Las Vegas, NV -- Volvo: The not-so-hip brand, perhaps? Maybe, however, the winds of coolness are a changin'. Sure, I'm biased as if it were up to me,
everyone would drive station wagons and, as an alternative, Mazda MX-5s on weekends for track purposes, of course.
Don't think station wagons are cool or can be good looking? Scroll through the gallery of pictures I took in the Nevadan desert and tell me I'm out to lunch. The best part about this book that can be judged by its cover is that the pages beneath its outer shell are just as appealing.
The 2015 Volvo V60 is a delightful rarity in North America where styling, luxury, class, and performance come together in a package that is equally utilitarian. Depending on how the car is spec'd out, you may not need a Miata for weekend fun. The wagon may suffice.
What is a Volvo V60?
The 2015 Volvo V60 marks the return of a mass-appeal station wagon for the Swedish brand. My beloved XC70, more of a niche product, was Volvo's last remaining wagon with the demise of the V70 after 2008.
The V60 has been available for a few years is Europe, and is only now making its way to our shores as part of Volvo's quest to reconquer its current largest market in the world.
The sport wagon (as they refer to it, with reason) will be a pivotal point in the rebirth of Volvo. Its draw as an alternative to the German brands, for less money, may do wonders for the Swedes.
2015 Volvo V60 Price and Specs
The all-new 2015 Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E FWD sports a base price of $39,800. This car, which will be available as of this summer, features the first of the new line of engines. The T5 will be a 2.0L turbocharged 4-pot good for 240 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque (280 lbs in overboost). It will include an equally new 8-speed automatic transmission. In time, a 302-horsepower 2.0L 4-cyl mill will be part of the next T6.
No word yet on the exact amount the addition of AWD will bring to this MSRP, however, expect it to hover in the $2,000 range. AWD will be offered later on when the new platform on which all 60, 70, 80, ad 90 Volvos will be built, arrives. The XC90 will be first, and will break cover later on this year.
As of right now, a current T5 AWD (meaning a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.5L 5-cylinder) can be ordered for $41,800. Moving up to a T6 AWD with the turbo 300-horsepower 3.0L inline-6 takes $46,050. For those looking for a little more juice -- including 325 horsepower -- they can opt for the R-Design for $50,950. All utilize a 6-speed autobox.
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| The 2015 Volvo V60 marks the return of a mass-appeal station wagon for the Swedish brand. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
Driving the 2015 Volvo V60 T5
When something looks this fab, it's difficult not to expect it to perform at least as well. Good news, it does.
The best news comes from the Drive-E T5 engine. It is as refined, smooth, and powerful as any other high-end make's smaller engines. Throttle application is met with instantaneous response. Power delivery is linear and more impressive to watch take place on the speedo than experienceed by the seat of your pants. This is finesse.
The autobox glides from one gear to another without hesitation and to make things more interesting, the shifter can be positioned in “S” for sharper engine and gearbox mapping. To be honest, the transmission lends itself well to spirited driving, however, is not as quick to kick through cogs as would be a double-clutch job.
The 2015 Volvo V60's ride is superb, well balanced with a penchant for sport rather than comfort. Thank you, Volvo. With the Sport Chassis option, suspension setting changes are possible from comfort to sport. Steering is electric and adjustable. Weight and precision are quite good and on equal footing with the competition.
Overall, this car is as entertaining to drive as it is to stare at. What's more, fuel consumption numbers should impress. It is probable that in reasonable driving an average hovering below 7L/100km is attainable.
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| When something looks this fab, it's difficult not to expect it to perform at least as well. Good news, it does. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
Inside and Out of the 2015 Volvo V60 T5
I'm likely to never stop praising the new V60's styling. From any and all angles, this sport wagon takes dynamic and elegant and makes “dynalegant” with them. The rear quarters are reminiscent of the defunct C30, but that's a serious complement. It's gorgeous, I tell you!
My tester's colour, Power Blue, adds emphasis to every crease and fold and, as per the usual, the larger the wheels, the greater my smile. I know that tires are expensive, but go ahead and tell me these 19 inchers are
not hot.
The cabin is familiar Volvo territory, lifted directly from its non-hatch twin, the S60. For the 2014 model year, all Volvos got a new instrument cluster and a few other interior upgrades including a 7” sensus HMI screen.
Fit and finish are on par with what one would expect from a luxury brand. Ergonomics are typical Scandinavian-fare, so unusual yet original. Then we have the seats: Supportive and comfortable, they are some of the best in the business. Let's not forget the trunk: It offers up 430 litres of space, perfect for the average family trip to Costco.
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| The cabin is familiar Volvo territory, lifted directly from its non-hatch twin, the S60. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
Comparing the 2015 Volvo V60 T5
The 2015 Volvo V60 mixes it up with a number of players. Off the cuff, the likes of the
BMW 3 Series Touring and
Audi Allroad pop up as competitors. On a lesser scale, the Honda Crosstour and
Subaru Outback lurk.
A number of well-equipped regular CUVs like the Volkswagen Tiguan also compete. On a higher pay scale, the Audi Q5 and Infiniti QX50 come to mind.
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