The 2019 Volvo V60 boasts impressive safety features, but real-world driving experiences can reveal unforeseen challenges. This article delves into the performance of Volvo’s Autobrake and Pilot Assist systems, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses based on firsthand encounters.
Autobrake: More Frustration Than Safety?
Volvo’s Autobrake system, designed to prevent collisions, often proved more frustrating than reassuring. The system’s sensitivity resulted in abrupt, unexpected braking maneuvers, causing discomfort and potentially dangerous situations in traffic. Consulting the owner’s manual offered no solution, and while Volvo provided instructions for adjusting sensitivity, the process seemed overly complex for a feature intended to enhance safety. The ideal driving experience should prioritize simplicity and intuitive design, minimizing the need for extensive technical adjustments.
Pilot Assist on American Roads: A Mismatch?
Pilot Assist, Volvo’s adaptive cruise control with steering guidance, encountered significant challenges on American roads. The system seemed ill-equipped to handle the realities of American driving habits, such as inconsistent lane discipline and aggressive merging. While theoretically designed to enhance safety and ease driving, Pilot Assist struggled in scenarios involving lane closures, leading to sudden, jarring braking incidents at highway speeds. This highlights a critical disconnect between the system’s design assumptions and the actual driving conditions prevalent in the US.
Deceleration and Handling: An Unnatural Feel
The 2019 V60’s deceleration and handling characteristics also presented some concerns. The lack of natural deceleration when easing off the accelerator pedal resulted in a less smooth transition into braking and cornering, leading to a less refined driving experience compared to vehicles with more conventional deceleration behavior. This nuanced aspect of driving dynamics, while perhaps less critical than safety systems, contributes significantly to overall driving comfort and confidence.
Powertrain Performance: A Redeeming Quality
Despite the issues with safety and handling, the 2019 V60’s powertrain impressed with its smooth and powerful performance. The 316-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission delivered brisk acceleration and respectable fuel economy, achieving an average of 30 mpg on a predominantly highway journey. While city driving fuel efficiency wasn’t exceptional, it remained acceptable considering the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Volvo’s Response: A Focus on Safety Data
Volvo defended its safety systems, citing data from Consumer Reports, JD Power, and the IIHS showcasing the effectiveness of features like City Safety in reducing rear-end collisions. They emphasized that driver input always takes precedence over automated systems. However, this response doesn’t fully address the concerns raised regarding the real-world functionality and user experience of Autobrake and Pilot Assist, particularly in challenging driving scenarios.
Ultimately, the 2019 V60 presents a complex picture. While boasting impressive performance and statistically proven safety features, the practical application of these systems raises questions about their effectiveness and user-friendliness in everyday driving situations.
