Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo V60

New load carrier has the looks, but can it match upmarket rivals on road?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your next car here
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Opting for a less practical but more stylish design is a brave move by Volvo. The V60 could upset fans of its previous estate models – but with its curvy looks and upmarket cabin, the newcomer should appeal to a  whole new audience of younger buyers. It’s a shame, then, that it doesn’t quite live up to its billing as a driver’s car. Perhaps we’ll reserve judgement on that until we’ve tried the R-Design model. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's the curvy estate that aims to shed Volvo’s sensible image, and Auto Express has driven it first in the UK! But the V60 faces some stiff competition from the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3-Series Touring – so has it got what it takes to stand out from the crowd?

The Swedish wagon does 
hold an ace up its sleeve that no other estate can match: Volvo’s Pedestrian Detection system, which can apply the brakes if it thinks a collision is imminent. 
In addition, safety systems 
warn if the driver is tired or 
veering out of their lane, and 
also monitor blindspots. 

It all seems very Volvo so 
far. The big changes, though, 
are in the styling and driving experience. Instead of sacrificing looks for pure load-carrying 
ability, designers have included 
a sweeping, coupé-like roofline that’s light years away from 
boxy Volvos of the past, and 
qualifies as the manufacturer’s best-looking estate yet.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

31,180 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £20,500
View Model 3
Model Y

2023 Tesla

Model Y

12,963 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £25,700
View Model Y
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

41,588 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,100
View Puma
Tucson

2023 Hyundai

Tucson

31,009 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £18,200
View Tucson

But that doesn’t mean 
it’s not practical. Boot space 
with the rear seats in place is 
557 litres, and folding them 
in a 40:20:40 configuration increases that to 1,241 litres. 

The passenger seat can 
be folded flat, too, so longer items fit in without a problem. There are also plenty of clever extras, including optional twin booster cushions for children 
in the outer rear seats.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Up front, there’s a fine 
mix of brushed metal inserts, 
soft leather and good-quality plastics. The layout is stylish, 
and up there with the best in terms of build quality and 
general ambience.

Engineers have focused 
on enhancing the driving 
experience, too, but it still 
falls short of rivals such 
as the 3-Series Touring. It’s 
a marked improvement on 
previous Volvo estates, yet 
while the steering is responsive, it doesn’t provide enough feel and could do with more weight. 

The softly sprung suspension causes the V60 to roll during 
hard cornering, and the six-
speed manual box fitted to our model is vague. You’re often 
left unsure of exactly which 
gear you’ve just selected. 

As a result, we’d advise 
you to go for the six-speed 
automatic Geartronic set-up. Although this dents economy 
and costs more, it provides 
quick and seamless shifts. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

What the V60 lacks in 
handling ability it makes up for 
in comfort and refinement. The suspension does a great job of smoothing bumps in the surface, while road and wind noise levels are among the best in the class. The only slight downside is the 2.0-litre single turbocharged 
diesel engine fitted to our D3 model. It has plenty of pace, with 161bhp and 400Nm of torque 
on offer, but the power tends to arrive and disappear incredibly quickly. It’s also quite loud when pushed hard, even if the sound itself is surprisingly sporty. 

On the plus side, the sprint from 0-60mph takes 8.9 seconds and top speed is 137mph. The V60 is green as well, returning 51.4mpg combined economy 
and emitting 144g/km of CO2. 

Prices start from £24,960 for basic ES models fitted with the D3 engine – and you get plenty 
of equipment for your money. Cruise and climate control, a 
five-inch display screen and heated door mirrors all feature 
on base cars. R-Design models top the range, and come with 
a sporty bodykit and stiffer 
suspension, as well as a set 
of 18-inch alloy wheels.
 
Rival: BMW 320d Touring

The 3-Series is the compact executive load carrier to beat. Its 2.0-litre diesel unit provides plenty of punch, and is clean and efficient, and the Touring drives just as well as the saloon model. Strong residual values complete a winning package

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,499
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025