The V70 from Volvo has evolved and proves, if proof were needed, that the Swedish firm is a dab hand at building solid, safe machines.
While estate cars make up just a tiny proportion of new car sales they’re still going strong despite the growth of the far more practical ‘people carrier’. When it comes to estates cars Volvo has always been to the fore with its near indestructible saloon variants.
Sure where would we be without the classic ‘boxy - but good’ Volvo load lugger!
The five-seat V70 has grown and is now built on the same platform as the S80 flagship saloon, in fact it should really be called the ‘V80’!
The exterior is chunky and unashamedly functional. The tailgate is the most easily distinguishable feature next to the outgoing car. ‘Volvo’ is proudly spelt out in bigger-spaced, large individual letters beneath the glass. Surprisingly when the tailgate is lifted, the cargo area is not as large as that found in an E Class Mercedes estate. The boot can however take a washing machine in its packaging with all five seats in place, making this is a versatile beast.
A handy option is the motorised tailgate that can be opened and closed using the key fob or by pressing a button on the lid itself.
Inside the car is pure S80, so it is classy without being quite the height of luxury. There is acres of space for occupants to enjoy. My kids loved the integrated booster seats that pop in to place with ease. Volvo has a rich heritage of really thinking about the end users of its vehicles and has been offering the option of integrated booster seats for years.
There’s a new electronic handbrake that is operated by the drivers right hand, that’s found below the right air vent.
V70 is a large car and depending on the specification level is available with all the bells and whistles in petrol and diesel guises.
The seats are superb and supportive while the engine range offers decent performance. It is no surprise the V70 is favoured by traffic police throughout Europe and to meet this demand Volvo has a special unit at the factory producing bespoke police cars to order.
Apart from the obvious changes like high-vis police ‘Battenberg’ (should be Batton-berg!) markings, the car’s already impressive payload is increased to allow for heavy weaponry and specialist police equipment plus the cars electrics get beefed up to handle all the additional equipment on board.
V70 has a great driving position and superb seats, but the large estate has to be price competitive to be a tempting alternative to the 5 Series, A6 and E Class estates.
When pressed hard my ‘D5’ turbodiesel test car is noisy and gruff but otherwise it makes all the usual diesel noises albeit a little more hushed. My five-cylinder test car has plenty of poke but the Volvo makes me feel a lot more sensible and responsible behind the wheel.
In fact I can’t remember a time when I felt more prudent behind the wheel of a car. Yes, Volvos can still make one feel like a pillar of the community. I feel more inclined to ease along the road much as I would in a Mercedes than exploit the 184bhp on offer.
V70 is a sensible choice for sensible people.
Michael Sheridan
