Road Tests

Handbook: Volvo V60 DRIVe

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Time 12:55 pm, February 29, 2012

Volvo has slotted its eco driVe technology under the bonnet of its stylish V60. What’s it like? James Batchelor reports

WHAT IS IT?

This is Volvo’s answer to a raft of eco D-segment cars hitting the market and aims to show that the Swedish estate can be stylish, modern and environmentally friendly too.


WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Volvo’s familiar 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel unit as found in a number of its siblings. It can punch out 113bhp while emitting 119g/km and returning a combined MPG figure of 62.8. All come with start/stop to improve its green credentials.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?


DRIVe can be ordered on any trim level – from the entry-level ES right up to the sporty R-Design model costing £27,575. Our test car was the £24,920 ES which boasted cruise control, electric and heated door mirrors, 16-inch alloys, and audio controls on the steering wheel.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Despite its low power output, the V60 DRIVe is quite pleasant to drive. Well-weighted steering, comfortable seats and a charmingly wallowy ride add up to an enjoyable car to soak up the miles. We managed 58.5mpg.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK OF IT?

Car buying website carbuzz.co.uk said: ‘We’d recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish mid-sized estate and would give the 1.6-litre DRIVe engine the thumbs up, but we’d skip on the R-Design pack.’

WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT?

We like the looks and the specification and we think customers will be very happy with it. Slightly keener pricing wouldn’t have gone amiss.

James Batchelor's avatar

James – or Batch as he’s known – started at Car Dealer in 2010, first as the work experience boy, eventually becoming editor in 2013. He worked for Auto Express as editor-at-large and was the face of Carbuyer’s YouTube reviews. In 2020, he went freelance and now writes for a number of national titles and contributes regularly to Car Dealer. In October 2021 he became Car Dealer's associate editor.



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