RE: Volvo V60 Polestar: Driven

RE: Volvo V60 Polestar: Driven

Sunday 29th October 2017

2017 Volvo V60 Polestar | Review

No longer six cylinders for the fast Volvo wagon, or even five - so how does the V60 Polestar perform with four?



Charming though the original V60 Polestar was, even its most ardent supporters were forced to accept that it had some problems. Chief among which was its powertrain; while the straight-six turbo sounded good (especially from the outside) and went well enough, it also placed a significant amount of mass way out front - not exactly great for dynamics. With that engine coupled to a sluggish and dim-witted six-speed auto, the car seemed to fall short of having its potential fulfilled. It was never going to be light or nimble, but the combined effect of that engine and gearbox gave an unwelcome inertia to the drive.


So while this V60 Polestar won't howl like the old one, or warble like a T5 Volvo, the switch to four cylinders should have enlivened the dynamics to a welcome degree. 38kg have been saved overall, with 24 of those shed from the front end, and it's been proven in the 2.0-litre Jaguar F-Type what a transformative effect removing weight from the nose can have.

The 1,998cc turbocharged engine is familiar from other Volvo installations, although it's treated here to new con-rods, a bigger turbo and an uprated cam. Power is up slightly on before (from 350hp to 367), with acceleration improved thanks to that and the shorter intermediate ratios afforded by the switch from six to eight gears. The exterior styling appears altered very little bar some new wheels - no objections in our book - and the interior is largely unchanged too, though that's in more need of attention: the displays are small and the battalion of buttons on the dash does now look very 2007.


Fortunately the V60's situation improves on the road. Swiftly you find yourself thinking of words seldom, if ever, used to describe a Volvo - this is not staid or obstinate, instead it feels zesty and enthusiastic and interesting. It's still a large estate car, though one imbued with a tangible amount more energy than before.

Not only does the four-cylinder engine rev more eagerly than before, but it can be kept in its upper reaches because of a more co-operative gearbox. No longer are you waiting for it to slur through an upshift or dribble in a downshift; instead this eight-speed is snappy, responsive and direct. It still doesn't feel the best installation of this ZF gearbox, with the odd shunty change and moment's hesitation, but the improvement on before is vast.

With a small power gain, a tad less weight and closer ratios, the Polestar's acceleration is more vivid too. It's not suddenly an RS4 rival, granted; but now there's never any doubt about the car's performance credentials, where its predecessor could feel a little sluggish and leaden. In all honesty the six-cylinder car could have been markedly improved with this gearbox too but, even as it is, the Polestar feels like one of the more successful downsizing operations.


Particularly as it's also improved how this big Volvo estate drives. Again the Ohlins adjustable dampers are standard, delivered to us with 10 clicks on both the front and rear units - the range is 0-30, with the softness rising with the number, and 10 is Volvo's recommended road set-up. There's no denying a certain toughness at lower speeds - we'd probably soften it off a tad for everyday - yet at the national speed limit the control is exemplary, the car refusing to be flustered by surface imperfections. It makes the V60 extremely confidence inspiring at speed, the resolute composure giving you faith as a driver to attack the road.

What this car isn't, however, is a modern Swedish take on a Nissan Stagea or Evo wagon. Indeed even an S4 Avant is probably a bit sharper to drive. Pace and accuracy are prioritised above all else; the lighter nose gives a more positive turn in, and the Polestar-tuned steering is decent, but that's all your involvement in a corner. It grips and goes, which has its appeal, though with the prodigious ability of those dampers and, seemingly, everything else underneath, it's almost a shame there isn't a little more firepower to exploit that.


What this four-cylinder Polestar represents, therefore, is an enhancement of the fast Volvo recipe rather than a radical overhaul of it. It's still big, spacious, stylish and refined, now with an engine and gearbox that have made it more efficient and just that bit better to drive as well. If you're into performance Volvo wagons then you'll love this car, in the same way that you'd likely have been fond of the last one. Trouble is, £50K fast estates aren't exactly hard to come by at the moment...

