V60 D4 - just another new owner's impressions

[craigv60]

Well, 500 miles and just over a week into the ownership of my new V60 D4 SE manual in silver.

Having stepped straight out of a MY2012 V60 D3 ES manual (163bhp) it's been interesting finding out how much has changed, and how much has stayed the same.

The ergonomics have stayed the same, so I'm just as happy as I was with the old car. I reckon that Volvo's revised the suspension settings a little, the ride is subtly different and seems a tiny bit harsher than the old car, but maybe the dampers will soften a little as the miles build up.

The cabin is supremely quiet, hardly any road noise at all and the engine is almost inaudible.

The engine. Oh my. I thought the old 5-cylinder D3 was a peach, but the D4 VEA is a cut above. It's even more effortless, with a really satisfying throttle response. The Daily Telegraph's first drive review called the response 'aggressive' -- I wouldn't go that far, but it's instant, direct and lag-free from 1,200rpm upwards, giving you a very firm shove in the back. The engine is creamy smooth, but I do miss the old 5-cylinder warble which added to the character of the car.

Gearbox is very precise and the gate is smaller than the old car -- the action has a more precise, mechanical feel to it. The gear ratios are a bit shorter too, which helps the in-gear overtaking punch. I always felt the old V60 was slightly overgeared, the new ratios match the engine characteristics very well.

I went with the standard dash, not the smart LED one. I really prefer the old-style, twin-dial dash. I reckon the new dash designs are answering questions that nobody asked. That's progress for you.

Have yet to do a proper brim-to-brim fill but have over 400 miles on the current tank with the range showing 320 to empty, so it's looking promising. The trip stats show 50.3mpg from brand-new: anyone know how accurate that is?

[Thomo206]

I've got 8 weeks to go so I like reading all the reviews keep them coming.

[Bongobobby]

A very detailed and informative post. I also look forward to hearing more, as I too have another 8 weeks to wait...

[andymcp]

Nice review, very similar to my experiences so far. Especially on the road noise - the car is just so quiet when cruising along at any speed.

Originally Posted by craigv60

Have yet to do a proper brim-to-brim fill but have over 400 miles on the current tank with the range showing 320 to empty, so it's looking promising. The trip stats show 50.3mpg from brand-new: anyone know how accurate that is?

My trip (albeit over 9000 miles now) is within a mpg or two of the real brim to brim numbers. I have had to check my brim to brim twice though, as the Fuelly sig is lower in here than it is if I visit the site direct. From the sig here it's over 1mpg from the trip, from the actual lifetime mpg on the Fuelly website, the difference is less than one mpg.

[craigv60]

Over 2,000 miles up now, just had a family holiday in Wales.

Coming back with me and 4 passengers in the car and everyone's luggage, the overtaking performance on A-roads is really quite remarkable: you're safely past caravans and other slower vehicles much quicker than you'd think. Even just half-throttle really kicks in the afterburners in 4th gear at 40-odd mph. Of course, it's even better without all the extra people and baggage

Average mpg from new is 49.4 brim-to-brim, which is great for the size of car and my driving.

[Harvey1512]

Very impressive. My wife did not like my V60 but had it been the current D4 rather than the 1.6 Drive I had then I suspect I would still be in one now. Thankfully the XC60 is a lovely alternative and the mpg penalty I pay compared to your V60 is not too great, probably around 3-4 mpg I suspect.

I was down in your neck of the woods at the weekend, Knutsford. I took my kids on a tour of Media City and then onto The Lowry for the BBC kids tv exhibition. If you have not been yet then I would recommend it.

[craigv60]

@Harvey: bizarre coincidence, I was wandering around Knutsford on Saturday afternoon while my wife & daughter were shopping.

[Harvey1512]

Originally Posted by craigv60

@Harvey: bizarre coincidence, I was wandering around Knutsford on Saturday afternoon while my wife & daughter were shopping.

I grew up there but moved away after university. Did you grow up in Macclesfield? I knew quite a few lads from Kings as I played a lot of sport back then and that was a local derby for us. Happy days, but a long time ago now. Kings had a great PE teacher back then, old school and dedicated. I can't remember his name but it was back in the 80's.

Another tip for you, you may know this one already, Seven Sisters Ice Cream Farm. It is on the Knutsford - Holmes Chapel road. Lovely stuff. Pat a calf, eat a cake or have a top notch ice cream.

[craigv60]

No, just moved here 20-odd years ago ...