2008 Volvo V70 Review | Buyer Guide
Redesigned Wagon Is Bigger And Better
There was a time when station wagons were popular, but then, SUVs came along. However, not everybody jumped on the SUV bandwagon, and for some, the station wagon remains the vehicle of choice. Volvo has been making wagons since 1953, and has had a steady stream of customers who continue to buy them. For 2008, the Swedish automaker redesigned its full-size V70, and made it larger, more powerful and gave it more safety features.
Volvo chose to base their latest wagon on the full-size S-80 sedan platform this time. The new model is 4.5-inches longer than last year’s, and is also a couple of inches wider. The designers styled the V70 more aggressively too. The raised hood with prominent creases gives the car a more forceful look. The rear of the wagon shows more character as well. The taillights that extend up toward the roof are larger and more highly styled.
However, the look of the cabin in my test car was not nearly as attractive. It was finished in a drab charcoal motif, and relentlessly dull. The seats, in particular, were clad in something called “T-Tec” textile that looked industrial. Only a smattering of brushed silver accents added a note of brightness. If it were my purchase, I’d opt for the Premium package, which gives you leather, wood trim and a lot more.
While the cabin in its base trim might not have the most eye appeal, it is larger now and offers more features. Cargo space is up a tad to 19 cu.-ft., and legroom in the second row increases by nearly two more inches. Six-footers can now sit back there in comfort. Small kids benefit from a new feature as well. The outboard seat cushions in the back convert into booster seats that can be set at two different height levels.
Safety has always been a hallmark of Volvo, and the 2008 version of the V70 gets its share of standard safety equipment. New side-impact bags have two chambers, one for the hips and the other for the upper body. Inflatable side curtains have been extended two inches to provide more safety for children. The second generation of the Whiplash Protection System is designed to minimize head and neck injuries. And as before, stability and traction control continue to be standard.
Volvo also offers two notable new safety options. Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant interval between your V70 and the car in front of you. It will also warn you if a collision is imminent. The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) solves an age-old problem by giving you a warning when another car is lurking behind you where you can’t see it.
Powering the V70 is a 3.2-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine, which Volvo has taken from the S80. It pumps out 235 horsepower, and it’s the only power plant propelling this wagon now. This engine is well suited to the V70. It’s smooth, and has good pulling power. Transferring power to the front wheels is an equally capable six-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. Those who need all-wheel drive can order the XC70, which is otherwise similar to the V70.
The V70 is an ideal car to take on vacation. The seats are supportive, and keep you comfortable over the long haul. The ride quality is good, and the handling is sure-footed. On a highway trip, I averaged better than 25 mpg. Around town, the V70 is handy for hauling the kid’s sports equipment, or supplies from the big-box store in the large cargo area. The base price for the Volvo V70 is $33,210
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