If you want six cylinders, four-wheel drive and a premium badge, there's the Mercedes-AMG C43. If you want the ultimate in subtlety, the Audi should fit the bill. The best driving car in the segment comes from Alpina, and don't forget there's a BMW alternative too. Finally, a Golf R Estate can make a pretty damn good case for itself here too at £35K. See the point?

That's not to say the Volvo isn't a talented car; far from it, having improved on what was already a likeable model. If you like the brand and the car appeals, take the plunge: it's very good, and we know from experience that the car only becomes more endearing after time. Just ensure all the other rivals have been dismissed first, because that's a jolly talented group of vehicles.

Inspired? Buy a Volvo V60 Polestar here


SPECIFICATION | 2017 VOLVO V60 POLESTAR
Engine:
1,998cc 4-cyl turbo
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 367@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 347@3,100-5,100rpm
0-62mph: 4.8sec
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Kerbweight: 1,834kg
MPG: 34.9 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 186g/km
Price: £49,665

 

 

 

 

Author
Discussion

tjlees

Original Poster:

1,382 posts

236 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
That's a serious amount of horses from 2 litres!

That will be really reliable over 100k miles then - for £50k and 1.8t


ducnick

1,765 posts

242 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
“It still doesn't feel the best installation of this ZF gearbox”

Are Volvo using zf autos now then? Even if it’s a bad installation it will be light years ahead of the Asiain Warner 8 speed box used in the rest of the Volvo range

Edited by ducnick on Monday 30th October 06:39

Ninja59

3,691 posts

111 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
ducnick said:
Are Volvo using zf autos now then? Even if it’s a bad installation it will be light years ahead of the Asiain Warner 8 speed box used in the rest of the Volvo range
No they are not, even the ecu plonked on the top of the box tells you it is aisin.

My dad bought one of these as his retirement pressie lovely thing good supercharger whine and turbo, although in silver not black. It definitely is more vocal than a golf r. Discounts are about 7-8k off list...early 40's easily achieved matching some approved cars selling out there.

Other issue is the process polestar took an age to confirm the order. The MY18 (the car in the picture is MY17 car clearly will be the last and the even updated wheels from MY17 are now diamond cut, and a few carbon pieces on the exterior as well as a dark blue as oppsed rebel blue

Tim16V

418 posts

181 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
It seems to be very lardy at 1,835 kg - the Golf R is a whole 260 kg lighter.

Mike335i

4,985 posts

101 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
Whilst I'm sure this is an amazing bit if kit, I do think it lacks a certain 'left field' appeal. The 5 cylinder engines had bags of character and I'm sure the old 6 in the Polestar sounded lovely, but it now seems to fall into a familiar '2.0T with an auto' category. I think something really very different would have been much more Volvo.

If the Germans can make 6 cylinder engines relatively efficient, why can't the Swedes make a more efficient 5 cylinder? (I know the cost of developing a new engine would be astronomical and they are heading towards electrification etcetera, so of course it wouldn't happen.)

The article also cites Alpinas, S4s and C43s as the competition, but actually misses the stuff like the 340i as being a more realistic competitor at cheaper price point (before options of course). On paper it's down on power, but not by that much and many seem to believe it's underrated.

I just wish this could have been different to the usual competition. There are loads of sporty über-powerful estates, but so little real diversity anymore and it can't be long until the 6 cylinders are gone.

Edited by Mike335i on Monday 30th October 07:59

Onehp

1,617 posts

282 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
Lots of mistakes.
It's a heavy car but it isn't 1835kg kerb. Perhaps real life with driver.
Not a ZF box, but Aisin.
Engine is supercharger also, should be memtioned.
It's a big car perhaps, but not especially roomy, boot is only 430l.

