Trough the Ages: The Volvo V60

The Volvo V60 is a true gem for Canadian car enthusiasts as well as folks looking to move larger loads or families without having to go the route of the ubiquitous crossover or SUV. Since the early 2010s, the V60 has returned, year after year while almost every other manufacturer has sent their wagon models packing in favour of more CUVs and SUVs. Throughout all that, though, there was the venerable V60 serving as the beacon for fun people moving.

Starting out for the 2011 model year, the V60 was powered by either an inline four-cylinder or unique inline five-cylinder engines. They were both punchy enough to ensure that the kids would always get to hockey practice in time and sat low enough to the ground that when it was time to head from the car to the rink, junior could easily snag their hockey bag off of the low slung cargo floor. Not only was the V60 fun to drive for the parents, but it made it easier on the body because the kid no longer had the “it’s too high for me to reach!” excuse. A double-win for beleaguered parents!

If they wanted to take things even further in the performance direction, a Polestar model came on sale in 2014 and became an instant cult classic. With its bright Polestar Blue paint option, adjustable Öhlins dampers and Brembo brakes – not to mention its 345 horsepower – the Polestar took the driving aspects of the V60 experience to the max.

Then came the 2019 model year and it was time for the V60 to grow up a little and into its current form. It now made use of the new Volvo SPA platform, fully disconnecting it from the era that Ford was a major stakeholder in the brand. It was larger, butlooked sleeker thanks to details like the “Thor’s Hammer” DRLs and advanced wheel design.

Speaking of “advanced”: nothing is more advanced than the powertrain, which comes complete with supercharging, with turbocharging and can also be had EV power in T8 Recharge form; it’s enough to produce over 450 hp and over 520 lb-ft of torque, not to mention cruise for up to 63 km on EV power alone.

More than just a funky people mover, the Volvo V60 has evolved to a stately cross-country tourer with looks to kill and power to spare.