Volvo V60 T5 R-Design (Drive E)

Volvo has long shaken off the once derided image of being driven by older men in hats.
Their cars are now among the most stylish available while still retaining the super safe mantle the company has always had.
Volvo's entry into the V8 supercar series with it's S60, is also drawing new fans, and it's already achieved stellar results in its first season.
An example of how far Volvo has come is this V60 T5 R-Design wagon.
Sleekly styled and fitted with just about every conceivable safety and driver aid, the S60 / V60 models have helped the company come of age in so many ways.

Let's start with the engine. A two litre turbo petrol powerplant developing 180 kw and 350nm, with a nought to 100 kmh time of 6.4 seconds.
And although it's front wheel drive there's no trace of torque steer even under maximum throttle. Punted hard through tight corners, the V60 sits flat and purposeful, with excellent steering response.
In Performance mode, the V60 leaps down the road with terrific urge, eagerly pressing you back into the seat. Volvo's new 8 speed automatic gearbox is a beaut.. you can select gears yourself with the shifter or steering wheel paddles.
And it's fuss free. There's no wild thrashing at the upper rev limits, just sheer grunt from a true performance engine, that will also return a combined fuel cycle average of 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres.
It also has the now common, fuel saving stop/start cut out when the car is stationary.(It can be overridden.)
Ride comfort is quite good, considering the sporty nature of the V60.. firm but not rock hard.

The heated R-Design seats with three memory positions, are superbly crafted; initially firm, but they do a great job in holding you in place when cornering.
You'll not be troubled by any road noise from either wind or tyres at urban or highway speeds.
I like the new dashboard layout, it's easy to read and there are three visual modes. Performance, lights up red,Eco a light blue, and Elegance a mid blue colour.

The V60 has Volvo's trademark floating console, which provides a hidden spot for odds and ends. In the rear, Volvo's inbuilt child booster seat will be welcomed by families, and the audio system is one of the best available. In this car you get 10 speakers, with Dolby surround sound and multi media connections including Bluetooth.

Legroom in the back is tight however if tall front seat occupants rack their seats right back.
Volvo's safety features are legendary.
Standard kit includes City Safety( which will brake the car itself at low speeds if an obstacle suddenly appears in front of the car,)
Advanced stability control, Emergency brake assist, and side impact protection.
There's also auto wipers and lights, active Bending Bi Xenon headlights with auto high beam, puddle lighting, LED daytime running lights and a host of other inbuilt crash mitigation and avoidance features, such as a rear view camera and parking sensors.
The V60 on test has even more. A swag of goodies from the options list that includes blind spot warnings, cross traffic alert, lane departure warnings, a lane keeping aid, adaptive cruise control with distance settings and automatic braking.

There's no remote entry and start however, a key fob has to be inserted into the dashboard slot  to the left of the steering wheel. As in other Volvos, you get used to using your left hand for this task, even if you are right handed.
Visibility to the rear is good, and there's a large cargo area, above a temporary spare wheel and tyre repair kit.

Volvo seems to have thought of everything you could possibly want in a mid sized wagon.
The V60 T5 R-Design should be on your shopping list if for nothing else than it's terrific value for money, and it's simply a great drive. A split personality combo of boy racer and sedate(if you wish,) family wagon..
Volvo's S60 range starts at 55K.
The standard V60 T5 R-Design model will set you back around 65K.
The car on test with options, comes in at around 72K.
Peter Sellen