Volvo V60 buyer’s guide

FROM £5,500 Make the right choice on spec and stylish estate has plenty to offer

How to load up with cool used estate from £5,500

VOLVO was one of the first car makers to introduce a production estate. That was way back in 1953 with the arrival of the Duett, and since then the company has become legendary for its load-luggers.

Most of those were big and boxy, putting carrying capacity ahead of style, so when the V60 arrived in 2010 it was a breath of fresh air. At last, here was a sleek and stylish Volvo estate – much more so than the rather ordinary German alternatives.

Some thought Volvo had gone too far the other way and made an estate that put form before function; but if ultimate practicality isn’t essential the V60 is very appealing.

History

THE V60 made its debut in December 2010 with 2.0-litre D3 and 2.4 D5 diesel engines and 1.6 T3, 1.6 T4, 2.0 T5 and 3.0 T6 petrols. There were manual or Geartronic six-speed auto transmissions.

By February 2011 a 119g/km V60 DRIVE had joined the range, with a 1.6D engine. The V60 D6 plug-in diesel-electric hybrid arrived in summer 2013 with CO2 emissions of just 48g/km and part-time 4WD; it was rebadged D5 Twin Engine from July 2016.

A facelift in spring 2013 brought cleaner engines, more safety kit, a restyle plus a 109g/km D2. The V60 3.0 T6 became the sporty Polestar from June 2014, then in April 2015 a V60 Cross Country arrived in D3 and D4 forms, the latter with a 4WD option.

Which one?

FROM summer 2013 the T6 and D4 came with an eight-speed auto in place of the sixspeed unit; it’s slicker and more efficient. We’d go for the 2.0-litre D4 engine from autumn 2013, for its efficiency and power.

All V60s get climate and cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, a six-speaker hi-fi and 16-inch alloys. SE spec adds auto wipers, electrically adjustable and heated folding mirrors, plus 17-inch alloy wheels.

The SE Lux has part-leather trim, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and active xenon headlights. R-design brings sportier styling, 18-inch alloys and a DAB radio, plus stiffer suspension that’s lowered by 15mm. The top-spec R-design Lux adds an upgraded sound system.

Alternatives

V60 alternatives start with the Mazda 6, which is great to drive, well equipped and looks good, too. However, the most obvious rivals are from Germany.

The Audi A4, Mercedes C-class and BMW 3 Series are plentiful and have strong, efficient engines. The latter two are rearwheel drive; the Audi is front-wheel drive, like the V60, although some versions have four-wheel drive, as with the 3 Series.

Excellent build quality comes as standard with the German trio, but prices tend to be higher than for the Volvo because of their premium status. Don’t overlook the VW Passat, which has very good engines and a superb interior, and is widely available.

Verdict

THE V60 isn’t the obvious choice if you’re after a load-lugger, despite Volvo’s heritage. But don’t let its low profile put you off; this smart-looking estate has plenty to offer.

It comes with a wide range of excellent engines, including a super-frugal dieselelectric hybrid, and it’s very well made. Reliability can be disappointing and its Practicality is compromised, but the Volvo is every bit as safe as you’d expect and it’s well equipped. Plus, the V60 is more affordable than many of its key rivals.

If you’re tempted, choose carefully; the combination of engine, gearbox and suspension you go for makes a big difference to the ownership and driving experience.

“When V60 arrived in 2010, it was a breath of fresh air; here at last was a sleek and stylish Volvo estate”