Volvo V60 joins all-new 2011 midsize range

Though the all-new 2011 Volvo S60 has yet to hit UAE roads, the Chinese-owned Swedish firm has launched the wagon version of the new sedan. The new model, dubbed the V60, seems to occupy a new position in the Volvo wagon line-up, somewhere between the V50 and the V70 in size.

The new Volvo V60 will be available with a variety of turbo engines, including a high-performance T6 turbocharged version.

The Volvo V60 T6 comes with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo engine, good for 304 hp and 440 Nm of torque. Acceleration in 0-100 kph takes 6.6 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 kph. Rated fuel economy stands at a claimed 10.2 litres/100 km. Power is delivered via Volvo’s second-generation 6-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is standard on the T6.

There is also a 2.0T model, with a new turbocharged 4-cylinder 2.0-litre “GTDi” direct-injection engine, making 203 hp with 300 Nm of torque available from 1750 rpm. Acceleration for 0-100 kph takes 7.9 seconds with a manual gearbox and 8.4 seconds with an automatic. Top speed is limited to 230 kph. By 2011, another version of this GTDi engine will be available, producing 240 hp and 320 Nm of torque in a T5 model.

Additionally, there is a new turbocharged 1.6-litre GTDi engine which is available in two versions. The T3 comes with 150 hp and 240 Nm of torque. The T4 comes with 180 hp and also 240 Nm from 1500 rpm to 5000 rpm., but during short-term overboost, it provides 270 Nm of torque.

The 2.0T, T5 and T4 are available with Volvo’s automatic 6-speed “Powershift” automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the T3 comes only with a manual gearbox. Only the T6 gets the 6-speed “Geartronic” automatic.

The whole range will have Volvo’s usual safety features, including self-braking doohickeys that debuted in the XC60 last year. It is unknown if this wagon model will be sold in the GCC, as Volvo has already announced that 90% of all production is earmarked for Europe.

Keep track of the model range in the Volvo buyer guide.