New Volvo V60 proves design team has got the Midas touch
THE launch of Volvo’s dynamic new V60 estate car marks the company’s sixth all new model in just four years.
And with a design team that now appears to have the Midas touch, the Swedish car maker, it seems, can do no wrong.
Last year more than 46,000 Volvos were sold in the UK and this year the company is on target to break the 60,000 barrier.
Globally, Volvo aims to sell more than 800,000 cars a year by 2020 and its new premium mid-sized estate car is set to give that target a massive shot in the arm.
The second generation V60 is an up-market model designed to appeal to both private and business buyers alike, although it’s anticipated that a hefty 65% will be company car drivers.
It’s a car which Volvo says is designed to prove that estate cars don’t have to be dull and is perfect for modern families.
Certainly it’s a car which reflects the image of its bigger brother the V90, with its striking clean lines, sporting low stance and attention to detail.
As with other new models in the Volvo stable, the interior has a minimalist look with most of the car’s features operated via the large touch screen control system which allows the cabin to be mainly free of buttons and switches.
But while the look is clutter free it’s anything but clinical, particularly on the more upmarket Inscription models with their Driftwood inlays and soft leather seats.
All models are powered by 2.0-litre engines with the diesels available with both 150bhp and 190 bhp and the hottest version, the T5 petrol boasting 250bhp.
Prices start from £31,810 for the entry-level 150bhp, D3 diesel Momentum spec model with a