Road TestCar reviews - Volvo - V70 - T6 5-dr wagonVolvo modelsOverviewVolvo strikes back with a world-class wagon - the all-wheel drive V70 T619 Feb 2009 IT IS ironic that Volvo’s bestseller of a decade ago – the V70 – has been relegated to a bit-player in 2009, just when the all-new third-generation model is probably the Swedish car industry’s most convincing alternative to a Mercedes, Audi or BMW. In T6 AWD guise, the full-sized Volvo estate builds on its predecessors’ widely acknowledged safety, comfort, security and packaging attributes by injecting a world-class turbocharged petrol engine of exceptional performance, palpably improved driving dynamics and pointy-end levels of technology. Seen in this light against the Volvo’s mostly German opposition, the V70’s innate enjoyment and character – as well as undeniable value for money – make it a compelling luxury car proposition. Model release date: 1 April 2008 to 1 June 2013 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelThe second-generation V70 arrived here in February 2000, beating the S60 sedan (on which it was based) to market by almost a year. It embraced the qualities with which Volvo earned its reputation - safety, comfort, practicality and eco and family friendliness – but was let down by the front-wheel drive platform’s overly light steering and at times hard ride. The 2.4-litre five-cylinder produced 125kW/230Nm while a light-boost turbo version produced 147kW/245Nm and the high-boost T5 pumped out 184kW/330Nm. Gearbox choices were a five-speed auto or a five-speed manual. A mild model reshuffle occurred in mid-2003, with the 154kW/320Nm 2.4 turbo Activ replacing the 2.4T and T5, in preparation for the hard-edged AWD V70 R slingshot with a new 2.5-litre 220kW/300Nm turbo-five. |
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