Bob Penkhus

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Introduction

2010 Volvo V70

The Volvo V70 lineup includes a sporty new R-Design model for 2010 featuring 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a higher level of luxury features and a unique look inside and out. The new R-Design model is distinguished by silk-metal trim on the grille and outside mirrors, a tailgate spoiler, black aluminum window trim, and 18-inch Cratus alloy wheels. On the inside, the cabin is treated to a Watch Dial instrument cluster; unique Deco inlays; leather seats; and unique pedals, gearshift knob and floor mats.

For 2010, Volvo V70 gets a new grille with a larger Volvo logo, and silver roof rails. Premium Package models feature a new steering wheel with silk metal accents. The available navigation system has been revised to make it more user-friendly. There have been some changes to options and packages, as well.

We found the Volvo V70 a pleasant to drive, a comfortable, practical, nicely finished car, with a lot of utility and a strong dose of Scandinavian style. The V70 is the smoothest, quietest Volvo wagon ever.

Power comes from a 3.2-liter inline-6 engine turning out 235 horsepower, with 236 pound-feet of peak torque available at 3200 rpm. Fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, it works well, responding to orders from the gas pedal in short order, and the package delivers solid acceleration.

Inside you'll find what might be Volvo's best interior yet. It's quite sophisticated and we think it's fantastic. The layout of the various controls is smart and immediately accessible, and the ease with which the driver interacts with the car trumps most of the European competition. There's seating for five, with a 40/20/40 split rear seat and flat-folding front passenger seat that allows for a very flexible cargo space. With the rear seats folded flat, the 72.1 cubic feet of available cargo volume surpasses what you'll find in many SUVs.

Those looking for a bit of off-road capability might opt instead for the rugged XC70, similar to the V70 in design but featuring standard full-time all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, brush-friendly lower body cladding and protective skid plates underneath. In the daily grind through the suburban jungle, however, the V70 is the better ride.

All told, the V70 features everything Volvo wagon fans have always loved, and more of it: more safety, more utility, more civility. It focuses on delivering a luxurious and stylish package, without sacrificing that familiar, beloved Volvo character.

Model Lineup

The 2010 Volvo V70 3.2 ($33,550) comes a 3.2-liter inline-6 rated at 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission is standard.

The V70 comes with fabric upholstery; an eight-way power driver seat with three-position memory; dual-zone automatic climate control; 160-watt AM/FM/MP3 audio with a six-CD changer, eight speakers, auxiliary input, and USB port; Bluetooth telephone interface; a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls; front and rear fog lights; a fold-flat 40/20/40 split rear seat; locking cargo-floor storage bin; and a fold-flat front passenger seat that considerably increases cargo flexibility. Silver roof rails and Sirius Satellite Radio prep have been added for 2010. The standard wheels are 16-inch alloys with 225/55R16 tires. The Premium Package ($2,950) adds leather seats, a leather shift knob, power glass sunroof, power passenger seat, real wood interior trim, a compass in the rearview mirror, and a Homelink integrated garage-door opener.

The 2010 V70 3.2 R-Design ($38,000) features a stiffer suspension and 245/40R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels. The R-Design comes with all the items in the Premium Package, but replaces the wood trim with metallic Deco inlays. Additional upgrades include Watch Dial instruments, a sport steering wheel, and unique pedals, shift knob, and floormats. Outside, the R-Design features a silk-metal-finish grille and mirrors, black aluminum side window trim, a tailgate spoiler, and special trim.

Options include the Multimedia Package ($2,500), which adds DVD navigation, 650-watt, 12-speaker Dynaudio Premium sound system with rear seat headphone jacks and audio controls, and Sirius Satellite Radio with six-month subscription. The Convenience Package ($1,100) adds power-operated tailgate, front and rear park assist, and a grocery bag holder, and 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area. The revised Climate Package ($900) includes heated front seats, headlamp washers, heated windshield washer nozzles, Rainsensor windshield wipers, an Interior Air Quality System, and an interior humidity sensor. Stand-alone options include a DVD rear-seat entertainment system ($1,800) with two seven-inch LCD monitors in the front headrests, with an auxiliary jack for video games or cameras, wireless headphones and remote control; and xenon headlights ($800) with Active Light Bending.

Safety features include multi-stage front-impact airbags and curtain-style head protection airbags for all outboard seats. The front passenger side-impact airbags have two compartments: a lower one for the hips, which can handle more force without injury, and a second one that deploys more gently around the shoulders. Volvo's latest generation Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS) is design to minimize neck and back injuries in a significant rear impact. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), the latest-generation anti-lock brakes (ABS), and all-wheel drive are standard, along with the mandated tire-pressure monitor. Integrated child safety seats are built into the rear outboard seats, and can be adjusted specifically to the child's size. This optimizes the seatbelt geometry regardless of the child's stature. The safety belts have specially adjusted force limiters to reduce the risk of restraint injury, and the side-curtain airbags are lengthened (relative to previous-generation models) for better coverage. Safety options include Volvo's Blind Spot Information System, or BLIS ($700), designed to warn the driver of approaching vehicles that might not be visible in the mirrors; and a Technology Package ($1,700) that combines radar-managed Adaptive Cruise Control with Auto Brake, Distance Alert, Driver Alert Control, and Lane Departure Warning. In short, the system issues a warning if the V70 is closing quickly on an object and pre-loads the brake system. It can actually engage the brakes if the driver fails to respond.

The Personal Car Communicator ($550) adds keyless starting. More to the safety point, it allows you to determine from anywhere whether you locked the car, though you'll have to call your spouse or friend to lock it for you if you are already on the plane, because it can't actually lock the V70 out of range of the remote. This device also allows you to tell if the car has been tampered with as you approach it in a dark parking lot, and includes a heartbeat sensor to determine if there is a villain lurking inside.

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