Volvo V70 2008

By Bruno Bouchard

Upper middle class

Volvo introduced the V70 in 1996. This wagon has been winding Canada’s roads for twelve years now. Little wonder that when referring to a station wagon, people have automatically the V70 in mind. Volvo has been building wagons for many moons; we need only to remember the defunct 240 series and the 850 of the early nineties. Today, the V70 has the highest name recognition among wagons in Canada. The third generation V70 with its new look and 6 cylindre  powertrain aims to hold a top position.

New powertrain

Volvo leaves its traditional turbo compressed engines behind and adopts a more conventional 3.2 litre, in-line six cylinder. The Suede had already introduced it last year in the XC90. It develops 235hp and 236 lb-ft. of torque. Respectable numbers but they may not wow the potential buyers because most of the V6 currently run on 260hp or more. The Volvo, however performs fairly well; acceleration is smooth and it thrusts in a strait line. Passing is sure-footed, as well. The six cylinders work with a Geartronic six-speed automatic transmission. The first gears are close to maximise acceleration. What’s more, short shifting through the first gears saves on fuel with normal acceleration. I’m tempted, though, to say that the two first shifts happen too quickly; occasionally, the engine revs to low relative to speed yet the gears move smoothly.

Handling

With the brand new platform, the V70 handles differently than previous models. Volvo must have had the ‘impact’ of impacts in mind with this more rigid platform. Handling seems interesting but never considered sporty. The defunct V70R, however, attempted something  different;  Volvo managed to add a sporty side to the wagon. The V70R was equipped with a continuously controlled chassis. Suspensions could be adjusted by a knob in the cockpit. Three modes possible: comfort, sport, and advanced- the last being the performance mode. Good news in 2008 because the V70 carries the system if you opt for the Prestige II options package ($3750). In comfort mode, you almost believe that Québec roads are not bad. The suspension excels at absorbing the countless fissures, potholes and even craters but handling, naturally, gets jumbled. The softer suspension reveals a front-heavy and under steering wagon. The sport mode stiffens the suspension somewhat, thus helping handling yet cannot get rid of the under steering. The sporty advanced mode then becomes the preferred option. Though very effective, this mode does not deliver the same sensation as did the departed V70R.