Volvo’s V60 DRIVe – is v v good

As you would expect, the Volvo V60 has a host of safety features such as the suite of six airbags and stability control but it’s equipment like the City Safe system – Volvo’s advanced object detection system created to prevent low speed impacts – that are standard across the range which fills the driver with confidence.

Knowing Volvo hasn’t scrimped on the provision of such formidable safety features is trust-building in itself, however, there’s a number that deserve a mention.

Pedestrian Detection System, for instance, recognises when a person is in the road and responds if the driver fails to do so; adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a set gap to the vehicle in front; lane-departure warning system; and blind-spot information system.

Dynamic driving features include the Advanced Stability Control system, which identifies the early signs of skidding and Corner Traction Control.

The first thing that strikes you about any car is its looks and the V60 does not disappoint. Volvo set out to design the model, which they refer to as a sports wagon rather than an estate, to look as coupe-like as possible.  

In fact, Volvo states that if customers are looking for a serious amount of load space they should consider the V70 or XC70; however, it’s still a vital component. Each available millimetre is maximised such as the 1095 millimetre wide tailgate in combination with extra space behind the wheel housings and under the load floor.

Once inside the car, the V60’s racing design cues are obvious – the instrument panel, for example, is angled towards the driver with the sensation that everything is in motion.

The driver is at the heart of Volvo’s creation with features such as Volvo Sensus with information displayed on a screen at a high enough level to make it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road and all the functions can be controlled via steering wheel buttons or via touch buttons located just below the colour screen.

The Bluetooth connection has been upgraded to allow not only hands-free phone conversations but also music streaming from a preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player.

Drivers can even ‘keep in touch’ with their parked car via an iPhone or Android smart phone with a free mobile application.

All V60 engines deliver exceptional power but the most impressive is the DRIVe version which features a 1.6-litre diesel engine and CO2 emissions at 119 g/km whilst producing 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque.

All in all the V60 range offers a wide amount of choice, trims and specification but if it’s comfort and style along with frugal driving including road tax at £30 a year, that floats your boat, the V60 DRIVe should be on your shopping list.

Book a test drive at TMS Volvo Coventry on 0844 662 6229.

At a glance – V60 DRIVe

Price from: £24,920.00 for V60 DRIVe (115hp) ES Start/Stop

Top Speed: 118mph

Fuel Economy: 62.8 mpg (combined)

Emissions: 119 g/km CO2

First year road tax: £0

Subsequent years’ road tax: £30

Available at: TMS Volvo Coventry