Volvo S60 T6 R-Design Polestar 2012 review

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?

What is it?

Volvo's first ultra sporty jigger, a collaboration between Volvo Australia and performance partners, Polestar and Heico Sportiv. Think of Polestar in the same terms as HSV or FPV. Just 50 examples of this limited edition have been bolted together.

How much?

Priced from $82,990 it costs $10,000 than the T6 R-Design on which it is based. Not cheap but in the context of its of the segment it's almost a bargain.

What are competitors?

Anything sporty from the Germans Audi, Benz and BMW. Think S4, C350 or 335i. The S60 is cheapest but not by much after some pruning by Benz.

What's under the bonnet?

3.0-litre turbocharged six with 242kW of power and 480Nm of torque, underpinned by all-wheel drive and hooked up to a six-speed manumatic (but oddly no paddles). That's an increase of 18kW and 40Nm respectively over the standard S60 T6 R-Design. Polestar provides the extra herbs and Heico Sportiv, provided the dark 19-inch alloys and quad-exhaust system along with a custom rear air diffuser.

How does it go?

Wooshda. 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds. Not Ferrari quick but quick enough to get the blood pumping.

Is it economical?

Can be. Depends on how you drive. We clocked up close to 800km at a rate of 9.4 litres/100km after a bit of play time. Before that it dropped as low as 8.9 (bear in mind it takes premium 95RON unleaded).

Is it green?

Gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Guide, with fuel consumption of 10.2 litres/100km and emissions of 242g/km CO2.

Is it safe?

Gets a full five stars, with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB) including Queue Assist and Pedestrian Detection. Blind Spot Awareness too.

Is it comfortable?

Yep. Combo cloth and leather seats but as the top of the line S60 heated front seats should be standard. Elaborate steering wheel sits nicely in the hands.

What's it like to drive?

Easy-peasy. Pedal it softly or plant your foot and feel the difference. Good grip and strong acceleration. Sounds the biz under full throttle. Shame there's no digital speedo or speed camera warnings.

Is it value for money?

Features sports seats with firmer bolstering, leather clad three-spoke wheel, dials with blue surrounds and aluminium ridged pedals. Satnav and premium 12 speaker sound included.

Would we buy one?

Very attractive car at a very attractive price. Looks and goes extremely well, with high levels of comfort and performance. Forget any preconceptions you might have about boring Volvos.

Volvo S60 T6 R-Design Polestar
Price: From $82,990
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbocharged 242kW/480Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Thirst: 10.2L/100km; 243g Co2 per km