Volvo Gets Exciting
by David Morgan (22 Jun 07)

There are few large cars that make all-round sense – but Volvo's V70 estate comes close. The current model is a carry-all icon, an understated estate that is dependable and undemanding to drive. But there's growing anticipation of something special on the way as Volvo prepares to launch the all-new V70 in September – a dynamic and handsome replacement with style, strength, increased capacity and versatility.

That excitement is well placed. I've just driven the new car, and its four-wheel drive XC70 sister, at the international launch in Germany, and I predict Volvo will easily hit UK product manager Dean Shaw's 2008 sales target of 7000 V70s and 2500 XC70s. It was a perfect demonstration of how a car as good as the current V70 family can be bettered – an evolution in quality, safety and practicality mixed with a new-found dynamic drive, innovation and a substantial increase in size.

Priced from £26,495 for a 198bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol V70 (badged 2.5T SE), it is set to be a thorn in the side of the BMW 5-Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant. It is big, drives beautifully, handles well and has a feeling of solidity.

It is a more athletic car than the one it replaces and delivers a world first child seat safety system. Other imaginative design features bring extra cargo space with clever cargo handling features and new levels of driver satisfaction thanks to dramatic chassis developments.

The new V70 is an uncompromising advance in estate car design. The styling is undeniably Scandinavian with the chunky good looks that singled out its predecessors – but it is sleeker with a bold grille, steeply raked windscreen, deep flanks and a wide tailgate framed by large rear light clusters similar to those on the stylish C30 coupé.

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