The Volvo V70 comes in body style - a 5-passenger wagon - and a powertrain - a 235-horsepower 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic manual control and front-wheel drive.
The interior styling of the V70 is striking and Scandinavian, yet warm and soft at once. The firm, supportive front seats are great for long trips, and the interior has plenty of cupholders and cubbies. The elegant 'floating' center panel is very unique, looking like a high-end audio board.
Like most good wagon models, the V70 provides an easy transition between passenger and cargo. The rear seats are split 40/20/40 and fold forward easily, with neatly tucked headrests.
Volvo has been known for decades for its industry-leading safety features, and the V70 is no exception. The Volvo Seat Shock Protection System is included in the V70, along with side airbags, side curtain bags and integrated height-adjustable booster cushions. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are also included.
High-tech safety-oriented options in the V70 include the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which alerts the driver with yellow lights in the side mirrors whenever there are cars alongside and directly behind. The Personal Car Communicator, including keyless ignition with less conventional features such as 2-way car communication and a heart rate sensor, which together can notify remotely if someone enters the car and even if there is still someone in the car.
The standard equipment is extensive in the V70. It has all the typical features of a luxury car, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver's seat, keyless entry, cruise control, steering wheel controls, fog lights, heated mirrors, and a trip computer.
For a few thousand extra dollars, the V70 is available in an R-Design model. R-Design adds a self-leveling sports suspension, moonroof, sporty 18-inch alloy wheels, garage door openers, leather sports seats, rear spoiler, and a host of appearance add-ons that dress up everything from the pedals to the shift knob.
The moonroof is a stand-alone option on the regular V70, while several different packages are offered. The Technology Package includes adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, among other features, while the Climate Package brings heated washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers and other extras. A new Multimedia Package that includes a 12-speaker, 650-watt Dynaudio surround sound system, hard drive-based navigation system, Sirius satellite radio, and remote control.
