The European manufacturers like to drip-feed in variants of and powertrains for their fully redesigned models so, in due tradition, Geely-owned Volvo Cars has expanded its UK V60 estate car (station wagon) range to include two sporty R-Design trim levels plus a high(er)-riding Cross Country version.
In a variation of they-kept-the-best-till last, Volvo expects R-Design to be the best selling trim level in a UK market that likes its Volvos posher than many others – some base level trim items never make it to these shores.
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R-Design variants have a high gloss black finish for the mesh front grille, door mirror housings, window frames, integrated roof rails and twin tailpipe surrounds. They also have 18 inch alloy wheels with a diamond cut finish,LED front fog lights and front parking sensors (additional to rear).
The cabin has black headlining, sports pedals, sports leather steering wheel and gear lever, and R-Design etched tread plates. The sports front seats are fitted with part leather upholstery, cushion extensions and multi-directional lumbar support. There are also metal mesh interior inlays, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, and a central rear armrest with storage and cupholders.
All versions have ‘sports tuned’ suspension with stiffer spring rates, faster responding monotube dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and a 12mm lower ride height.
The R-Design specification is available in the UK with all the current V60 DriveE powertrain options: D3 and D4 diesels with a six speed manual or eight speed automatic transmission, and the T5 petrol automatic. Automatic versions uniquely in the V60 range have steering wheel paddle shifts for quick manual gear selection. Combined cycle fuel economy is up to 62.9mpg with CO2 emissions from 119g/km (D4 manual).
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By GlobalDataR-Design Pro versions add 19 inch alloy wheels, dark tinted rear windows, active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology, and puddle lights.
They also have Keyless Drive – entry and engine start – and hands-free tailgate operation plus multi-colour interior lighting. A head-up display is also fitted while the front seats are heated with power adjustment for the driver’s seat and a memory setting that also automatically adjusts the door mirrors.
Matt Galvin, sales director of Volvo Car UK, said: “The V60 is a significant model for Volvo, especially as we head towards our target of selling 60,000 cars in the UK by 2020.”
Cross Country
Volvo has offered Cross Country versions of its estate cars since 1997, offering SUV-style 4WD, a higher ride height and slightly more “rugged” styling to buyers who prefer the traditional body style to the currently fashionable SUV.
The latest V60 Cross Country is designed and engineered to tackle tougher driving conditions.
Additional bodywork protection, finished in charcoal grey, includes wheel arch extensions, lower sill mouldings and a rear bumper embossed with the Cross Country logo. The lower grille has the same finish and the model gets its own five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
Permanent all wheel drive is standard along with an extra 60mm of ground clearance (also makes entry and exit easier for those of us with worn hip and knee joints), the V60 Cross Country also gets Hill Descent Control and an Off Road Drive Mode setting which alters the operation of the constantly variable AWD and the responsiveness of the engine, gearbox and accelerator pedal to help when negotiating tricky terrain below 25mph.
Equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, automatic LED headlights with Active High Beam, a powered tailgate and Hill Start Assist.
The UK-spec Cross Country initially has just Volvo’s 190hp two-litre D4 diesel engine matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission but insiders told just-auto a T5 petrol is coming. Volvo sees this initial diesel version as ideal for towing with a maximum 400Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm with a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg. On the standard 18-inch wheels, 55.4mpg combined cycle fuel economy is claimed, with CO2 emissions of 135g/km.
Of this one, Galvin said: “The Cross Country has been an integral part of our estate car line-up since 1997, and this latest version maintains its heritage of giving customers another dimension of driving capability and ruggedness. The new V60 has been incredibly well received since its launch and the addition of the new Cross Country version promises to raise its appeal even further.”
On-the-road price is GBP38,270.
Volvo UK sold 50,319 cars in 2018 for a 2.1% market share; the first time it’s been above 2% since 1995. Helped by eight new models launched since 2014, it’s aiming for 2.5% in 2019.
It has just announced an update for the smash-hit XC90 launched in 2015 and the US-built S60 sedan complement to the V60 is due in showrooms in the spring.
