand.
In addition, the twin tailpipes that you see here in the pictures, unfortunately, do not come standard. They're part of the additional enhancement package that Volvo offers. However, if they don't suit your liking, the standard round ones may. Either way, we reckon both designs don't look too shabby at all.
 |
Interior
The cabin is well-equipped and continues to be a nice place to be in, with clear gauges and controls positioned at the right places. Like most test cars, the V60 was filled with a whole lot of dark grey, which soaked the cabin in an ocean of misery. But Volvo's new Infotainment system certainly made up for it.
Unlike the MMI or the iDrive from the Germans, Volvo's entirely new Infotainment system features a five-inch screen and some buttons. That's all. There aren't any knobs or funny-looking icons that would throw you off guard. In fact, a manual isn't even required for you to know how to synchronise your iPhone with the V60's system via Bluetooth.
It's not groundbreaking, but it really shows how Volvo has learned from its previous models to ensure a driver centric and user-friendly cabin.
The cabin is well-equipped and continues to be a nice place to be in, with clear gauges and controls positioned at the right places. Like most test cars, the V60 was filled with a whole lot of dark grey, which soaked the cabin in an ocean of misery. But Volvo's new Infotainment system certainly made up for it.
Unlike the MMI or the iDrive from the Germans, Volvo's entirely new Infotainment system features a five-inch screen and some buttons. That's all. There aren't any knobs or funny-looking icons that would throw you off guard. In fact, a manual isn't even required for you to know how to synchronise your iPhone with the V60's system via Bluetooth.
It's not groundbreaking, but it really shows how Volvo has learned from its previous models to ensure a driver centric and user-friendly cabin.
The Swede has always been known for its utmost comfortable benches and this V60 is no exception. It's the one thing that can easily match its German peers. Not only do they provide high seating positions for better visibility, the firm seats give ample support for your back instead of letting you sink right into them when seated on.
The only thing that could prove to be a potential problem is having tall occupants at the rear seats. Although there's plenty of space for front occupants in the V60, headroom in the rear is a tad compromised due to the swooping coupe-like roofline.
The boot space, on the other hand, has a different proposition. There are 430 litres of space with the rear seats up and a generous 1,241 litres when the three-piece rear seat is folded flat, enabling greater flexibility. These figures may not be class-leading but we reckon it's perfect for ferrying the family to a Sunday picnic or sports game.
The only thing that could prove to be a potential problem is having tall occupants at the rear seats. Although there's plenty of space for front occupants in the V60, headroom in the rear is a tad compromised due to the swooping coupe-like roofline.
The boot space, on the other hand, has a different proposition. There are 430 litres of space with the rear seats up and a generous 1,241 litres when the three-piece rear seat is folded flat, enabling greater flexibility. These figures may not be class-leading but we reckon it's perfect for ferrying the family to a Sunday picnic or sports game.
 |
The Drive
The V60 is surprisingly lively for such a modest engine, finishing the century sprint in 9.2 seconds from the word go.
Mated to a six-speed automatic Powershift transmission, the 1.6-litre contemporary Volvo sends out 240Nm of torque to the front wheels, allowing the driver to experience a good drive around town where short bursts of acceleration are often required. On highways, the car ensures maximum pace with minimal fuss which often leaves the driver satisfied when urgent acceleration is needed for overtaking.
But the best part comes when you decide to hurl the V60 around a series of bends. It holds itself gracefully and predictably when driven enthusiastically, giving the driver the confidence to push even harder and further. And with its low-slung roofline, the estate doesn't give in much to body roll.
All these are due to the bigger turbine used to provide the punchiness at a much lower rev range. This simply means that when the mood calls for it, the driver can experience spinning in the front wheels when the accelerator is floored from a standstill, instantly turning this family carrier into a fun car to pilot.
The V60 is surprisingly lively for such a modest engine, finishing the century sprint in 9.2 seconds from the word go.
Mated to a six-speed automatic Powershift transmission, the 1.6-litre contemporary Volvo sends out 240Nm of torque to the front wheels, allowing the driver to experience a good drive around town where short bursts of acceleration are often required. On highways, the car ensures maximum pace with minimal fuss which often leaves the driver satisfied when urgent acceleration is needed for overtaking.
But the best part comes when you decide to hurl the V60 around a series of bends. It holds itself gracefully and predictably when driven enthusiastically, giving the driver the confidence to push even harder and further. And with its low-slung roofline, the estate doesn't give in much to body roll.
All these are due to the bigger turbine used to provide the punchiness at a much lower rev range. This simply means that when the mood calls for it, the driver can experience spinning in the front wheels when the accelerator is floored from a standstill, instantly turning this family carrier into a fun car to pilot.
Conclusion
Despite the intrusion of wind noise and the lack of feel from the steering, the V60 T4 provided us with a very positive driving experience. It feels somewhat rewarding to drive, especially when the driver gets to choose between being a decent family driver or a lively-wheels-spinning driver in the estate.
