What’s hot?
- Despite the performance on offer, this special Swede looks refreshingly subtle. Outside there is a tougher looking front air dam, distinctive rear diffuser, bigger rear spoiler and beneath the massive 20-inch alloys are Brembo six-piston calliper brakes.
- The V60 Polestar’s interior is equally tasteful, with the sports seats and steering wheel finished in nubuck, complimenting the modern feel to the inside of this Volvo.
- £49,775 may seem a lot for a Volvo V60, but there are no options; with this car everything is standard.
The good news is that all the kit is standard on the Polestar – not many of the competition could say that - Power for the V60 Polestar comes from a new version of the now discontinued turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, mated to six-speed automatic transmission equalling acceleration to 60mph in just 5.0 seconds.
- The engine comes alive from around 4000rpm and is happy to rev right through to the 6500rpm red line. It is pleasingly refined and very torquey too, although the deep exhaust note and turbo whoosh are addictive!
- With stiffer springs and tailor-made adjustable Ohlins dampers joining the McPherson strut front and multi link rear suspension, the V60 Polestar’s handling is best described as poised and balanced.
- The Haldex four-wheel drive system means there is always plenty of grip and despite the weight, virtually no body roll. The electrically-weighted steering has a reasonable amount of feedback too.
- Thankfully with all the extra power, the uprated Brembo brakes feel strong and confidence inspiring when bringing the V60 Polestar to a halt.
- Considering the heavyweight performance and 20-inch alloys, Volvo and Polestar should be congratulated for the V60 Polestar’s surprisingly refined and comfortable ride.
What’s not?
- Buyers will not be pleased to know that the V60 Polestar falls into the 35% company car tax band for 2014/15.
- The six-speed automatic transmission can sometimes feel jerky when making changes. Plus, the paddles can be slow to respond to quick gear changes.
- I do wonder whether less powered rivals offer more for the keener driver? In our opinion, the V60 Polestar feels a bit safe on the limit.
- Exclusivity comes at a high price with the V60 Polestar. Yes there are just 125 of them, but £49,775 seems a lot, especially when similarly powerful German rivals can be bought for less.
- The interior of the V60 Polestar might look tasteful, but the fit and finish don’t match up with the high price. The carbon-fibre finish to the centre console and gearknob look particularly cheap.
- The standard Volvo V60 problems remain, including the 430-litre boot which isn’t as big as you’d expect.
