Volvo reveals 2018 V60 estate 22 | 02 | 2018
VOLVO HAS REVEALED its new V60 estate. It’s expected to go on-sale at Scottish dealerships in September with prices starting at £31,810 for the V60 D3 in Momentum trim with a manual gearbox. (Related: Volvo debuts new three-cylinder in XC40)
Set to go head-to-head with the likes of the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring, the new V60 Estate replaces the current seven-year-old model. (Related: Roadtest — Volvo V90 Cross Country)
Aesthetically, the new model essentially mirrors much of what is best from its larger V90 estate, though there are also strong influences from the XC60. Take a close look and you’ll spot the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights are a bit more sculpted. And in comparison to the smooth face of the V90’s front apron, the V60’s has a more aggressive look. (Related: Scots car giant plans new Volvo dealership)
Inside the cabin, the V90/XC60 combo continues. There’s Volvo’s latest, paired-back interior design language, including a 9.3-inch portrait orientated touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument panel.
And in terms of bootspace, the Volvo lives up to its luggage-swallowing reputation by beating the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring and the Mercedes C-Class Estate with 529 litres with the rear seats in place.
Built on Volvo’s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) — which is shared with the XC60 SUV and its larger sibling, the V90 estate — the new model will include a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Not surprisingly, electrification plays a big part the new V60 estate’s future.
When it arrives in Scottish dealerships, the range will include two hybrid powertrains. In addition to the familiar and powerful T8 system, boasting 385bhp, the V60 estate range will include a T6 Twin Engine-badged car. This will use a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in tandem with an electric motor to develop 335bhp.
In the UK, the launch range will include front-wheel drive D3 and D4 diesels,which will be available with either manual or automatic gearboxes. And while a T5 petrol model and the T6 Twin Engine hybrid will follow a few months later, a basic 187bhp T4 petrol isn’t due until 2019.
Safe and technology play a big part in the evolution of the V60 estate, building on standards set elsewhere in the current new-look Volvo range. The new model includes a standard-fit City Safety pack featuring automatic emergency braking can detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.
Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, is also available and has been developed further to aid cornering performance. It still though supports the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on marked motorways and dual carriageways at speeds of up to 81mph.
And while Cross Traffic Alert with automatic emergency braking is on the options list, the new V60 estate includes other steering assist tech such as run-off road and oncoming lane mitigation. This gently steers the vehicle away from both the edge and centre of the road.
Volvo is expected to confirm full UK prices and spec shortly, and while the new S60 saloon is due to be introduced soon, we’ll have to wait till 2019 for a four-wheel drove Cross Country V60.
Related: Volvo XC40 scoops Car of the Year
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Jim McGill