Volvo Launches New Versatile V60 Sports Wagon

SYDNEY - March 29, 2011: Volvo has launched its all-new V60 sports wagon that bridges the gap between the sporty S60 sedan and practical and functional V70 offering a driver's car with sleek styling and a versatile, spacious interior.

Volvo Car Australia Managing Director Matt Braid says the new Volvo V60 is the perfect vehicle to complement the dynamic S60 sedan and the large, spacious and luxurious wagons for which Volvo is renowned.

"The new S60 raised the bar for sporting prestige sedans and now we have done it again for sports wagons with the new V60 offering more space and flexibility without any compromise in the exciting driving dynamics and stylish aesthetic" Mr Braid says.

"The designers have created a car with coupe-like styling that still has plenty of load space at the rear.

"At the same time they have succeeded in marrying that aesthetic to the car's performance with the V60 offering a choice of three powerful and efficient turbocharged engines, a chassis tuned for dynamic handling and a host of safety and comfort-related technical innovations."

Based on the new S60 sedan that was launched to critical and popular acclaim last December, the new V60 is available in three models - T5, D5 AWD and T6 AWD - with the two petrol-engined T5 and T6 AWD available in both standard and sporty RDesign variants.

Powering the V60 T5 is the new compact and efficient 177kW/320Nm 2.0-litre fourcylinder GTDi petrol engine that drives the front wheels through a smooth dual-clutch Powershift automatic transmission.

The T6, which is standard with Volvo's permanent all-wheel drive system, uses the upgraded 224kW/440Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine that was recently lauded as one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2011.

This powerful and refined engine drives all four wheels through the standard six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with Sports mode.

The diesel D5 version is powered by a torquey, highly efficient 151kW/420Nm 2.4- litre five-cylinder twin turbo engine that drives all four wheels through the standard Geartronic automatic transmission with Sports mode.

Both T5 and T6 AWD models are also available in the sporty R-Design specification that offers sharper looks with exterior and interior enhancements and a 15mm lower modified chassis to further improve driving dynamics.

As you would expect, the new V60 boasts a host of standard safety features and driver assistance aids with standard fitment of 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).

The new V60 is also optionally available with Volvo's third generation Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system that combines Collision Warning with Full Auto Braking (CWAB), Queue Assist, Pedestrian Detection and distance alert. Lane Departure Warning combined with Driver Alert is also an option.

With a Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) starting at $54,950, the Volvo V60 T5 offers outstanding value with a long list of standard comfort and convenience features.

These include Electronic Climate Control with cabin pollen filter, Cruise Control, electric windows with one touch auto up/down for front and rear, electrically retractable (and heated) exterior door mirrors, power driver seat with memory for seat and mirrors, leather trim, remote central locking, rain sensor windscreen wipers, rear Park Assist, Bluetooth connectivity and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The standard High Performance Sound system combines a full colour 5-inch screen, AM/FM radio, single slot MP3 compatible CD player and eight speakers and comes complete with audio controls on the steering wheel and auxiliary and USB inputs. An optional High Performance Multimedia system is also available that gains a 7-inch screen. A DVD player replaces the CD player.

This same high specification is shared with the mid-range D5 AWD turbodiesel model while the top-of the range T6 AWD also gains Volvo Navigation System (VNS), a Premium Dolby Prologic surround sound system audio unit that uses the 7- inch screen, DVD player and 12 speakers, power front passenger seat, front Park Assist and larger 18-inch alloy wheels.