Road test - Volvo V70

Author: Ian Strachan

Volvo has come a long way since its “box on wheels” image of the past. The new generation of Volvos are have much softer, more sculptured lines than their bulky predecessors, and are all the better for it.

Volvo has come a long way since its "box on wheels" image of the past. The new generation of Volvos are have much softer, more sculptured lines than their bulky predecessors, and are all the better for it.

The V70 is a case in point. Volvo has moved away from the square look of the past and this, while still being a premium estate car, is sleeker and more athletic-looking, with a raked windscreen, blacked-out side pillars and a neatly angled tailgate topped off with a roof spoiler. 

While unmistakably a Volvo, the V70 has certainly been given a more refined, up-to-date look.  And the interior moves Volvo design on even more, with some interesting and attractive features, as well as ultra-comfortable seating and a nice dash layout.

These include an integrated rear child booster seat with two heights. The cushion is accompanied by safety belts with specially adjusted force limiters for smaller, lighter occupants. 

Seating is more than comfortable for five adults, and load carrying capacity is good, with a large boot aperture. A three-part split rear seat expands luggage capacity even more. The boot floor has aluminium rails and moveable load securing points.

Handling is predictable and solid, giving the driver a good feel of the road. Steering is responsive, with just the amount of power assistance you need.

I drove the smooth 2.4 diesel version which pulls well throughout the range and is very quiet. Married to a six speed manual gearbox, the engine never feels worked, even at speed and benefits from the sixth cog. Fuel economy is very good, returning 43.5 mpg in mixed driving.

Equipment levels on the SE Sport which I drove are good, with 18 inch alloy wheels, a good eight-speaker stereo and CD with iPod attachment, leather upholstery and speed-dependent steering coming as standard. This is a Volvo so you don't have to worry about safety. Every safety feature that can reasonably be put on this car is there.

An active carbon filter air quality system also cleans dust, pollen and exhaust particles from the interior, ensuring that the air is cleaner inside the car than out, and also helps drivers and passengers with hay fever or other allergies.

The 2.4SE Sport version of the Volvo V70 will take up £29.845 of your disposable income.