I found it odd that you can't get all-wheel drive on your V70 without moving up to the high-performance 'R', which is not the way it is in some
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If you want all-wheel drive on your V70 without moving up to the high-performance 'R', you'll just have to go buy it in Canada. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)
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other countries, such as Canada. No doubt, those who live in colder climes throughout the U.S., would be interested in greater traction without the supercar-like performance upgrade.
But the 2.5T is turbocharged, does it off supercar-like performance? It should be noted that a name and a badge doesn't necessarily make it a sports car. The qualities that make the V70 2.5T such an excellent family and cargo hauler leave it too soft to be enjoyable when tossed about like a performance machine. While the grip from its wider tires keep it firmly planted to the ground, its softly sprung suspension rolls excessively, and the steering is too light and too woolen
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| The qualities that make the V70 2.5T such an excellent family and cargo hauler leave it too soft to be enjoyable when tossed about like a performance machine. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press) |
to precisely plant it on a corner's apex. But, if shifting gears and shifting stuff are equal in your prerogative, the 300-hp V70R is probably your best bet.
Other than the lack of all-wheel drive in this model, I am also disappointed that Volvo did not bring over two of their most impressive features available on global market V70s. One is the Four-C adaptive damping system, which first appeared on the high-performance S60/V70R, later adapted for the S80. With specially-tuned Ohlins dampers that have individual settings for sporty and comfort tuned driving, the system is said to proficiently adapt the car to the road surface below, constantly monitoring throttle and steering position. With this system on board, the V70's wonderful plush ride could be maintained while cutting back on pitch and dive during more aggressive driving, and further improve stability during high-speed emergency maneuvers.
