Volvo has announced details of its new V60 sports wagon. Following the current trend in the industry, the V60 adopts coupe-like styling, eschewing Volvo’s typical boxy wagon designs. Essentially a more cargo friendly version of the company’s S60 sedan, the Volvo V60 will make its first public debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show.
“From the design viewpoint, the focus was on making the car as close to a coupé as possible, while retaining that handy extra space at the rear. Our sports wagon does not aim to compete with the traditional estate car. For the customer who wants a lot of load space, there is our V70 or XC70,” said Örjan Sterner, head of exterior design for the new Volvo V60.
As we’ve come to expect from the Swedish manufacturer, the 2011 V60 is equipped with an arsenal of safety equipment such as Driver Alert Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information System, Active Headlights and Roll Over Protection System. Optional on the new V60 is Volvo’s Pedestrian Detection system, which can recognise pedestrians who walk in front of the car, then warn the driver of their presence and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time. The car also features Advanced Stability Control, Corner Traction Control and Crash Avoidance System.
Locally, Volvo V60 buyers will initially have two petrol engines and a diesel engine to choose from. The entry point into the petrol range will be the 2,0-litre turbocharged 2.0T engine, which produces 149 kW and 300 N.m of torque, while the 3,0-litre turbocharged T6 engine produces 224 kW and 440 N.m. Power from the D5 2,4-litre diesel is 151 kW with maximum torque of 420 N.m.
The Volvo V60 2.0T will be available with either a 6-speed manual or ‘Powershift’ gearbox, while the V60 D5 and T6 models are fitted with the company’s 6-speed ‘Geartronic’ automatic transmission.
Further engine derivatives will be added to the SA model line-up at a later stage and pricing will only be available closer to launch in early 2011.
Related posts:
