ArcaMax

UNDER THE HOOD

Volvo has chosen the V60 series to debut a new turbocharged four-cylinder turbo engine - a big change from the in-line fives and sixes the Swedish automaker has heretofore favored.

This type (this size) engine is becoming very popular. Have you noticed? Apparently, four cylinders and 2.0 liters is some kind of sweet spot - a nexus of performance and economy - the two being equally important these days. Hence the "Drive-E" name.

Anyhow, both the V60 and its main rival the BMW 3 wagon come standard with 2.0 liter fours. They're both turbocharged - and they both produce 240 hp and almost identical torque (258 ft.-lbs. for the Volvo vs. 255 ft.-lb. for the BMW). Both are also paired with standard eight-speed automatic transmissions. But there are some important points of departure.

The Volvo is a bit more fuel-efficient (25 city, 37 highway - vs. 22 city, 33 highway for the BMW) but it's less quick (0-60 takes about 6.3 seconds vs. a speedy 5.6 for the BMW) and - perhaps the Big One - Volvo only offers the 2.0 engine in base trim T5s and not with all-wheel-drive (hence, not in the Cross Country) while the BMW 3 wagon comes standard with all-wheel-drive. This is odd. And probably not good. For Volvo.

AWD and wagons go together like cake and frosting. It's expected. Especially these days and particularly by people who are inclined to shop Volvo. It's weird that Volvo chose not to offer AWD with its most fuel efficient engine. And it's not good (for Volvo) that the V60's main rival not only does offer it, but performs better when equipped with it.

The FWD V60 T5 does give you about 29 MPG on average - which is excellent - but the AWD BMW's average is only slightly less. If the Volvo were at least quicker… but, alas (for Volvo) it's not.

And when equipped with its optional 2.5 liter engine, the Volvo's slower. And, thirstier. Despite the punch of 250 hp (and 266 ft.-lbs. of torque) the so-equipped V60 takes about 6.8 seconds to get to 60.

Gas mileage trends the wrong way, too: Down to 20 city, 29 highway - well below the numbers posted by the much quicker 328i wagon. But, AWD is at least available with the 2.5 liter engine (and standard equipment in the Cross Country). Unfortunately, AWD-equipped V60s also come equipped with the less-efficient six-speed automatic (which may partially explain the so-so EPA mileage stats). King of the hill, power-wise, is the T6.

It comes standard with a 325 hp turbocharged six that also belts out a healthy-sounding 354 ft.-lbs. of torque.On paper, this version of the V60 ought to clean the 328i's clock. It has 100-plus more hp and 100-plus ft.-lbs. more torque. But - sad surprise - the T6's zero to 60 time (5.5 seconds, according to Volvo itself) is no great leap forward vs. the 328i. One wonders why.

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