THE Volvo V60 T3 R-Design Premium embodies a challenge to choice.
Three-quarters of the way to being an estate and not a saloon, the tourer body is itself a compromise shaped by style, while under the flowing form between bumpers lies a highly sophisticated yet comparatively modest powertrain which packs in performance and frugality.
Perhaps the Chinese philosopher Confucius knew that his countrymen would one-day own Volvo when he said that 'he who will not economise will have to agonise'. He also said 'it does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.'
But that does not take account of the latest Volvo’s smart technology which stops and re-starts the engine to save fuel when stationary.
So, the V60 T3 R Design Premium is a challenge to its competitors on not one but many counts.
The Ford-built turbo-charged 1.6 engine is extremely powerful for its size and Volvo has tuned it to be extremely responsive, both from rest or when overtaking, and it often behaves like an engine of much larger capacity, particularly when quietly cruising along a motorway.
Although Volvo claims it will average close to 43mpg, we could never get near to this figure, and the best we obtained on a single steady journey was 39mpg.
That said, the economy we achieved was consistent even with a lot of urban use which brought into play the stop/start system, and not a lot of effort being put into stretching it as far as possible.
It is a good starter, quiet and quick to rev and the power band is surprisingly wide for a turbo. The power builds rapidly and lasts to make overtaking very safe and it is utterly composed at motorway speed.
The light clutch and neat short six-speed gearchange would be appreciated by any driver, the brakes haul down speed without drama and the steering needs little effort to make a compact turn without being too twitchy as speed rises.
It is very easy to park and in traffic there is good visibility.
Secondary controls, switches and instruments are straightforward once you get accustomed to their location and multi-function nature and the sat nav display is big and easy to read if not as intuitive as it might be. Overall I liked the modern interior look and feel.
I liked the radar controlled cruise system which warns and slows you if too close to the vehicle infront and found the door mirror mounted blind-spot alert a very useful safety aid, as was the lane departure warning, even if it sounded like the opening four bars to the William Tell overture. Perhaps it was meant to make you think “Come away, come away” as your strayed off course.
The V60 is a very practical tourer. Climate control is standard and works well, there is plenty of oddments space and the boot rises in capacity from a minimum 339 litres to over 900 litres with the rear seats folded.
The fifth door opens high and the loadbed is wide and well shaped, with a further shallow compartment beneath for small items, and access for passengers is good.
The rear seat legroom is a little short for taller people but the front pair of seats provide a lot of room and adjustments, the seats are big, wrap-around and support very well.
Ride quality is very good for the wheelbase.
The V60 T3 displayed little body roll or pitching and it soaked up bad bumps without complaint yet imparted a pleasant responsiveness and sharpness when pressing on.
Tourers can deliver a harder than desired ride when lightly laden but this was not the case with this Volvo.
You could hear some road rumbles and suspension noises but wind and mechanical commotion was very low. Push really hard and the engine note rose but even then it was not intrusive or annoying but had a pleasant pitch.
As a family car with its MP3 connectivity, its business-like Bluetooth and optional £1,000 rear-seat entertainment it could fulfil a number of rolls and deliver them in a convenient package.
I can see owners of bigger Volvo estates being attracted to this more agile and modern stablemate and owners of more austere alternative tourers looking for greater sophistication and style.
This Volvo V60 T3 R Design rises to any challenge with refinement and ability.
FAST FACTS
Volvo V60 T3R Design Premium 150 1.6
Price: £27,555
Mechanical: 150ps, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 9.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 36
Insurance group: 25
CO2 emissions: 152g/km
BIK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles