Road test: Volvo V60
Audi might think it has the lead in build quality in this corner of the market, but we’re here to tell you it ain’t a patch on the V60’s. Every surface your hand or fingers or feet come into contact with has a resounding sense of excellence that it’s impossible not be impressed. The doors close with a definite thunk, while the panel gas are as close and tight as they get. Inside, the cabin is made from fine materials and looks every bit as good as it feels. On the mechanical side, the engines are mostly proven units and the new 1.6-litre turbo petrol should follow in their footsteps without a hiccough. The same can be said for the gearboxes, with the new twin-clutch Powershift gearbox developed by Ford before Volvo was sold to the Chinese, so this should be a reliable unit.
Think Volvo and safety is one of the watchwords of the Swedish firm. The V60 comes with the same City Safety system first seen in the XC60 SUV and which is standard in the S60 saloon. It’s standard for the V60 too and gives the driver and audible and visual warning if the system detects an object in front of the car. If the driver doesn’t react, the system will perform an emergency stop, helping to avoid accidents altogether at up to 19mph and reducing their impact from higher speeds. Volvo has also developed Pedestrian Detect, which works in the same way as City Safety but specifically honed to spot people in front of the Volvo. It works at speeds of up to 21mph to completely avoid an accident and again helps lessen injuries and damage from higher speed shunts. Pedestrian Detect is an optional extra for the V60, as it is in the S60, but Volvo reckons most buyers will choose it. Also available as options are a lane departure warning system, blind spot telltale and Driver Alert Control to alert the driver if the system thinks he or she is becoming drowsy or distracted. On top of this, there are twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, ESP traction and stability control, and active headrests to reduce whiplash injuries. Deadlocks, an alarm and immobiliser keep thieves at bay.
Read the full Volvo V60 road test on RoadTestReports.co.uk
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