Volvo V60 Polestar review

If ever there was a car that will become a future classic, it’s the Volvo V60 Polestar.

The standard V60 is good in itself, but once Polestar – a Swedish tuning company now 100% owned by Volvo – got their hands on it… it became a car transformed.

And it’s not just collectable because only 125 examples have been made for the UK – it’s a fantastic car.

Mine came in the signature colour of Polestar – Rebel Blue – which alone sets it apart from a regular V60.

However, Polestar have also stuck a potent six-cylinder 3-litre petrol engine under the bonnet, distributed the 345bhp to all four 20-inch alloys via a Haldex all-wheel drive system, tweaked the suspension and given it some subtle bodywork tweaks. It also stops very quickly, thanks to high-performance Brembo brakes.

The result is a sensational car which not only sounds awesome, but drives exceptionally well too.

Add to that a classy, high spec interior package with supportive, comfortable, leather sports seats and you’re left with one of the best load-luggers on the road.

Now that’s saying something because hot estates are all the rage – VW, Audi, Mercedes and BMW know a thing or two about this sector.

But if you’re looking for a medium-sized sports estate that isn’t German with far more exclusivity, then Volvo’s V60 Polestar could be right up your street.

It’s not cheap, starting at just under £50,000 (£49,785), but there’s everything you’d expect from a Volvo in terms of quality, comfort and safety.

Nor it is the most spacious – rear seat passengers are slightly compromised when it comes to headroom and legroom, while the boot is a reasonable 430 litres, rising to 1,241 with the rear seats down.

And it’s best not to talk about its green credentials either – with CO2 emissions at 237g/km and a claimed 27.7mpg, which is closer to 20mpg during spirited driving. There’s even a noticeable amount of road noise in the cabin.

But here’s the thing. Despite all that, the Volvo V60 Polestar is a very special car that puts a huge smile on your face.

Capable of 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, it’s hugely entertaining to drive and that deep exhaust roar is something else. Slip the lever for the six-speed automatic into Sport mode and it’s very un-Volvo-like aggression is even more apparent in the most intoxicating way.

The ride is a little firm for some, but the handling and grip is sublime, making it a deliciously entertaining drive.

Good looking, classy, spacious and exhilarating, the Volvo V60 Polestar offers supercar performance and exclusivity without the impracticality and exhibitionism.

Review: @garethherincx