Volvo V70

Manufacturer
Volvo

Model
V70

Segment/Specs
Estate

Come on! It's a Volvo V70 - the ultimate estate! Seriously, the V70 does what it says on the tin and it's a decent all-round bet.

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Performance

185bhp D5 diesel engine is the pick, with 140bhp and 170bhp petrol models needing to be worked hard, and the 2-litre petrol feeling out of its depth. 2.5-litre petrol is powerful but seems a little pointless.

Driving

Great for cruising, the V70 is hushed and easy to deal with. Flip side is a soggy drive, with the barge rolling all over the place around corners.

Feel

Smaller engines are not advised lest they ruin your comfy rides. Otherwise great.

Price

D5 will be best for residuals and running costs. Undercuts premium estate competitors

Quality

Looks and feels nice inside and there shouldn't be any problems with reliability.

Safety

Good levels of safety kit but a bit behind the pace - the V70 is showing it sage.

Space

Very practical, with flat- and split-folding seats creating acres of space. Rear legroom is a tad small.

Equipment

All models get a CD player and all have either climate control or air-con are all standard. Usual range of electric seat and steering, windows and door mirrors are present and correct.

Alternatives

Saab 9-5 Estate, Mercedes E-Class Estate, BMW 5-Series Touring

Pros

Good space and versatility, high levels of kit, the D5 is a good cruiser and will be good for running costs.

Cons

Coming to the end of its lifespan. Accordingly a little behind the pace.

Nothing's Perfect

by George (New York, USA) - 03/03/2006 20:37:57

I clocked about 1 year and 10,000 miles on my 2005 V70 and I'd have to say I'm almost completely satisfied with its overall quality, utility and design. The only shortcomings I'd list include: suspension refinement could be improved, with a little bit more control (less wallow) and more isolation from road harshness. The brake and accelerator pedal placement is somewhat odd; I occasionally hit the brake when attempting to accelerate or catch the brake when I lift my average sized foot from the accelerator. I chose the taupe leather interior which is beautiful but results in excessive windshield glare on sunny days. Dynamic stability control should be standard on this car, but in the US it's only available as a high cost option package and only in certain trim levels. This is particularly surprising for a Volvo. Model: 2005 V70 2.4 Auto. Cost: $31,000 USD. I highly recommend this car!