More importantly, Volvo has an excellent reputation for its build quality, safety features and of late, its user-friendly Infotainment system - which basically means potential buyers will be paying for a car that's not only smart-looking but comfortable and safe as well.
Frankly speaking, how often can you possibly say that about an estate?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Despite the intrusion of wind noise and the lack of feel from the steering, the V60 T4 provided us with a very positive driving experience. It feels somewhat rewarding to drive, especially when the driver gets to choose between being a decent family driver or a lively-wheels-spinning driver in the estate.
More importantly, Volvo has an excellent reputation for its build quality, safety features and of late, its user-friendly Infotainment system - which basically means potential buyers will be paying for a car that's not only smart-looking but comfortable and safe as well.
Frankly speaking, how often can you possibly say that about an estate?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Isn't it ironic that the word 'icon' has been overworked to describe people and things that aren't? When pop starlets to white loafers to automobiles are labelled as an 'icon', you know the term is in dire situation of losing its true meaning beyond the general sense of good looks. We reckon an icon brings about a number of intrinsic worth - revolutionary, triggers a series of emotions, inspirational, excellence and above all makes not just you, but many, tingle at the sight of it.
So where does the Volvo V60 stand?
We see the estate, or coupe as how Volvo would like it to be, as a contemporary vehicle. It represents the current trend that markets well amongst the young at heart. It symbolises time, truth and the occurring modernisation of automobiles. And to a near extent, Volvo has done very well. The S60 was well-received, both by the media as well as its fan base. Now, with its sibling offering extra space and flexibility without compromising on the sporty design, Volvo's estate line-up will be a strong and competitive one.
Going up against other fellow estates such as the Saab 9-3 SportCombi and the Skoda Octavia Combi, the estate version of the S60 doesn't see a 1.8 or a 2.0-litre engine. Instead, the 1.6-litre V60 has an in-line four-cylinder engine that connects very well with the creamy six-speed automatic Powershift transmission to produce what competitors can't. This immediately places the V60 as a unique car that resides soundly with its sporty attitude.
Exterior
As mentioned before, Volvo made a bold statement of calling the V60 a coupe rather than an estate. It may be a hilarious business but truth be told, it is a very good-looking car.
So where does the Volvo V60 stand?
We see the estate, or coupe as how Volvo would like it to be, as a contemporary vehicle. It represents the current trend that markets well amongst the young at heart. It symbolises time, truth and the occurring modernisation of automobiles. And to a near extent, Volvo has done very well. The S60 was well-received, both by the media as well as its fan base. Now, with its sibling offering extra space and flexibility without compromising on the sporty design, Volvo's estate line-up will be a strong and competitive one.
Going up against other fellow estates such as the Saab 9-3 SportCombi and the Skoda Octavia Combi, the estate version of the S60 doesn't see a 1.8 or a 2.0-litre engine. Instead, the 1.6-litre V60 has an in-line four-cylinder engine that connects very well with the creamy six-speed automatic Powershift transmission to produce what competitors can't. This immediately places the V60 as a unique car that resides soundly with its sporty attitude.
Exterior
As mentioned before, Volvo made a bold statement of calling the V60 a coupe rather than an estate. It may be a hilarious business but truth be told, it is a very good-looking car.
|
In fact, just by basing the car from the front, one will be unable to tell if the car is a coupe or an estate, especially with its severe nose. Gone are the days when estates were meant for the boring, old lads.
The wedge-shaped fascia of the V60 sports a smart and contemporary styling, with sharp cut-outs to compliment the pulled-back headlamps. The signature egg-crate grille is still there, but appears to be more subtle than the previous generation models. And if you decide to pimp up the car with the additional design kits (which came with the test car), it'll be all the more eye-catching.
The sloping roofline appears to be similar as the S60's but it's the small third side window that gives the V60 a more dynamic stance over the sedan. Round the back, there are hints of the sporty C30, with a huge glass screen that seems to be supported by the well spread-out Volvo brand.
In addition, the twin tailpipes that you see here in the pictures, unfortunately, do not come standard. They're part of the additional enhancement package that Volvo offers. However, if they don't suit your liking, the standard round ones may. Either way, we reckon both designs don't look too shabby at all.
|
Interior
The cabin is well-equipped and continues to be a nice place to be in, with clear gauges and controls positioned at the right places. Like most test cars, the V60 was filled with a whole lot of dark grey, which soaked the cabin in an ocean of misery. But Volvo's new Infotainment system certainly made up for it.
Unlike the MMI or the iDrive from the Germans, Volvo's entirely new Infotainment system features a five-inch screen and some buttons. That's all. There aren't any knobs or funny-looking icons that would throw you off guard. In fact, a manual isn't even required for you to know how to synchronise your iPhone with the V60's system via Bluetooth.
It's not groundbreaking, but it really shows how Volvo has learned from its previous models to ensure a driver centric and user-friendly cabin.
