As though the station wagon gods were listening in on my plea for more long-roofs (aka, wagons), Volvo recently announced at the New York International Auto Show that the super sexy and sleek V60 Sports Wagon will come to Canada by early 2014 as a 2015 model-year vehicle.
Colour me pink.
I have painted myself as a diehard station wagon lover over the years, and I’m beginning to think that my influence and passion for these cars is going to cause a resurgence. I mean, what is more hipster cool than a car that your grandparents drove to go with your plaid, button-up cardigan and smoke tree TS Catalina blue slim and straight pants?
Not your grandparent’s wagon
The Volvo V60 is a modern station wagon and simply by looking at it, it’s not a hard fact to believe. Its name is another indication as Volvo refers to it as a “Sport Wagon.” As well, the very-cool-in-my-books XC70 is presented as a CUV and not a station wagon; these are clear indications that the term “station wagon” remains taboo.
But again, to look at the 2015 Volvo V60 Sports Wagon is to gaze at a car that is as sleek as it is functional. Styling wise, the V60 displays exquisite lines that flow front to back effortlessly. Its short overhangs are indicative of handling; its bold front fascia of power, and rear of purpose. This is a beautiful car, much like the S60.
Diesel Plug-In Hybrid
The white example in the gallery is a Plug-In Hybrid D6 AWD which was one of the three finalists for Green Car of the Year. Sadly, it lost to the Tesla Model S, but its worth is undeniable.
As the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, it is rated at 48g/km carbon dioxide emissions, has an electric-only range of 50 km and hits 100 km/h in only 6.1 seconds. At the moment, this car is not slated for North America but Volvo says to never say never…
V60 for us
The Passion Red car is the one we can concentrate on. This is a T6 Polestar R-Design example and is something to behold.
Beyond the specifics (enumerated later) of the R-Design trim, the car will essentially look the same.
The first item to be discussed is the hatch which opens up to a sizeable trunk despite the V60’s somewhat compact outer dimensions. Compared to the XC70, the angle of the back glass and rearward slopping roofline do influence trunk volume. It boasts a 430 litre capacity compared to 575 litres (XC70) and 495 litres (XC60). Either way, it’s an improvement over the S60’s 380 litres.
Along with more boot, the Sports Wagon includes intelligent seating where the rear bench can be folded down in three 40/20/40 segments. This makes the load area rather flexible for oddly sized items.
What remains untouched from the sedan is the beautifully appointed and very Scandinavian cabin. The seats are most noteworthy as they are, bar none, the best in the business. The dashboard features the same flowing yet block-like portions, and fit and finish is spot on.
When the Volvo V60 arrives next year, it will introduce new gauges called Adaptive Digital Display that will feature the ability to switch between three different types of displays.
Powertrain details are limited at this time, but we will get a number of 4-cylinder engines throughout Volvo’s lineup in the future. More than likely, the V60 will be offered with two versions (T5 and T6) of a same displacement turbocharged engine. FWD and AWD will be on the docket.
R-Design
As shown in the pictures, the red 2015 Volvo V60 sports new R-Design touches including a new, more badass front face, sweet 19” Ixion wheels, and rear diffuser with unique R-Design tailpipes.
The next R-Design cars will also include improved seats (as though that were possible). The aptly named sport seats are a blend of black nubuck textile and perforated leather. An embroidered R-design logo with a blue R identifies them as such, although the large hip and shoulder bolsters are dead giveaways. I sat in them at the NYIAS and I confirm to you that they are sick.
R-Design also brings more power to the table thanks to Polestar. With it comes an extra 25 hp and 29 lb-ft of torque. The extra gusto is well received and quite potent, lowering 0-100 times by 0.3 seconds.
Timing
The 2015 Volvo V60 will likely make its Canadian premier at the Montreal Auto Show next January and show up in dealerships a little while later.
No pricing info is yet available; however, expect the base price of the V60 to be a grand or two higher than the S60 sedan.
Colour me pink.
I have painted myself as a diehard station wagon lover over the years, and I’m beginning to think that my influence and passion for these cars is going to cause a resurgence. I mean, what is more hipster cool than a car that your grandparents drove to go with your plaid, button-up cardigan and smoke tree TS Catalina blue slim and straight pants?
 |
Not your grandparent’s wagon
The Volvo V60 is a modern station wagon and simply by looking at it, it’s not a hard fact to believe. Its name is another indication as Volvo refers to it as a “Sport Wagon.” As well, the very-cool-in-my-books XC70 is presented as a CUV and not a station wagon; these are clear indications that the term “station wagon” remains taboo.
But again, to look at the 2015 Volvo V60 Sports Wagon is to gaze at a car that is as sleek as it is functional. Styling wise, the V60 displays exquisite lines that flow front to back effortlessly. Its short overhangs are indicative of handling; its bold front fascia of power, and rear of purpose. This is a beautiful car, much like the S60.
Diesel Plug-In Hybrid
The white example in the gallery is a Plug-In Hybrid D6 AWD which was one of the three finalists for Green Car of the Year. Sadly, it lost to the Tesla Model S, but its worth is undeniable.
As the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, it is rated at 48g/km carbon dioxide emissions, has an electric-only range of 50 km and hits 100 km/h in only 6.1 seconds. At the moment, this car is not slated for North America but Volvo says to never say never…
V60 for us
The Passion Red car is the one we can concentrate on. This is a T6 Polestar R-Design example and is something to behold.
Beyond the specifics (enumerated later) of the R-Design trim, the car will essentially look the same.
The first item to be discussed is the hatch which opens up to a sizeable trunk despite the V60’s somewhat compact outer dimensions. Compared to the XC70, the angle of the back glass and rearward slopping roofline do influence trunk volume. It boasts a 430 litre capacity compared to 575 litres (XC70) and 495 litres (XC60). Either way, it’s an improvement over the S60’s 380 litres.
Along with more boot, the Sports Wagon includes intelligent seating where the rear bench can be folded down in three 40/20/40 segments. This makes the load area rather flexible for oddly sized items.
What remains untouched from the sedan is the beautifully appointed and very Scandinavian cabin. The seats are most noteworthy as they are, bar none, the best in the business. The dashboard features the same flowing yet block-like portions, and fit and finish is spot on.
When the Volvo V60 arrives next year, it will introduce new gauges called Adaptive Digital Display that will feature the ability to switch between three different types of displays.
Powertrain details are limited at this time, but we will get a number of 4-cylinder engines throughout Volvo’s lineup in the future. More than likely, the V60 will be offered with two versions (T5 and T6) of a same displacement turbocharged engine. FWD and AWD will be on the docket.
R-Design
As shown in the pictures, the red 2015 Volvo V60 sports new R-Design touches including a new, more badass front face, sweet 19” Ixion wheels, and rear diffuser with unique R-Design tailpipes.
The next R-Design cars will also include improved seats (as though that were possible). The aptly named sport seats are a blend of black nubuck textile and perforated leather. An embroidered R-design logo with a blue R identifies them as such, although the large hip and shoulder bolsters are dead giveaways. I sat in them at the NYIAS and I confirm to you that they are sick.
R-Design also brings more power to the table thanks to Polestar. With it comes an extra 25 hp and 29 lb-ft of torque. The extra gusto is well received and quite potent, lowering 0-100 times by 0.3 seconds.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
Timing
The 2015 Volvo V60 will likely make its Canadian premier at the Montreal Auto Show next January and show up in dealerships a little while later.
No pricing info is yet available; however, expect the base price of the V60 to be a grand or two higher than the S60 sedan.
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