Even when redesigning a vehicle from the ground up, Volvo never compromises its personality and heritage. The best example is undoubtedly the V70, which still looks the same despite a complete revamp for 2008.
Of course, the lines are sleeker, the body is more assertive and the driving experience is more spirited. However, these improvements are all in line with the Swedish automaker's rich history of building safe, comfortable cars.
The looks of a big sedan
The V70 is the premium wagon in the Volvo lineup. In fact, if it weren't for the highly successful XC90 SUV, the V70 would now be the company's best-selling model. It still occupies second place, which is commendable... and a testament to the careful work of designers and engineers who revitalized an aging model.
As it turns out, the new V70 is essentially a wagon variant of the S80 flagship sedan. Both share their platform and main components while also boasting a nearly identical interior.
So the V70 is more than just the entry-level V50's larger sister: with such genes, this world-class wagon sits on the tallest branch of the Volvo family tree.
Power and safety
Propelling the stately wagon with ease is a 235-hp inline six-cylinder engine. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers unhesitating accelerations, shifting gears quite seamlessly and offering an uneventful -- or predictable -- driving experience.
On the road, the V70 is now sportier thanks to a new speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering. But it's not the end of it: the steering can be customized to match the driver's habits with three different settings for responsiveness.
Likewise, the sportier suspension benefits from Volvo's optional 4C technology (continuously controlled chassis concept) and is always active to adjust to the slightest change in road condition. Again, three different modes are available -- Comfort, Sport, Advanced -- to fine-tune damping and rebound parameters, thereby allowing you to experience various levels of handling.
Of course, the lines are sleeker, the body is more assertive and the driving experience is more spirited. However, these improvements are all in line with the Swedish automaker's rich history of building safe, comfortable cars.
The looks of a big sedan
The V70 is the premium wagon in the Volvo lineup. In fact, if it weren't for the highly successful XC90 SUV, the V70 would now be the company's best-selling model. It still occupies second place, which is commendable... and a testament to the careful work of designers and engineers who revitalized an aging model.
 |
| The V70 is the premium wagon in the Volvo lineup. |
As it turns out, the new V70 is essentially a wagon variant of the S80 flagship sedan. Both share their platform and main components while also boasting a nearly identical interior.
So the V70 is more than just the entry-level V50's larger sister: with such genes, this world-class wagon sits on the tallest branch of the Volvo family tree.
Power and safety
Propelling the stately wagon with ease is a 235-hp inline six-cylinder engine. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers unhesitating accelerations, shifting gears quite seamlessly and offering an uneventful -- or predictable -- driving experience.
On the road, the V70 is now sportier thanks to a new speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering. But it's not the end of it: the steering can be customized to match the driver's habits with three different settings for responsiveness.
Likewise, the sportier suspension benefits from Volvo's optional 4C technology (continuously controlled chassis concept) and is always active to adjust to the slightest change in road condition. Again, three different modes are available -- Comfort, Sport, Advanced -- to fine-tune damping and rebound parameters, thereby allowing you to experience various levels of handling.
 |
| On the road, the V70 is now sportier thanks to a new speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering. |