Should you buy one?

Despite getting on in years, there’s still a lot to like about the Volvo V60, even if it’s not the capacious estate you might think it is. It’s smart, roomy and offers an all-hybrid driving experience.

We’d still take a BMW 3 Series Touring, which is the clear class leader in this market sector, but the question of whether we’d recommend one over an Audi A4 Avant or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate comes down to personal preference, so closely matched they all are. And if you’re after diesel, you’ll have no choice, but to go for one of the V60’s German rivals.

The V60’s strong image comes from its svelte good look and the chic, high-quality cabin, which positively shouts Scandi-cool. It comes with tonnes of standard equipment and advanced safety kit, and is not only a viable choice over rival estates from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but also a very tempting alternative to the pricier, smaller-booted Volvo XC60 off-roader.

What we like

Unlike many of its rivals, you have the option to subscribe to a V60 on Care by Volvo, where everything is covered by a single monthly payment. If you’re after simple, hassle free driving, there’s a lot to recommend this, especially as the monthly cost isn’t vastly different from PCP and PCH deals on offer.

What we don’t like

The engines sound boring, and considering Volvo’s heritage here, the boot capacity is unimpressive – and yes, it doesn’t drive as well as a BMW 3 Series, but what else does in this market sector?