Still like it, but for the money would have the merc with similar appeal. Volvo will still go with profit anyhow.

As a roomy driver alternative, I definitely prefer my manual Cupra estate. 320ish real hp, 590l boot and kerb 1420kg.

peter450

1,650 posts

232 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
Very expensive, I know 4 cylinders have been moving up the price ranges but unless their willing to offer big discounts, which kinda begs the question why not sell it cheaper to start with.

blearyeyedboy

6,252 posts

178 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
I'm very much in the "lighter weight, better handling, better car" camp.

Volvo's six cylinder wasn't not without merit, but better consigned to history and the trade off for better balance is worth it.

Plenty of four cylinder cars make 300,000 miles, and one of these will if well treated.

If I had a large windfall and wanted to blow £50k on a fast estate, this is where my money would go.

Dial the Ohlins to 20 while carrying family, back to 10 on a blast for me. Perfect.

ZX10R NIN

27,495 posts

124 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
To much for me it seems the gearbox has made the biggest difference at which point you have to wonder how much better the 6 cylinder would have been with the new box, which would also have given the car a nice USP.

As it is this car has too many rivals with their own USP's such as C43/RS3/S4/340i etc.

tjlees

Original Poster:

1,382 posts

236 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
ZX10R NIN said:
To much for me it seems the gearbox has made the biggest difference at which point you have to wonder how much better the 6 cylinder would have been with the new box, which would also have given the car a nice USP.

As it is this car has too many rivals with their own USP's such as C43/RS3/S4/340i etc.
Agreed. Why would I spend £50k on a stressed out 4 pot when there are so many better rivals? .. e.g.


Biggriff

2,312 posts

283 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
Have you looked at how much a nearly new one of these is? It’s a huge chunk off the new price and makes a very good case for itself.

I fancied one but the Volvo dealer wasn’t interested in selling me one for some reason. Interior could do with an update compared to the newer models but it’s still a lovely place to park your posterior and the seats are ridiculously lovely for long journeys.

In the end I compromised and went 991 for fun and V90 for normal driving. I’m looking forward to Volvos getting “handling by lotus”.

Hub

6,413 posts

197 months

Sunday 29th October 2017
quotequote all
Getting on a bit, but still probably the best looking current estate. Expensive, yes, but strong appeal for me as something different.

Nersha

143 posts

130 months

Monday 30th October 2017
quotequote all
♿ Polestar cars coming through ♿

Bibbs

3,733 posts

209 months

Monday 30th October 2017
quotequote all
Shame they didn't just make a road version of this ..


Ozerob

25 posts

86 months

Monday 30th October 2017
quotequote all
Agreed the best looking V8 supercar ever made.

Krise

605 posts

209 months

Monday 30th October 2017
quotequote all
I have a 2014 car, picked it up 2 weeks ago

It’s fairly rapid, quite loud, you do notice the weight when you chuck it around.

It’s also super rare, I test drove one 2 years ago and haven’t even seen another in a dealers let alone on the road as there are only about 150 ish 2014 - 2017 cars on the road and I think even less of this newer 2.0 car

In polestar guise it’s the best looking car in this class, it has more kit as standard than any of the completion, I think the only option was what colour and window tints.


Ares

11,000 posts

119 months

Monday 30th October 2017
quotequote all
At £40k, this could have a following

But at £50k, you would have to be a big Volvo fan to choose this over more illustrious competitors.

Charlie Michael

2,750 posts

183 months

Monday 30th October 2017
quotequote all
Once again I ask the question of PH - why do you never show the boot of any estate car you feature?

One of the reasons that people pick an estate is down to the size of the boot, and no article I can remember has an image shown as part of the review.

ZX10R NIN

27,495 posts

124 months

Monday 30th October 2017
quotequote all
Ozerob said:
Agreed the best looking V8 supercar ever made.
As well as being one of the best sounding V8 Supercars I've heard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ3jXFJMVrc