FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
Back in January this year, Volvo Car Malaysia launched the CKD variants of the V60 T4 and T5 for the local market. The V60 is basically a station wagon version of the S60 sedan with larger trunk space and versatility. With the V60 sportswagon, cargo space for shopping bags will never be an issue again! Shopping for furniture at IKEA? Not a problem.
[singlepic id=12647 w=620 h= float=]
Before hand, I am not a Volvo enthusiast but not until recently. Without the presence of V60 T3 in Malaysia, the Volvo V60 T4 is the entry range of the V60 line-up and follows by the T5.
[singlepic id=12684 w=620 h= float=]
Also, the Volvo V60 T5 has recently been awarded the “Best Performing Family Car” at the Allianz Asian Auto-VCA Industry Award 2012. But this doesn’t meaning the smaller T4 is not one of the “best”.
Though the V60 T4 is the entry range, but I felt that Volvo never neglect this model car with its standard safety features, performance and handling. The Volvo V60 T4 is packed with a 1.6-litre GTDi engine mated with a 6-speed PowerShift Dual-Clutch auto transmission. The 1.6-litre turbocharged powerplant output a maximum power of 180hp @ 5,700rpm with 240Nm of maximum torque from 1,600rpm to 5,000rpm. Technically, the PowerShift Dual-Clutch auto transmission is a wet clutch and it was designed with gearbox specialist Getrag under the GETRAG FORD Transmissions joint venture.
| [singlepic id=12640 w=310 h= float=] | [singlepic id=12638 w=310 h= float=] |
Based on the specification, the maximum speed is up to 220km/h and the T4 station wagon takes 0-100km/h below 9.2 seconds. Although the car is turbocharged with a small capacity engine, there are barely any turbo lags and the engine is quite responsive on the station wagon’s body. The combined cycle of fuel consumption takes 7.5 litres per 100 km for the V60 T4 and emitting 173g/km of CO2.
[singlepic id=12604 w=620 h= float=]
We are unable to test on the maximum speed on the road due to legal limitation in Malaysia, unless we put the car in Sepang racetrack. However, I found folks in YouTube managed driving up to 220km/h on the Autobahn in Germany. Hence, I presumed it is a valid claim.
[singlepic id=12663 w=620 h= float=]
| [singlepic id=12603 w=310 h= float=] | [singlepic id=12619 w=310 h= float=] |
The Volvo V60 T4 fitted standard with 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/50 R17 tyres. Besides the Volvo XC60, the other newer Volvo’s model comes with a tyre sealant kit instead of a spare tyre.
As you would expect, the standard fitment of the safety features includes the Volvo’s innovative City Safety system, Emergency Brake Light (EBL) system, anti-lock brakes (ABS), driver and front passenger front and side airbags and Inflatable curtain side airbags, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Advanced Stability Control (ASC) and Rollover Protection System (ROPS).
| [singlepic id=12615 w=200 h= float=] | [singlepic id=12658 w=200 h= float=] | [singlepic id=12632 w=200 h= float=] |
The Volvo V60 T4 equipped with “City Safety” feature which warns the driver if he is about to hit the car in front, and if the driver still don’t react, the automatic braking system will kick in for a complete stop if the car is traveling below 16km/h. Between 16km/h – 30km/h, City Safety will still kick in and reduce the impact speed of the collision.
Due to my personal experience, I always left my car and forgotten whether I have locked the car. Now, Volvo has the solution for me with the Personal Car Communicator (PCC). By pressing the Info button, the flashing light will tell whether the car is locked, open or if the alarm has been triggered whilst I was away. When it is out of range, the PCC will also show the status of the car based on the last contact range. Thus, I am no longer required to walk back and check whether the car is locked or not.
The child lock system on the Volvo V60 is electronically controlled at the driver’s side. Furthermore, all passengers have individual switches connected to the central locking system at all doors.
With the side discreet cameras and light mounted under the side mirrors, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) will detect vehicles in the blind spot and provide a visual warning and alert. This allows the driver to manoeuvre the car more safely and confidence.
[singlepic id=12683 w=620 h= float=]
| [singlepic id=12628 w=310 h= float=] | [singlepic id=12674 w=310 h= float=] |
Similar to the Volvo XC60 T5 that we tested previously, the Volvo V60 T4 comes with integrated 2-stage booster seats. The booster seats enable perfect position for the children to put on the seatbelts at the minimum height required.
The in-car entertainment system of the Volvo V60 T4 comes with 8 speakers with 4x40W amplifier and 5” integrated LCD screen with touch screen functionality. It support satellite navigation with built-in Garmin GPS, auxiliary audio input, bluetooth handsfree system with audio streaming, USB and iPod integration. One of our journalists, who is involved testing this car commented that he love this V60, simply because the factory audio system is really awesome!
[singlepic id=12656 w=620 h= float=]
| [singlepic id=12661 w=200 h= float=] | [singlepic id=12678 w=200 h= float=] | [singlepic id=12652 w=200 h= float=] |
Because it is a T4, the slightly sophisticated features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist and Distance Alert, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection, speed dependent steering and DVD player with 7” LCD screen are not included but in the T5. Moreover, the T5 will have slightly wider tyres – 235/45 R17 and a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
The selling price of the all-new Volvo V60 T4 Sportwagon start from RM230,290.00 on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. In addition, Volvo Car Malaysia recently launches best-in-class coverage plan for new Volvo customers with 5 years warranty, 5 years service and 5 years Volvo On Call. Volvo’s new “5+5+5” best-in-class coverage will provide Volvo car owners with peace of mind as well as the assurance of a worry-free driving experience.
In conclusion, this Volvo V60 turned out to be nearly as versatile as Swiss Army knives, and it is genereally more fuel efficient than any larger SUVs that we tested. The handling is responsive and sporty. Trust me, you can dive into corners decisively with the naughty V60.
Photo Gallery: Volvo V60 T4 by FastMotoring
[nggallery id=547]