At speed it feels planted and assured -- you can see why the British police bought so many of these things for motorway patrolling. Can't bear the day when i would have to be without one. The smaller one boosts acceleration at lower engine speeds, giving the larger unit time to get into its stride and help out at higher revs. We managed some very slippery grassy slopes with alacrity and mud ruts — admittedly not Land Rover Defender deep mud ruts — were dispatched with disdain and a set of completely unruffled feathers. Diesel works perfectly fine and the economy is far better than V70s of yore.
Not exciting, but comfortable, refined and with that good, sustained wave of torque that marks out a car built for grown-ups. That's partly down to its 'old-fashioned' estate shape with a sawn off rump and strong nose, but the raised driving position and well-weighted steering help, too. Doors and boot are quite heavy but of a good size and open wide. New Volvo V70 - one of the most beautiful, safe and multipurpose cars of class D in the world; driving the model is the true pleasure. One nifty feature is the optional navigation system, which neatly tucks inside the dash when not in use. Without any input from the driver it senses the pedestrian and brings the car to a halt - before it hits the person in the road.
The latest V70 imparts an athletic flair, with bold character lines that rise from its chiseled front fascia, carry through to a power-bulged hood, and flow rearward to form prominent shoulder ridges. Long powered by five-cylinder powerplants, today's V70 has an engine with six cylinders. If that really isn't enough, then the space on offer expands to 1600-litres if you fold the rear seats flat and stack your cargo to the roof lining. We have owned an Audi A4 we loved and test drove a 2010 A4 Avant but this car just offered more features and space. Volvo is claiming a certain style and sportiness for its new master load-hauler as well as all the usual versatility.
This car easily rivals the best out there. Engines are a five-cylinder, 2. And those dimensions also add up at the scales. Road noise is well suppressed too, although cars fitted with higher profile 16 inch wheels offer a more comfortable ride than lower profile 17 or 18 inch alternatives. Minor imperfections in the road simply aren't noticeable, and the relatively high ride height means that larger obstructions like speed ramps don't have me clenching my buttocks in anticipation of sump damage like on the Alfa before. Great dealership and Volvo response to a significant problem.
Changes for 2010 are kept to a minimum, though all models are now more fuel efficient. Off-the-line acceleration is brisk, but passing power could be better. Its practicality and convenience will soon seem indispensable, while its safety systems and aura of robust good quality will repeatedly remind you that you have bought a durable beast of burden. So pleased with the vehicle as it has extra features, very few nice ones come along and we believe that this is one of them, a true credit to the previous owner. What You Get Volvo products have been criticised in the past for their boxy styling but this was successfully addressed on the third generation V70. Engine-wise the car is much as before, although you can now order six cylinder petrol motors as well as the familiar five and four cylinders petrols and diesels.
Make sure you know the exact specs of what you're buying. Car is very pleasing to drive. The V70's prospects were helped by a very competitive list of standard equipment. Blue smoke from the exhaust pipe and a shortage of engine power are warning signs. Relatively small numbers do provide some claim to exclusivity though.
Obviously V70s and S80s run different suspension settings anyway, but it would appear that Volvo get nailed for tuning the Volvo to carry big loads capably rather than making a lifestyle estate that's tuned to moisten your underpants on a B road. Its peak power is 182bhp and it's produced at a relatively low 4,000rpm. This decision allows to achieve, first, low fuel consumption and secondly, almost front-wheel habits when driving. To operate these switches you need to bend your wrists uncomfortably or take your hand off the wheel. Transmission options comprise standard five-speed manual with optional six-speed manual and five-speed Geartronic adaptive automatic. It has managed to establish a small but significant place for itself in the Volvo line-up as the model for buyers who want 4x4 robustness without having to sacrifice the everyday functionality of an estate car.
Some rather less exciting 1. Performance is more than adequate from the 2. That doesn't mean that I don't like or wouldn't consider the Volvo but I think that Volvo would struggle to sell many cars if they priced at the same level of the usual German suspects. Last year saw the introduction of a Technology Package including adaptive cruise control and several accident-avoidance aids that groups together the bi-xenon headlamps, the premium Dynaudio sound system, and Sirius Satellite Radio. The engine touts cleaner emissions and better fuel economy, but gives up 10 horsepower in the process. The load deck is actually quite high, too, rendering the boot relatively shallow. The roll call of safety features includes front side and curtain airbags as well as a number of other advanced features.
It's big enough and tough enough to act as a workhorse whilst retaining the quality and attention to detail necessary to appeal to more badge-conscious buyers. It is very safe and I feel great in it. On the diesel side was the 2. I drive a Volvo truck for work and the steering wheel switches are excellent so why are they so poor in cars? The running costs aren't cheap, but I don't mind paying for it, as I really never have to have anything done to them, apart from yearly service and tyres. Still very comfortable and reliable and with the original battery, I have no intention of replacing it. But that practicality does have its attractions, particularly when obvious rivals such as the Audi A6 Avant are considerably more expensive.
The blacked out side pillars, C30-inspired tail lights and a slightly more raked tailgate angle nevertheless mean that it has enough about it to hold its own from a design perspective. The straightforward, take-it-as-you-find-it simplicity of the Volvo V70 will doubtless appeal to many and this big no-nonsense estate car is never better than with a strong diesel engine installed. Running Costs: Most V70 diesel engines are respectably economical, with the extra frugal 1. It's all enough to make the V70 a fine touring car Under the bonnet, much has changed since this third generation model first put in an appearance. The optional family pack enables the rear seat cushions to fold up to form child booster seats — a useful feature for young families. I love my present model although it is now rather dated.