Here's the sleeker than sleek wagon version of the 2011 Volvo S60 sedan. We've already seen the 2011 Volvo V60 in spy photos, of course.
If we Americans liked wagons, the 2011 V60 would replace the V70 wagon, but we don't, so at this point Volvo will only sell it in Europe -- starting this fall. The automaker plans to build 50,000 of these wagons annually. We expect to meet up with the Volvo V60 at the Paris auto show.
A front-drive-based wagon, the V60 will come all the same drivetrains as the S60 sedan, meaning a couple of diesels, a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter four making about 200 hp (and which we liked a great deal in the S60 with Volvo's smooth new dual-clutch gearbox; a 240-hp version is in the works, too), and the 300-hp, turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-6 known as the T6. The T6, of course, is the only engine that will be offer initially in the U.S.-spec S60, and only with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
Just as on the S60, the V60 wagon will come with three available suspension programs -- standard "Dynamic", optional comfort-oriented "Touring" and optional Four-C, which uses adaptive dampers to deliver the best of both worlds.
Volvo hasn't disclosed a maximum cargo capacity spec for the 2011 V60, though having once seen this wagon in the metal, we can assure you it won't match the 72-cubic-foot capacity of its boxy V70 relative. Fifty to 60 cubic feet seems far more likely. Volvo says there's just 15.2 cubic feet of luggage behind the rear seat. Of course, the 40/20/40 rear seat, plus a fold-down front-passenger seat will give you some options for configuring the space. Video and more photos after the jump.
billt9 says:
07:53 AM, 07/ 5/10
This thing doesn't look like it'll do well in a flood. It looks like 4" of ground clearance.
rsholland says:
08:03 AM, 07/ 5/10
Volvo once stood as the poster-car for the maximum interior space/minimal exterior space school of automotive design. That's no longer true. Instead they've opted for fashion-over-function. Sad.
lexuslvr says:
08:15 AM, 07/ 5/10
Easily one of the sexiest Volvos ever produced its nice to see that they are finally trading off some praticality for some great styling.
cr_driver says:
10:16 AM, 07/ 5/10
Not bad!
stovt001 says:
10:18 AM, 07/ 5/10
As much as I love wagons, I can't say I'm too sad we won't be getting this in the States. This is just one more sad example of needlessly cutting down on outward visibility. Why even have those rear quarter windows? At that point, they might as well just make that area solid metal and cut down on costs and weight, since you certainly can't see anything meaningful from there. That alone wouldn't be a complete deal breaker since that describes nearly any new car, but now that Volvo's Chinese, I have no motivation to even consider them. Looks like we'll keep the old Ford wagon around until it well and truly dies.
hondacura4 says:
10:32 AM, 07/ 5/10
I really like Volvos currenty styling direction. Now if only Acura knew where it was headed.
smilez says:
10:03 PM, 07/ 5/10
Give me an XC version...
eclogite says:
04:45 AM, 07/ 6/10
Great looking car.
breadwagon says:
06:53 AM, 07/ 6/10
+1000 stovt001
I don't understand the new trend in rising belt lines and falling roofs with tiny rear windows. Sure it looks sort of cool, but you cant see out of these cars at all without the help of cameras! If it's just for the sake of looking good, STOP IT! If you need that design due to new roll over standards...well, hopefully they can start using stronger materials for the pillars and stop this madness.
justinlink says:
09:17 AM, 07/ 6/10
@stovt001
While the majority of your post appears well-informed considering I, too, think the rearward visibility on this car would be absysmal (not that it matters because it's not coming here), the last part of your post belies your igorance. I challenge you to find one electronic device in your home or place of business that wasn't manufactured in or contain parts from China. Does that stop you from considering any computer purchase from the likes of Apple, Dell, HP, Compaq, Lenovo (the list goes on)? What's worse, simply being owned by a Chinese company does not mean the car won't be manufactured in the same exact place Volvo has been making cars since before the Ford years, or by different personnel.
Rarely am I compelled to react to postings on here (because arguments online are futile), but the idea of rejecting a car company (manufactured in the same place by the same people prior to its sale) because it is now owned by the Chinese is rediculous, borne of fear, uncertainty and doubt.
lostboyz says:
10:02 AM, 07/ 6/10
Just another outside the box company falling inside it and fading into the beige. I think there was a way to refresh the volvo image, but this is not it.
stovt001 says:
08:05 PM, 07/ 6/10
Justinlink, your reasoning is exactly why I wouldn't buy a Chinese car. It is all but unavoidable that most of the stuff in my apartment is of course from China, like you said any electronics. And although some components may be made in China, cars are one of the last thing aimed at the mass consumer market that can be built here, or owned by an American company, or built or owned by a company in a country other than China. If 99% of my possessions are Chinese, I think I'm entitled to one non-Chinese product. Part of it is a desire to see a trade balance. The other part is just for the sake of a little variety.
mustang5507 says:
09:28 PM, 07/ 6/10
I think this works better than the sedan. Too bad Americans don't dig wagons still.
blueguydotcom says:
09:50 AM, 07/ 7/10
Egad, the new Volvo Snoz looks like a big mistake. This laughs in the face of the Audi Bass Face from 4 years ago and one ups the ugly with a droopy proboscis.