Volvo V60 T8 Inscription Sport Wagon Test Drive Review
Has Volvo Delivered A Hot Hatch Or A Wagon With This V60 T8?
We will start by explaining why we are asking if this wagon is a hot hatch. Well, looking at the current new hot hatchbacks for sale, like the VW Golf GTI Mk8, the BMW M135i and the Mercedes-AMG A35, they are all bigger, longer and have flat rear hatches just like this Volvo V60. However, this V60 is longer as it comes with a larger sized boot.
When it comes to vehicle height, this V60 is as low as the GTI and A35 (it is actually lower than the Mk5 and Mk6 GTI) and the exit and entry into the cabin is just like with the GTI and A35. Selling price for the V60 sits right in between the GTI and A35 and the V60 has all wheel drive added like with the A35 and 135i.
This all new Volvo V60 T8 PHEV drivetrain produces an impressive combined output of 407 horsepower and 640Nm of torque. If plugged in and fully charged up, this V60 Recharge T8 will be able to drive on pure electric power for up to 49 kilometers. Plus, the 0-100km/h acceleration is done in just under 5 seconds which is better than the GTI and same as the 135i.
V60 Rivals And More
Yes, we are saying that this is all-new V60 sports wagon is sitting in the same segment with the BMW 135i hot hatch that uses BMWβs most powerful inline 4 2.0-litre B48A20 engine. It delivers 302hp between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. It takes just 4.8 seconds to go from 0-100km/h and has a top speed of 250km/h.
Priced from RM355,646.25, it is RM24,000 cheaper than this Mercedes-AMG 35 which costs RM379,888. However the V60 is priced even lower at just RM286,474.
The latest Golf GTI is priced at RM211,689.54 and it is locally assembled. This GTI is equipped with a 2.0TSI turbocharged engine mated with a 7-speed wet clutch DSG that produces 245PS and 370Nm of torque which allows it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds. It might be the slowest in this elite group, but it is also priced more affordable.
Built and delivered for the performance minded buyer, Volvo Car Malaysia has this V60 T8 in showrooms to tickle possible interest away from the above-mentioned German brands, but will it succeed in doing so?
V60 Driving Experience
We enjoyed this V60 in Klang Valley city traffic and also around the roads of Petaling Jaya with its almost immediate throttle response and quick steering. Then we decided that a interstate drive was needed. To Sungei Buloh via Shah Alam which meant tight state maintained roads and with little room for mistakes on the blind corners with palm oil trees to the left and right.
As we pushed this V60, it eagerly attacked the tarmac with the thin low profile tires working hard. There is no hesitation in its power delivery. Driver comfort was good with the torso hugging seats and the in board entertainment unit was doing a great job.
The V60 steering is well-weighted and communicative and felt quite agile, despite weighing more than two tons. The 8-speed automatic gets the job done fast and if you want more action, use the paddle shifters to shift faster.
From our well managed test drive, this V60 T8 is true hot hatch rival with available 519 liters of cargo space which allows for golfing buddies to come for the ride and also a couple of bicycles for that dirt road trek with the fairer sex.
What You Need To Know Also
This Volvo is capable of a 250km/h top speed, but the manufacture with social conscious has decided to govern the top speed of this sports sedan to 180km/h which is about right for our highways, when accelerating after each speed camera along the highway.
Volvo V60 T8 Inscription Specifications
Engine: Inline-4, Turbocharged, Supercharged, PHEV electric motor
Capacity: 1969cc
Gearbox: 8-speed Semi-Automatic
Max power: 320hp @ 5700rpm (407hp with electric drivetrain)
Max torque: 400Nm @ 1200rpm (640Nm with electric drivetrain)
Top Speed: 180km/h (manufacturer restricted)
0-100 km/h: 4.8 seconds
Price: RM286,474.00
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