The 2020 Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making 250 horsepower and 258 pound-foot of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and to the pavement via all-wheel drive.
Wagons are practical for families and folks with pets, or both, and they look amazing. Your opinion may differ, and that's OK.
Now, consider that Volvo has revised the faces of its sedans to mimic the popular XC90 SUV, and its small cross country is getting similar treatment.
This week we look at the 2020 Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country.
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making 250 horsepower and 258 pound-foot of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and to the pavement via all-wheel drive.
The application of power is really well done. The eight-speed automatic doesn't take long to apply the turbo and get you to speed swiftly. I didn't find many instances where the turbo lagged or the gear wasn't correct. Even during my normal slow hill climb, the gears fell into place correctly and applied good power when needed.
Exterior styling is one of my favorite features. The front fascia is exceptionally pleasing, with "Thor's hammer" LED daytime lights flanking the upright but dented in-front grill.
There is a lot of sculpting and depth to the design of the front. The LED headlamps are amazing at night, and with the optional "bending lights," they are useful on twisty roads. Lower-mounted fog lamps add some additional side lighting for especially dark roads.
On the side, the wagon's rear portion is subtle and fluid. The body lines follow all the way until the rear window is extended and curved around to the tailgate.
Out back are dual exhaust tips, upright Volvo signature LED tail lamps and a smooth tailgate with a minimal bumper. It just looks good.
At each corner are 19-inch alloy wheels that provide the correct look and ample rim size. Plastic wheel wells around the rims also fit the subtle but aggressive look and polish off the look.
Hop into the interior, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the attention to detail, luxury and usability of Volvo. Yes, this is a luxury wagon, and yes, you expect to have top craftsmanship, but when you actually see it, you pause.
Appreciate the sculpted door panels that fit perfectly into the dashboard. Follow the brushed aluminum trim piece that starts to the left and makes it way across the dash, bending and gliding elegantly to the other side. The glossy piano black finishes on the buttons add class, as well as the diamond metallic finishes on the switches and roller selectors.
It's just a well-done, well-executed interior that you really need to experience to appreciate fully.
Sure, the infotainment system is almost exactly like an iPad, so your kids will figure it out immediately. It takes a little getting used to, but once mastered, it's elegant.
Below the center-mounted 12-inch display are the only dedicated switches in the interior for the volume, four-ways and stereo controls. The driver's instrument cluster is all digital and provides all the info needed, as well as being completely adjustable to what you need.
The interior comes off as minimalist and should because of how Volvo packages the equipment into the screen and driver's instrument panel. The center console also provides a luxurious spot for your cup with a retractable cover that smoothly retracts back with a nudge. Even the ignition start/stop looks like a jewel from your grandmother's jewelry box.
Seating is top-notch and extra comfy. Rear seats are supportive and deep enough to allow for adults, as well as my child seat. Some Volvo models have built-in booster seats in the rear bench, but this one wasn't equipped.
Rear storage is another area of note. There are hooks and tie-down areas all over, so you can fasten your luggage or cargo in several configurations. I loved the flip-up floor that extends and locks into place so that you can hang groceries from the hooks. Never again will your groceries roll around the back of the hatch when you make a bend too sharply. It's also a good stop for larger items you want to keep in place.
On road, the V60 is a calm customer with a lot of pep and characteristics. It gives luxury performance with an added bit of sportiness when called upon. The ride is a balance of soft overall but lets you know when you are on rough terrain — a good blend. It corners well and is mostly flat in the bends with assisted steering to help keep you on path. The driver's position is also a little elevated to provide a slightly higher view of the road, and it's well received.
Brakes are as expected for this type of car, and Volvo always does a top-notch job when it comes to stopping on a dime.
My only real complaints are price point and fuel mileage. I expected a little closer to the 25 mpg average that Volvo claims, but I got closer to 19 or 20.
MSRP for the V60 T5 AWD is $45,100, and after adding the Advanced package, Cross Country and heated rear seats, and $4,000 B&W sound system, the price jumps to $56,990.
Will Chamberlain is a local freelance automotive journalist and full-time Realtor with eXp Realty in Beaver. He can be reached at bill.chamberlain@icloud.com.
Komentar
Posting Komentar