V60 is sleek, safe but not much fun

ROAD TEST

The renaissance of Volvo continues apace, with the latest models bearing little apparent relation
to the rather tank-like though well-loved Volvos of old.

Today's are still sold heavily on safety but they're also meant to be more fun to drive, while retaining their legendary load-lugging ability.

Which rather makes the V60 a bit of a mystery. We tried the D3 R-Design model which turned up in vivid, eye-catching red. Very dashing it looked too with sharp, ground-hugging lines.

Inside there was a dynamic air with crisply-styled dashboard and instrumentation and an obvious feeling of quality. In London the nicely controlled ride made short work of our often shoddy streets, and when we ventured outside the Smoke the handling was surefooted too. But fun to drive? That might be stretching it a little; it was certainly a pleasant car to drive; smooth, efficient, relaxing even, but not really engaging, not least thanks to steering feeding back little feel.

As for load-lugging, it might look like an estate but it's a small one. The boot had plenty of room for my solo overnight dash to Cardiff and back but it wouldn't cope with, say, a family's holiday requirements.

What did impress was the consumption; 45mpg was no trouble even cruising at decent motorway speeds thanks to the six-speed box and torquey
two-litre diesel engine that produces 163 PS, claimed to be good for a top speed of 137 and 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds.

The seating deserves special mention for being just right; supportive, perfect for a long journey and with plenty of head and leg room. Visibility was good too; essential in London traffic.

The V60 is of its age; sleek, reasonably practical and good looking but quietly efficient rather than offering any sporty drive.