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The Daily Drivers: 2015.5 Volvo V60 T6 AWD R-Design

 
2015.5 Volvo V60 T6 AWD R-Design
2015.5 Volvo V60 T6 AWD R-Design
Published Oct. 23, 2014

In an automotive age where SUVs rule, station wagons are a fading market category. But Volvo has been a resolute defender of the traditional family haulers. Its all-new stylish V60, which is based on the S60 sedan, is just what you'd expect from the Swedish automaker that has a solid reputation for safety.

Appearance: Yes, wagons can be sexy. The V60's front channels the classic Volvo. The grille has a familiar diagonal line with a Volvo badge. The hood is chiseled, and the car's look is heightened by a high door line and narrow windows that appear as one uninterrupted design framed in chrome trim. The vertical taillights flare out to hug the body. At an angle, they are almost L-shaped. The spokes of the 19-inch Ixion alloy wheels have a visual twist, and the integrated chrome dual-exhaust tips finish off the look. Overall, these elements fuse into a cohesive design. The V60 has certainly come a long way from the boxy Volvo wagons of previous decades.

Performance: Our tester was the top-level trim T6 R-Design with a 325-horsepower twin-scroll turbocharged inline 6. Performance wagon? That depends on your definition. It certainly isn't compared with the AMGs of the world, but it's no simple grocery-getter either. Punch the gas pedal, and the acceleration is spirited — especially for a rather heavy car — and the ride is lively, with some body lean in turns. The 6-speed automatic is smooth, but ordinary. Lyra wasn't a big fan of the brake-pedal feel, finding it mushy and disconnected. The V60's lower trims include the 4-cylinder T5 E-Drive (front-wheel drive) and the 5-cylinder T5 AWD.

Interior: First, some features felt dated. Why do some automakers persist in using number pads for the infotainment system? There's also a rotary controller on the right side of the console, a reach for drivers. The interface wasn't very intuitive and the 7-inch screen is too small. With the exception of a cluttered console, the interior adheres to Volvo's attractive minimalist design. The cabin in our upper-level tester was lacking in contrast, with only some metallic trim for accent. Now the good stuff. The R-Design sport seats are simply fantastic — comfortable and supportive, if a tad on the narrow side, with white contrast stitching. The cabin is quiet, and the fit and finish are superb. The digital dash gauges, in contrast to the console, look futuristic, with three configurable themes. We both felt there was one big omission in our test car: a rear-view camera (available with optional package). The cargo space is flexible, if not expansive. The rear seatbacks are a 40/20/40-split design. Peter took the wagon to the Tampa Ikea (how meta!) and was able to haul home several items.

Our 3 favorites

Peter Couture

Headlights: Our tester's bright xenon headlights are bright and move as you turn for better visibility.

Dash: The three settings for the digital gauges are cool.

Design: Our V60's color was fitting. It was a sexy red dress of a car.

Lyra Solochek

Ride height: Low, just like a car, so it's easy to get in and out.

Acceleration: Plenty of power when you need it.

Seats: Comfortable seats with great bolstering.

The bottom line: It's refreshing to have an attractive wagon like the Volvo V60 that has a strong safety reputation.