2017 Volvo V60: A Detailed Overview
The 2017 Volvo V60 is a compact luxury wagon that blends Scandinavian design, robust safety, and a comfortable driving experience. Building on Volvo's heritage of practical and stylish vehicles, the V60 offers a compelling alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs, particularly for those who appreciate versatility and refined aesthetics.
Highlights
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Engine Options: The 2017 V60 was primarily offered with two potent and efficient engine choices:
- T5 Drive-E: A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This engine focuses on fuel efficiency while still providing brisk acceleration, often paired with an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
- T6 AWD: A more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine featuring both a supercharger and a turbocharger, producing 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a Geartronic 8-speed automatic transmission, offering more spirited performance and enhanced traction.
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Safety Features: Volvo has long been a leader in automotive safety, and the 2017 V60 is no exception. Key features include:
- City Safety: This standard feature is an automatic emergency braking system designed to help prevent or mitigate low-speed collisions. It uses sensors to detect potential forward collisions and automatically applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
- Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS): Integrated into the front seats, WHIPS is designed to reduce whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions by absorbing energy and carefully controlling the movement of the occupants' heads and necks.
- Side Impact Protection System (SIPS): This system includes reinforced body structures, energy-absorbing materials, and specialized airbags to protect occupants during side collisions.
- Optional Driver Assistance Package: This package could further enhance safety with features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) to alert drivers of vehicles in their blind spots, and Lane Keeping Aid to gently steer the car back into its lane if it drifts.
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Trim Summary:
- Inscription: Positioned as the more luxurious and comfort-oriented trim, the Inscription typically featured upgraded leather upholstery, distinctive interior trim accents, a more refined suspension setup, and a premium feel.
- R-Design: This sporty trim emphasized performance and aggressive styling. It usually included sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior and interior design elements (like sport seats, sport pedals, and R-Design badging), and often larger wheels.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Versatile Cargo Space: The wagon body style provides significantly more practical cargo space than a comparable sedan, with a versatile load area that can accommodate larger items, sports equipment, or luggage for family trips. The rear seats fold down to further expand capacity.
- Comfortable and Stylish Interior: The V60's cabin is a hallmark of Volvo's design philosophy, offering a clean, minimalist aesthetic with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and intuitive ergonomics. The "floating" center console is a distinctive and functional design element.
- Smooth Ride Quality: While the R-Design might offer a firmer ride, the V60 generally provides a composed and comfortable experience, absorbing road imperfections well, making it suitable for long journeys.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Volvo V60 typically involves a refined and secure driving experience. The interior is well-insulated, providing a quiet cabin environment conducive to conversation or enjoying the audio system. The ride quality is generally smooth and compliant, especially in the Inscription trim. Maintenance for a luxury vehicle like the V60 is generally in line with its segment, meaning regular oil changes, filter replacements, and scheduled service intervals. Volvo dealerships, or qualified independent mechanics specializing in European vehicles, will be your primary resource for maintenance.
Insurance costs for the V60 will vary based on your location, driving record, chosen coverage levels, and the specific trim and engine chosen. However, as a luxury European vehicle with a strong emphasis on safety, you can anticipate insurance premiums to be on the higher side compared to mainstream sedans or compact cars.
Potential Considerations
- Rear Seat Space: While comfortable, the rear seats in the V60 can be somewhat snug for taller adults on longer journeys. The sloping roofline, while contributing to the stylish profile, does limit rear headroom slightly.
- Infotainment System: While functional, the Sensus infotainment system in the 2017 V60, controlled via a central dial and buttons, can feel a bit dated and less intuitive compared to the touchscreen interfaces found in more modern vehicles.
- Fuel Economy (T6 AWD): While the T6 AWD offers impressive performance, its fuel economy figures are understandably lower than the T5 Drive-E variant, especially during spirited driving.
- Availability of Specific Features: Depending on the original options chosen by the first owner, some desirable safety or convenience features might not be present on every V60 model. It's important to check the specific vehicle's equipment list.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Volvo V60 remains a highly competent and attractive option for buyers seeking a stylish, safe, and practical compact luxury wagon. Its blend of sophisticated Scandinavian design, advanced safety technologies, and comfortable driving dynamics makes it a compelling choice. Whether you opt for the fuel-efficient T5 or the powerful T6 AWD, the V60 delivers a premium experience with the added benefit of versatile cargo capacity, making it a well-rounded and desirable vehicle in its class.