Volvo V60 2018 review

Volvo V60 2018 review

The V60 is a handsome car, very similar to the bigger V90 in terms of proportion but 180mm shorter and with enough detail differences to avoid any Audi ‘Russian doll’ comparisons. The now familiar ‘Thor’s Hammer’ front LEDs and wraparound taillights are pure Volvo, but with some curvier lines along the flank.

Inside, the useful 529-litre boot (rising to 1,441 litres with the rear seats folded flat – a process that couldn’t be easier) is bigger than any of its German challengers, while knee room in the back is also claimed to be best in class.

Sure enough, a six-foot passenger can sit behind a six-foot driver with room to spare, although there’s not a huge amount of space for feet if the front seat is in its lowest setting. The transmission tunnel will further restrict space if someone is in the middle seat.

As with other recent Volvo models, the interior takes a refreshingly different approach to rivals. Quality is good – not quite up to the exalted standards of the Germans’, but not far off – while the design is all about Scandinavian cool.

Tech is a strong point. As well as the standard 9.3-inch portrait touchscreen that dominates the centre of the dash, there’s a digital instrument display, all the latest smartphone integration, a raft of impressive safety kit, and Volvo’s useful Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system – updated for the V60. However, catching up fast with what the Germans do, much of the best kit is reserved for the options list.