Volvo V60 Polestar

The original, mildly baked MY13 S60 Polestar was vastly updated in second-gen 2014 form, just in time for our recent BFYB shootout. Now Volvo has released yet another version, set to wear MY15 designation. Yes, that’s three generations in just 24 months!

Unlike its low-volume (50 units each) just for Oz predecessors, the new-new S60, and newly introduced V60 wagon, cop the Gen 2’s raft of mechanical changes, plus a thorough shakedown of electronics and all-’round tuning, fit for global consumption.

This time round there’s a sharper throttle calibration, launch-control functionality and an active exhaust design for the manic 257 kW and 500 Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six. The previously hopeless slushbox gets paddle shifters, faster upshifts in Sport and manual modes and features Curve Force, which prevents gear changes under lateral chassis load. Volvo is claiming 4.9sec and 5.0sec 0-100 km/h sprints for the S60 and V60 respectively.

Handling tweaks? The Haldex all wheel drive system is retuned for more rear bias (both in corners and in straightline acceleration) while the ESC now with proper Off mode and ABS are recalibrated. Papa Smurf now sits on 20 inch rims with 245 mm Michelin Pilot Super Sports, has revised suspension hardware and retains mechanically adjustable Ohlins DFV dampers, which can be retuned to suit buyers’ whims through Polestar-affiliated dealerships Those monstrous six-piston 371mm six-pot Brembos remain.

A quick punt across the Gold Coast hinterlands suggests there’s now proper synergy in this Gen 3 package. The often recalcitrant driveline and lead-tipped missile nature of its forebears are both gone. Both front-end point and overall grip are impressive. And on road at least, the Haldex system channels the Swede’s often startling energy to all fours with precision, without the (STIlike) histrionics.

The jury is out on the 10-tenths racetrack stuff but, on country curves with its tricky coil-overs in a ‘medium’ setting, it’s a proper hyper grand tourer. And one that, with big turbo-six stonk and all-wheel drive, very much has a character all its own. Add the V60 wagon body shell, which adds 10 kilos of weight and nothing in difference of handling balance, and there’s huge appeal purely in the uniqueness of the overall package.

Both the sedan ($99,990) and wagon ($102,990) are loaded with spec fullfruit cabin appointments, active cruise, app-based infotainment, etc making these Swedes inspired alternatives to the usual German crop.