2018 Volvo V60: A Refined and Safe Wagon
The 2018 Volvo V60 continues Volvo's legacy of blending Scandinavian design with robust safety and practical utility. As a compact luxury wagon, it offers a compelling alternative to SUVs and sedans for those who appreciate a lower driving position, enhanced cargo space, and a more engaging driving experience. This generation of the V60, while based on Volvo's older platform, still presented a sophisticated and comfortable package.
Highlights
- Powertrain: For 2018, the V60 was offered with two primary powertrain options, both based on Volvo's Drive-E modular engine architecture.
- T5: This front-wheel-drive model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It was paired exclusively with an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
- T6 AWD: The all-wheel-drive variant boasted a more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This also utilized the 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The supercharger provided instant boost at lower RPMs, while the turbocharger took over at higher speeds for seamless power delivery.
- Safety Features: Volvo is renowned for its safety, and the V60 was no exception. Standard and available features included:
- City Safety: This innovative system automatically applies the brakes if it detects an imminent collision with a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist at lower speeds. It helps to avoid or mitigate accidents.
- Collision Warning with Auto Brake: This system warns the driver of an impending frontal collision and can automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't react.
- Pedestrian Detection: A key component of the collision warning system, it specifically identifies and reacts to pedestrians.
- Lane Keeping Aid: This feature gently steers the car back into its lane if it detects the vehicle drifting out of its lane without the turn signal being activated.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert: BLIS alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, while Cross Traffic Alert warns of approaching vehicles when reversing out of a parking spot.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This system maintains a set speed and a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed as needed.
- Trim Summary: The 2018 V60 was generally offered in two main trims, each offering a distinct character and feature set:
- Inscription: Positioned as the more luxurious and comfort-oriented trim, the Inscription typically featured premium leather upholstery, wood inlays, a more sophisticated exterior styling, and enhanced comfort features.
- R-Design: This sportier trim emphasized performance and aggressive styling. It often included sport-tuned suspension, unique R-Design exterior and interior accents, sport seats, and larger wheels.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Elegant and Understated Design: The V60 showcased Volvo's signature Scandinavian design language, characterized by clean lines, a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" headlight signature, and a handsome, practical wagon silhouette.
- Comfortable Ride: The V60 offered a generally comfortable and compliant ride, making it well-suited for long journeys and daily commuting.
- Practical Cargo Space: As a wagon, it provided more versatile cargo capacity than a sedan, with a split-folding rear seat for carrying larger items.
What to Expect
Owning a 2018 Volvo V60 typically translates to a refined and secure experience. The cabin is well-appointed and insulated, providing a quiet sanctuary for occupants. The driving dynamics are balanced, offering a comfortable ride without sacrificing composure.
Maintenance: Like most European luxury vehicles, Volvo vehicles can have higher maintenance costs compared to their mainstream counterparts. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and scheduled inspections, is crucial to ensure longevity and optimal performance. Due to the sophisticated engineering, it's often recommended to seek out Volvo-certified mechanics or reputable independent specialists for more complex repairs. Parts can also be more expensive.
Insurance: Insurance premiums for the 2018 Volvo V60 are likely to be in the mid-to-higher range, reflecting its luxury branding and the cost of specialized parts and labor for repairs, especially those related to its advanced safety systems. Driving history, location, and chosen coverage levels will also significantly influence the final cost.
Potential Considerations
- Infotainment System: While functional, Volvo's Sensus infotainment system in the 2018 model, while updated over earlier versions, might not feel as intuitive or as responsive as some newer competitor systems.
- Rear Seat Space: While adequate for most, the rear seat space can feel a bit cramped for taller adults, especially compared to larger wagons or some midsize SUVs.
- Performance of the T5: While the T5 offers competent performance for daily driving, it may feel less exhilarating for those seeking brisk acceleration, particularly when compared to the T6 AWD.
- Aging Platform: While still a solid vehicle, the 2018 V60 was based on Volvo's older P3 platform, meaning it lacked some of the bleeding-edge technology and interior design elements that would be found in the all-new V60 that arrived in later model years.
Overall Summary
The 2018 Volvo V60 stands out as a capable and exceptionally safe compact luxury wagon. It offers a stylish and practical alternative for those who prioritize safety, comfort, and understated Scandinavian design. While its infotainment system might feel a tad dated by today's standards and rear seat space isn't class-leading, its inherent safety pedigree, refined driving experience, and versatile wagon body style make it a compelling choice for many discerning buyers.