Volvo V60 Polestar: High Performance Conflict Resolution

Jeff Glucker

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[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWng9JJ4IFc[/youtube]

You need a car that can handle the load of your daily life. You also need a car that’s going to make you smile when you drive it. Enter the Volvo V60 Polestar; a premium, compact wagon with a racing background.

It’s limited. It’s packing 350 horsepower. It will run from 0-60 miles per hour in under five seconds. It can do all of this, and it can also transport your family comfortably and safely.

This is another shining example of the awesomeness that is the wagon.

[Disclaimer: Volvo/Polestar tossed me the guys to this bright blue wagon for a few days, and included a tank of gas. I wish they would toss me those keys and let me keep it forever… such a great car.]

About

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff

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  1. Dean Bigglesworth Avatar
    Dean Bigglesworth

    How good is the re-calibrated transmission? That was pretty much my only gripe with the "old" R-design Polestar. I see they've at least added fladdles. Apart from that I'd describe it as a simpler and more relaxed 335i, and I quite liked my time with it. This one should be even better.
    I've spent some time in Norway with the updated V60 too, albeit with a 180hp diesel and FWD. Apart from the lack of room you already mentioned and some issues with visibility there's not much wrong with it that couldn't be fixed with nearly twice the power and AWD.
    <img src="http://i.imgur.com/7Lr8bea.jpg&quot; width="500" </img>

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      "Apart from that I'd describe it as a simpler and more relaxed 335" I like that point and agree with it.
      Never drove the previous transmission so I can't tell you that.

      Reply
  2. wunno sev Avatar
    wunno sev

    volvo has this weird thing going now where they make really good cars that nobody wants, myself included
    so for me it's totally weird that i really want this thing
    the only downside is the transmission – six-speed slushbox is a weird choice on a fancy car, let alone a fancy performance car, in 2015. but it's still dope as hell and 0-60 in under 5 blows my mind. the regular V60 is pretty, but bland. this little guy seems to resolve the problem without needing stupid amounts of power.
    i'll never own a genuine Polestar, but there's a bit of a halo effect. with just a little massaging, this is what a V60 could look like. makes it a more appealing choice for Future Grown-Up Me.

    Reply
    1. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      On that first point…Volvo has had a killer 2014. It's just the US that is really lacking. To be honest, I am surprised that the marketing gimmick of a "limited edition" has such a low number for the entire US – only 120 cars? That's just one Polestar per ~32000 sq mi. Yes. But on the other hand, I do agree with you, too, as a sucker for classic Volvos. The V60 still has the awesome seats, thought-through ergonomics and details that also Jeff comments on with well-weighed enthusiasm. But it lacks in practicality. I haven't even driven the current generation, but sitting in one I am getting annoyed by the rear half of the car being designed so differently from what I'd want. I guess that's what the V70 is for, and the V60 sells well anyway.

      Reply
  3. mdharrell Avatar
    mdharrell

    "This is the first Volvo vehicle I've ever driven."
    The first I drove was an 1800S, followed a few years later by a 144 and, after a few more years, a 122, all three either already owned by or soon to be owned by the guy who got me hooked on SAABs. He, on the other hand, still drives a Volvo. I'm not entirely sure what to make of that.

    Reply
  4. SSurfer321 Avatar
    SSurfer321

    I'm quickly falling in love with my 2015 V60 T5. After the past three weekends of 600 mile road trips, I've found it incredibly comfortable. I want to reduce the body roll and get some better shoes. It could hold more in the back but served us well hauling home all the Xmas presents. And fit the power wheels without fail on a separate trip. I haven't achieved the advertised fuel economy on highway but it could be hilly terrain or the heavy foot.

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      ERMHEGERD, I wonder what it would cost to swap in the Polestar setup? Those Ohlins!!!

      Reply
  5. SSurfer321 Avatar
    SSurfer321

    It would probably be more cost effective to just sell this one and buy a new Polestar. Since they are bringing more over now.

    Reply
  6. craigsu Avatar
    craigsu

    Hmmm, I can find a used V70R AWD for no more than $15,000 and under 100,000 miles, then spend no more than half that on refurbishment and upgrades. That gets me a car that's probably 90% performance of the Polestar V60 for less than $25,000 and I gain utility to boot. I know, I know, that's being too practical but that's your typical Volvo owner for you. My 240 wagon needs a stablemate.

    Reply