Volvo's V60 is no coy newcomer

Volvo's turbodiesel-powered V60 hosts a plethora of safety features including the option of a full safety brake. Photo / Supplied

It's possible to pay much, much more for a stylish European wagon than the $75,990 tag on Volvo's turbodiesel-powered V60, but the question might be, why would you want to?

Not only is this the best all-rounder in the Swedish company's range, factoring-in price, it ticks so many boxes generally that it stands out as one of the best wagons on the market, period.

This newcomer is full of the safety gear for which Volvo is so well known, carries a useful load, has one of the nicest turbodiesel motors with the attendant good fuel economy, performs well and looks gorgeous.

Actually, it's not quite full of Volvo's safety gear; some of it is optional, like the Driver Support Pack that includes a blind spot information system, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance. The pack adds more than $5000, but some will consider it money well spent.

The 2400cc twin-turbo five-cylinder diesel produces 420Nm of torque, or 450Nm in brief spurts of overboost, anywhere from 1500rpm to 3250pm. This translates as providing exceptional flexibility and wickedly short "oops, am I going that fast" overtaking times on the highway. Its 0-100km/h time is just over eight seconds.

The engine is almost card-carrying green with Euro 5-standard CO2 output of 188g/km.

Although overall fuel economy is rated at 6.9 litres per 100km, Driven's week-long evaluation averaged 9.8, still not bad for a car of this sort. Its wagon configuration puts it at no disadvantage to the S60 sedan, whose dimensions - and most equipment - are shared.

The V60 rides well over any sort of surface, and although not overtly sporting compared to some of its Euro rivals, handling is pretty darned good. It will keep an enthusiast driver well entertained on a winding road.

Although grip and traction are first-rate, aided by electronic traction and anti-skid aids, it's a shame an all-wheel-drive system is exclusively the domain of the top T6 petrol version.

The V60's interior at first seems like an anti-climax after the gorgeous flowing lines of the exterior. The leather seats look and feel magnificent but the dash and console look almost frugal, though not in a cheap and nasty way.

In the back, there's reasonable legroom and space for the three passengers. The seats split and fold and, when flat, items of up to about 1750mm long can be loaded into the carpeted cargo area. Integrated booster seats fold from the rear squabs.

One wagon, three flavours
D5 diesel: 151kW/420Nm, $75,990
T5 petrol: 177kW/320Nm, $67,990
T6 petrol with all wheel drive: 224kW/440Nm, $83,990

The same engine choices are offered for the sedan, which costs $4000 less than the equivalent wagon version.

Alternatives

Plenty to choose from, including rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But if you're in thrift mode, how about one from this trio of cheaper alternatives:
Peugeot 407 SW 2.7 DTT: $72,990
Skoda Superb TDI 125: $62,000
Subaru Legacy 2.0D Euro Spec: $51,990

Bottom line:

This load-hauling Volvo's the sweetest Swede around.