Inside the new Volvo V60 – extra flexibility combined with exclusive quality
Inside the new Volvo V60 - extra flexibility combined with exclusive quality
The only 40/20/40-split rear seat in the segment, an easy to load luggage compartment and two built-in child booster cushions - the new Volvo V60 is the perfect choice for buyers who want extra flexibility on top of sporty design and an exciting drive.
The interior environment in the new V60 shares the exclusive quality feel of the S60 sedan model.
The interior of the V60 sports wagon is a clear example of how Volvo Cars' designers have added excitement, contrast and a playful element to the Scandinavian design tradition's rational simplicity and functionality.
"The interior has a decidedly extrovert attitude, but without losing any of its practical Scandinavian roots. The new V60 brings us up to a whole new level when it comes to the integral experience of colour, form, material and technology," says Volvo Cars' Design Director Peter Horbury.
Scandinavian design's rationality, simplicity, clarity and functionality are all prominent in the new V60:
- The 40/20/40-split rear seat and the fold-flat front passenger seat make it possible to combine passengers and load in a remarkably flexible way. Each backrest in the three-piece rear seat is folded with exceptional ease to create an entirely flat load floor. The rear seat headrests can be folded electrically.
- The load area has been designed for maximum utilisation of each available millimetre. The 1095 millimetre wide tailgate in combination with extra space behind the wheel housings and under the load floor is an example of the systematic approach adopted to ensure generous load capacity. The load area has a capacity of 430 litres.
- The rear seat can be specified with integrated child booster cushions in the two outer seats.
"Load-carrying ability is not just about volume. It is equally about the load space's shape and flexibility. We have worked hard to free up load-carrying area and to provide capacity that truly makes a difference to the car owner. We have created the extra centimetres you need to bring with you those items that give life that added spice," says Jonathan Disley, head of interior design in the new V60.
Easily accessible storage space is an important part of interior comfort and convenience. For instance, the new V60 has a storage compartment behind the centre stack and another in the centre console armrest, while in the door pockets there is space for books, maps and soft-drink bottles and cans. Both the front and rear seat occupants have seat pockets within easy reach.
Focus on sense of quality and craftsmanship
Just like the all-new Volvo S60, the new Volvo V60 has taken a significant step forward when it comes to the quality and craftsmanship of the interior.
"We aimed to make every visible surface, whether leather, metal, wood or plastic, exclusive both to the hand and the eye," says Anders Sachs, who is in charge of colours and materials in the new V60.
The attractive stitching of the upholstery is one good example of the systematic approach to quality. The silk metal frame around the centre console's décor in Charcoal, Shimmer Graphite Aluminium or Urbane Wood is another.
"We have aimed for uncompromising perfection in every single detail," says Anders Sachs.
Uncompromising sportiness with racing inspiration
Volvo's designers obtained their inspiration from the racing track in the quest for uncompromising sportiness.
"This is a Volvo with a totally different dynamic presence than previous models. The racing track's dramatic yet harmoniously flowing lines can be traced in almost every interior detail. It's an interior for all your senses," says Jonathan Disley.
The graphic character of the racing track is clearly apparent in the instrument panel and in the doors. The lines do not end abruptly but instead create an uninterrupted, continuous flow.
"Every detail looks like it's in motion. All these lines ‘embrace' the driver's cockpit. The instruments and centre stack are angled towards the driver to enhance the sensation of focus and control. The new dynamic three-spoke steering wheel and the new sports seats with extra side supports are standard. There isn't a single weak point or compromise anywhere in the dynamic approach we adopted from the very beginning," says Jonathan Disley.
The interior is thus lavish in terms of its driver-oriented details, but it is still a five-seater car offering comfortable space for all its occupants.
Beige and black are the main colours of the upholstery range, which is spiced up with the new highlight shade of Beechwood Brown - tan leather upholstery that traces its proud roots to classic Volvo models such as the P1800 ES and 164.
"We wanted to create a colour that feels both classic and timeless but at the same time radiates attitude and character. Here we only use it on the seat cushion and backrest cushion. The rest of the seat is black or beige. This gives you a floating effect that emphasises the shape of the side bolsters," says Anders Sachs.
The most high-tech Volvo ever
The sporty interior of the new V60 is also the most advanced high-tech environment ever available to a Volvo driver.
Groundbreaking technology such as the optional Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake takes Volvo's safety dedication yet another step towards the vision of building cars that do not get involved in accidents.