The cabin is well-equipped and continues to be a nice place to be in, with clear gauges and controls positioned at the right places. Like most test cars, the V60 was filled with a whole lot of dark grey, which soaked the cabin in an ocean of misery. But Volvo's new Infotainment system certainly made up for it.
Unlike the MMI or the iDrive from the Germans, Volvo's entirely new Infotainment system features a five-inch screen and some buttons. That's all. There aren't any knobs or funny-looking icons that would throw you off guard. In fact, a manual isn't even required for you to know how to synchronise your iPhone with the V60's system via Bluetooth.
It's not groundbreaking, but it really shows how Volvo has learned from its previous models to ensure a driver centric and user-friendly cabin.
The Swede has always been known for its utmost comfortable benches and this V60 is no exception. It's the one thing that can easily match its German peers. Not only do they provide high seating positions for better visibility, the firm seats give ample support for your back instead of letting you sink right into them when seated on.
The only thing that could prove to be a potential problem is having tall occupants at the rear seats. Although there's plenty of space for front occupants in the V60, headroom in the rear is a tad compromised due to the swooping coupe-like roofline.
The boot space, on the other hand, has a different proposition. There are 430 litres of space with the rear seats up and a generous 1,241 litres when the three-piece rear seat is folded flat, enabling greater flexibility. These figures may not be class-leading but we reckon it's perfect for ferrying the family to a Sunday picnic or sports game.
The only thing that could prove to be a potential problem is having tall occupants at the rear seats. Although there's plenty of space for front occupants in the V60, headroom in the rear is a tad compromised due to the swooping coupe-like roofline.
The boot space, on the other hand, has a different proposition. There are 430 litres of space with the rear seats up and a generous 1,241 litres when the three-piece rear seat is folded flat, enabling greater flexibility. These figures may not be class-leading but we reckon it's perfect for ferrying the family to a Sunday picnic or sports game.
|
The Drive
The V60 is surprisingly lively for such a modest engine, finishing the century sprint in 9.2 seconds from the word go.
Mated to a six-speed automatic Powershift transmission, the 1.6-litre contemporary Volvo sends out 240Nm of torque to the front wheels, allowing the driver to experience a good drive around town where short bursts of acceleration are often required. On highways, the car ensures maximum pace with minimal fuss which often leaves the driver satisfied when urgent acceleration is needed for overtaking.
But the best part comes when you decide to hurl the V60 around a series of bends. It holds itself gracefully and predictably when driven enthusiastically, giving the driver the confidence to push even harder and further. And with its low-slung roofline, the estate doesn't give in much to body roll.
All these are due to the bigger turbine used to provide the punchiness at a much lower rev range. This simply means that when the mood calls for it, the driver can experience spinning in the front wheels when the accelerator is floored from a standstill, instantly turning this family carrier into a fun car to pilot.
The V60 is surprisingly lively for such a modest engine, finishing the century sprint in 9.2 seconds from the word go.
Mated to a six-speed automatic Powershift transmission, the 1.6-litre contemporary Volvo sends out 240Nm of torque to the front wheels, allowing the driver to experience a good drive around town where short bursts of acceleration are often required. On highways, the car ensures maximum pace with minimal fuss which often leaves the driver satisfied when urgent acceleration is needed for overtaking.
But the best part comes when you decide to hurl the V60 around a series of bends. It holds itself gracefully and predictably when driven enthusiastically, giving the driver the confidence to push even harder and further. And with its low-slung roofline, the estate doesn't give in much to body roll.
All these are due to the bigger turbine used to provide the punchiness at a much lower rev range. This simply means that when the mood calls for it, the driver can experience spinning in the front wheels when the accelerator is floored from a standstill, instantly turning this family carrier into a fun car to pilot.
Conclusion
Despite the intrusion of wind noise and the lack of feel from the steering, the V60 T4 provided us with a very positive driving experience. It feels somewhat rewarding to drive, especially when the driver gets to choose between being a decent family driver or a lively-wheels-spinning driver in the estate.
More importantly, Volvo has an excellent reputation for its build quality, safety features and of late, its user-friendly Infotainment system - which basically means potential buyers will be paying for a car that's not only smart-looking but comfortable and safe as well.
Frankly speaking, how often can you possibly say that about an estate?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Despite the intrusion of wind noise and the lack of feel from the steering, the V60 T4 provided us with a very positive driving experience. It feels somewhat rewarding to drive, especially when the driver gets to choose between being a decent family driver or a lively-wheels-spinning driver in the estate.
More importantly, Volvo has an excellent reputation for its build quality, safety features and of late, its user-friendly Infotainment system - which basically means potential buyers will be paying for a car that's not only smart-looking but comfortable and safe as well.
Frankly speaking, how often can you possibly say that about an estate?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
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 T4 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.3km/L
Horsepower
134kW (180 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
9.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo V60
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