By Asian Journal Auto Editor
Under the parent Chinese Corporation Geely, iconic Swedish car maker Volvo has steadily reasserted its position as a premium automaker of prestigious sedans, SUVs and wagons take for example the V60-Series a five-passenger, mid-size premium station wagon – smooth, classic looking and elegantly smart. The V60 T5 front-drive and T6 on-demand all-wheel-drive models are both sleek, expensive, powered by 2.0-litre, inline four-cylinder with both a supercharger and turbocharger. The 2019 engine produces 316 hp and 295 lb/ft of torque. That’s up from 302 hp in 2018. And it’s faster too, with the 2019 V60 T6 doing 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, compared to 6.0 seconds with the 2018 model. There is an eight-speed Geartronic transmission and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to transmit power. Interiors are faultless works of art, superbly designed with premium look and feel. The VolvoV60 does not come cheap with an entry price of $43,900 to $55,450, depending on the spec, options and not including a $2,015 destination fee. For 2019, the V60 wheelbase is enlarged 3.8 inches, with slight increase in almost every dimension, giving a claimed 20 percent increase in load space over the previous V60, as well as the roomiest rear seat
If you are new to the Volvo brand you will be mighty impressed, the black interior of our Inscription tester with the metal chrome and aluminum detailing was built like a bank vault and felt like a private gentleman club- albeit in slick black leather! The seats are so comfortable you will never want to get out of the car! Every detail, switch, and knob design is heavy feeling and delightful to the touch. Volvo offer three trim levels: Momentum, R-design and Inscription. (As tested). The latter offers more cosmetic upgrades such as: Dynamic chassis technology, driftwood inlays inside, ventilated seat with comfort padding 3-spoke leather steering wheel, textile carpet kit, Volvo metalsill moulding, Inscription grille, bright integrated roof rails, and standard 18-inch alloy 10-spoke wheels, as well as enhanced equipment, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and Harmon Kardon premium audio.
The V60 Inscription interior offers a cool, neat streamlined ambience, Most of the major functions are controlled via a nine-inch touchscreen that contains Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, featuring a large tablet style screen operated with touch, swipe, poke and pinch motions to activate the car’s functions. It all works extremely well. Meanwhile Volvo always does the most comfortable car seats on the planet and they are present and correct in both front and rear. Cargo room is generous —558 litres with rear seats up, 1,441 litres with rear seats folded
It goes without saying safety is very high with Volvo. Major features in the new V60, include the standard City Safety system with Autobrake technology and the optional Pilot Assist system (part of the $1,500 Convenience package). The first uses automatic braking and detection systems to assist the driver in avoiding potential collisions. Volvo say’s it’s the only system found in a vehicle that can recognize pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. The upgraded and semi-autonomous Pilot Assist supports the driver with steering, acceleration and braking.
The V60 also feature the debut of Volvo’s new Oncoming Braking function, a safety system should the car sense a head-on collision is inevitable, automatically activates maximum braking. The system goes into action two-tenths of a second before impact reducing crash force significantly. On the road, the Volvo powertrain offers four drive modes—Eco, Comfort, Dynamic, and Individual. The V60 offer the best driving ambience when Comfort is selected. The ride is excellent, and suspension suppressed noise, harshness and vibration very well. Dynamic mode sharpens up the driving experience a tad, and the V60 handles twisty roads and bends with effortless grace. The Volvo V60 wagon is a luxurious and practical premium vehicle – a good alternative to more fuel thirsty SUVs or crossovers, but still offers a cavernous and versatile interior. Fuel consumption is rated at: (Premium) 11.1/7.3/9.4L/100 km city/highway/combined the available all-wheel drive is also a plus for our unpredictable Canadian winters. Gorgeous looking, rare, sleek and expensive looking, the Volvo is a wonderful car to drive and own. If I had to buy a wagon, I know which one I would like parked on the driveway! Highly recommended!
2019 Volvo V60 Wagon Inscription priced from $55,400. Plus options, taxes and destination. www.Volvo.ca
