Volvo V70

On sale September 2007

I bought a new washing machine the other day. I thought I would be able to get it in my car to avoid paying delivery charges. Well, I got it in, but the top end jutted out too far so the tailgate wouldn’t close. There are actually very few cars that will take a full size washing machine complete with packaging and with a closed tailgate. But the new Volvo V70 will. In fact this new estate car which goes on sale in September is a very versatile car.

It easily swallows up two mountain bikes inside its cavernous cargo hold and there are useful optional extras such as hooks and straps which will secure everything. The rear seats which split 60/40 will fold completely flat just by pulling a tab and it is one of the easiest cars to load because of the very wide aperture and lack of boot sill.

The tailgate has an optional remote control feature and it has anti trap sensors. The clam shell like exterior design of the tailgate is what makes it so versatile and why it will easily accommodate a square large object like a washing machine fully closed.

Volvo dominates the estate market and with such practical cars with design features which have obviously been thought about a lot, it’s no wonder. The new estate car is bigger, longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Rear leg room has been extended making the five seater even more comfortable.

From the B pillar backwards, everything on the V70 is new and Volvo says unique. The front side design is very coupe like so the roof sits low but you have to remember to duck when you get in and out of the car.

The interior is very comfortable with quality design features. The Swedish car manufacturer has introduced a new cranberry leather trim for the seating which echoes the colour of many of the summer homes which can be seen in every part of Sweden.

There are many useful standard features such as roof rails, an eight speaker high performance sound system with AUX input for ipods, MP3 players and even USB sticks. Another very useful optional feature is the child booster seats which rise from the adult size very comfortable seat. They have two heights and when not in use will fold flat so the seat can be used by an adult. At a cost of £360 this is really good value for money.

The number of safety features as with all Volvo models, is high and includes adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support. Volvo expects the new estate to have the best Euro NCAP rating.

There is a range of engine choices, both petrol and diesel. For the first time the V70 will be available with an all new T6 six cylinder engine based on the 3 litre turbo charged engine. This flagship V70 will deliver 0-62mph acceleration in 7.2 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 155mph. Later this year, Volvo is planning to introduce smaller four cylinder engines for company car users. Both petrol and diesel 2 litre engines and flex-fuel versions will be available.

Volvo already sells fifty percent of the V70 to the corporate market and this year, with the introduction of the new engines expects this figure to increase. Costing from £26,495 otr the most popular model will be the SE trim and the most popular engine will be two versions of the 2.4 litre five cylinder turbo diesel.

With such a wide range of engines, useful standard features, luxurious interior and such fantastic practicality the Volvo V70 is well worth a second look. Think of the delivery charges you’ll be able to save!

Facts at a Glance
Model: Volvo V70
Price: From £26,495 otr
Engine Options: 2.5T, 3.2 Geartronic, T6 AWD Geartronic, 2.4D, D5.
Performance: 2.4 diesel – 0-60mph in 9.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 130mph
Combined fuel consumption: 43.5mpg
CO2 emissions: 172g/km

By Sue Cooke