In my last long-term update I mentioned how much I was looking forward to life in the station wagon lane and I’m happy to report that I’m still enjoying myself. With 13 600 km on the odometer “my” Volvo V60 T5 is coming into its own nicely, and everything that’s meant to loosen up is doing just that.
The most notably improved performer has been the Powershift six-speed transmission. While it’s no match for the likes of Porsche’s PDK or BMW’s M-DCT (nor was it meant to be), this dual clutch transmission provides near-seamless gearshifts and effortless progress. A noticeable characteristic that’s become more apparent as this ‘box has gained work experience is the healthy whistle that accompanies up-shifts.
I have to say that having sampled this same Ford EcoBoost-based, 177 kW turbo-charged 2,0-litre engine in the Range Rover Evoque, it somehow felt slightly stronger and more responsive in the heavier SUV than in the V60. Perhaps this has something to do with the different transmissions in the two (Evoque has a six-speed full-automatic) but it definitely felt like there was more urge for less effort in the baby Range Rover.
Not that the current Volvo V60 T5 is supposed to be a performance model (even though T5 used to denote the fitment the 2,5-litre five-cylinder engine). Both on my daily commute and on longer weekend trips the car has been performing its duties in a fuss-free and comfortable manner. Although colleague Wilhelm Lutjeharms seems to have the touch when it comes to returning average fuel consumption figures of around 9,2 litres/100 km (still someway off the manufacturer’s claimed 8,3 litres/100 km) on evenings when he borrows my wheels, I have to admit, despite my best leisurely efforts, I haven’t been able to drop below 10 litres/100 km on a tank of fuel.
One thing I have noticed during my longer trips in the car is that the area around the multi-function switches on the steering wheel seems to get quite warm the longer the journey becomes.
In an effort to rack up some loyalty programme points (with no plans to cash them in the near future) my fiancé and I have been doing a fair amount of child-minding lately. Two nieces (4 and 6 years old respectively) and two family friends (6 year old boy and 9 year old girl) later and all of a sudden the light ‘Softbeige’ leather interior colour in my V60 isn’t looking like the smartest option.
Those that followed my previous update will be pleased to note that Hobbes the boxer now has a sister (Molly the mini-sausage) and, although neither of them are too keen on actually getting into the back, they have been the ones most appreciating the wagon configuration on the V60. I was quite surprised to note that, even with a well-documented history of producing station wagons, Volvo elected to leave the lip of the luggage compartment (essentially the top of the rear bumper) the same colour as the rest of the vehicle. Even with the greatest of care, it is proving impossible not to scratch this section when loading and off-loading items (including dogs) into the rear.
I still have a little more than 10 000 kilometers to cover in the V60, including a 20 000 km service, so I’ll be sure to keep you posted on how life in the wagon lane is going.
