Few cars match the Volvo S60 Drive-E when it comes to combining performance and economy. Despite having 181hp (179bhp), the Volvo achieves 67.3mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 109g/km of carbon dioxide.

We put the S60’s fuel efficiency to the test with What Car?’s True MPG team, towing on a route of A-roads and motorways. The car achieved 30.1mpg – not bad when the combined weight of car and caravan was well over three tonnes. Back at the test track, we recorded a 30-60mph time of 11.6 seconds.

At the legal limit the Volvo proved stable, although not as unflappable as the Jag XF or BMW 3 Series. In windy conditions there was some movement above 60mph.

In the lane-change manoeuvre the back of the S60 was pushed around by the caravan on the third and fastest run. However, it’s worth noting that the Volvo was supplied with winter tyres, which won’t have been at their best in mild spring weather.

In day-to-day driving the Volvo handles well, although it doesn’t engage the driver as well as a BMW 3 Series. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable.

In terms of practicality, the Volvo suffers from having a small boot, and being a saloon, access to the luggage space is awkward compared with an estate or SUV.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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