In the field of comfort, there are features such as the optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically maintains a set gap to the vehicle in front. What is new is that the Adaptive Cruise Control operates at speeds below 30 km/h, all the way down to standstill in a car with automatic transmission.
The new V60 can naturally be equipped with parking sensors front and rear and a Park Assist camera at the rear. A camera in the front grille with a 180° field of vision is a new Volvo feature that is available as an accessory.
The camera is a great asset when manoeuvring in crossings with limited view or when driving out from a tight and narrow exit such as a parking garage. The image from the camera is displayed on the 7-inch screen in the centre stack.
Entirely new Infotainment system
The new V60 also gets an all-new Infotainment system where information is presented on a five-inch or seven-inch colour screen in the instrument panel. The screen has a high position to make it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.
All the functions can be controlled from the steering wheel or via controls located directly below the colour screen. In addition there is a separate remote control available as an option.
"We have focused firmly on the development of an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) solution that is easy to handle and that does not distract the driver from the main task of driving. The idea is that the technology should be so easy to handle that 90 percent of users will be able to find their way around the menus without having to search through the instruction manual," says Tomas Ahlborg, Project Director for the new V60.
Volvo has conducted several test sessions to evaluate customer responses to various HMI alternatives. Tomas Ahlborg again:
"We are one of the few manufacturers to give the driver safe and easy access to all infotainment functions via controls in the steering wheel. When it comes to the layout of the centre stack, most of the people in the tests felt that our solution with rotating controls close to the screen is better than a touch-screen for handling the audio system, navigation and phone with minimum possible distraction."
Integrated navigation with voice control is available as an option, as is the possibility of using Bluetooth to connect the driver's own mobile phone to the car's infotainment system.
One of the first cars with MultEQ from Audyssey
The audio experience in the new V60 has been further enhanced compared with previous models.
"Our most advanced system, Premium Sound, has a class-D digital 5x130W amplifier with circuits from Sweden's Anaview, Dolby Digital in combination with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, the award-winning MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories and 12 loudspeakers. All this creates an audio experience of absolute world class," says Tomas Ahlborg.
The Volvo V60 is one of the first car models in the world to use the Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ technology. MultEQ eliminates the distortion caused by the car cabin's acoustics, producing crisp, clear sound with improved soundstage for everyone in the car.
In addition to the top-of-the line Premium Sound, which comes with a 7-inch screen, there are another three audio systems:
- Performance - with a 4x20 W amplifier, six loudspeakers and a five-inch screen.
- High Performance - with a 4x40 W amplifier, eight loudspeakers and a five-inch screen.
- High Performance Multimedia - with a 4x40 W amplifier, eight loudspeakers and the larger seven-inch screen. This specification can be combined with the optional navigation system.
All the audio systems have been tailored for the V60 by Volvo Cars' own experts.
Dolby Digital gives perfect concert quality
The new Volvo V60 can be specified with Dolby Digital which provides a more distinct surround-sound audio experience from Dolby Digital soundtracks. The result is perfect concert quality when listening to live-recorded music. Of course the system also features Dolby Pro Logic II Surround that transforms ordinary stereo content into rich, full-range surround sound.
In order to further contribute to the best possible individual audio perception, Premium Sound has a special adjustment function. The audio experience can be optimised in three different ways - for the best possible enjoyment in the driver's seat, the two front seats or the rear seat.
Premium Sound can play DVDs and CDs with music in MP3, AAC or WMA format as well as AVI and Video Div-X. The system also includes Bluetooth capability (A2DP).
For hooking up other equipment such as a portable MP3 player, iPod (from Generation 3), iPod Touch or iPhone, all the audio systems now feature an AUX socket. USB is fitted as standard from the High Performance version on.
From the High Performance Multimedia level, USB also supports Video Div-X.
Clean Zone Interior gives enhanced comfort
The Electronic Climate Control system, ECC, offers automatic control of both temperature and ventilation. The car can be equipped with IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) which prevents particles and unpleasant odours from entering the cabin.
To offer highly sensitive passengers even better climate comfort, the system has also been equipped with Clean Zone Interior, a system based on ECC and IAQS. When the car is unlocked using the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated if the outdoor temperature exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.
"The interior of the new V60 is all about innovative design in two areas: form and technology. The design is characterised by sporty freshness down to the smallest detail. The technological aspect includes all those smart solutions that contribute to a driving experience unlike that of any other Volvo - from collision avoidance safety and comfort systems to infotainment and audio excellence of absolute world class," says Tomas Ahlborg.