What's the news?
The Volvo V60 range is fast expanding - hot on the heels of the announcement of the Cross Country version is the confirmation of sporty-looking R-Design models for the compact estate range.
The R-Design V60s gain a high-gloss black finish for all of the mesh front grille, door housings, window frames, integrated roof rails and the twin tailpipe surrounds. As standard, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels are fitted, as are LED front foglights and front parking sensors, to complement the rear items.
Inside are sports front seats with part-leather upholstery, cushion extensions and multidirectional lumbar support, as well as black headlining, sports pedals, a sports leather steering wheel and gearlever, R-Design-etched tread plates, mesh-metal inlays, an auto-dimming interior mirror and a centre-rear armrest that incorporates storage and cupholders.
Like all R-Design Volvos, there are actually changes beyond the superficial visual amendments already listed. The V60 versions enjoy sports-tuned suspension with stiffer spring rates, faster-responding monotube dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and a 12mm lower ride height. All the Drive-E engine options are available with R-Design trim, which means D3 and D4 diesels (with either six-speed manual or eight-speed auto transmissions), as well as the T5 petrol auto. R-Design V60s with the self-shifter gain paddle shifts on the steering wheel.
Anything else?
An R-Design Pro model, sitting above the R-Design, might be made available in Ireland, which incorporates 19-inch alloys, dark-tinted rear windows, active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology, puddle lights in the door, Keyless Drive, hands-free tailgate operation, multicolour interior ambient lighting, a head-up display, heated front seats, power adjustment for the driver's seat and a memory function that also automatically adjusts the door mirrors.