The Volvo V70 isn't just any five-passenger wagon. It's a supernanny for the family, and I say that with respect.
What consumer doesn't associate safety and common sense with this big Volvo? Like a bowl of hot oatmeal, the V70 has all the good things for a balanced ownership experience but none of the sugar-coated snap, crackle and pop.
Volvo is proud to be a wagon maker and doesn't try to finesse the image by calling the V70 a "sport" wagon or "multiactivity vehicle." It is a station wagon.
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Volvo leaves nothing to chance in this car, which can be good and bad.
The car has a flotilla of air bags, stability and traction controls and the latest in Ready Alert braking, which detects when a crash is imminent and precharges the brake system. All this is wrapped in a vaultlike passenger cabin of high-strength steel.
The V70 is new for 2008 and now built from the topline S80 sedan, not the midsize S60 as was the predecessor. The interior has more of a luxury treatment that is handsome and durable, with Scandinavian design influences.
At $34,410 with options, the test car seemed more like a $38,000 value, but high-tech option packages can push the price much higher.
This is the workhorse of wagons, but it's attractive in a khaki pants and sturdy shoes kind of way. It is functional and modern, even overengineered in areas, such as the door and tailgate hinges. These appear to be larger than average and are works of art, appearing to be precisely cut from a block of steel, not just stamped and bent.
The overall driving experience has a similar solidness, without excess pounds. The curb weight of 3,527 pounds is 200 pounds less than the Saab 9-5 Combi and 500 pounds less than the Ford Taurus X.
The front-drive wagon is pulled along by a 235-horsepower, 3.2 liter V-6, also from the S80. The engine is smoother and stronger than the previous five-cylinder, but acceleration is not brisk and the fuel economy is just 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Volvo has a diesel engine for this model in Europe that, in time, could be a possibility for North America.
The squared-off interior is generous for occupants, and the cargo area is phenomenal for hauling big-box items. Aluminum cargo rails have a 200-pound capacity, and there are numerous tiedowns along the sides. The rear bumper has a rub strip to limit paint scuffs. And the front passenger seat folds forward to stretch the cargo space.
Raised back seats allow good visibility and comfort. There are reading lights and a large center armrest with storage and cup holders. The rear seats have two built-in child booster seats with adaptive seat belts.
Expansive side glass gives unobstructed views for the driver, particularly out the back sides. And there is much logic in how controls are grouped, such as the window switches, door locks and mirror adjusters at hand on the driver door. Just next to the steering wheel are releases for tailgate and fuel door, headlights and fog lights.
Many of the car's features are deliberate in their actions. Nothing quick and easy here, which could lead to some risky, unexpected end. But, sometimes, life moves faster than Volvo time.
The doors lock when the automatic transmission is engaged, and they don't unlock automatically when the transmission is returned to Park. It takes a second pull on the door handle to release the locks. That's good to keep youngsters from bailing out sooner than desired, but it can annoy adults.
The keyless two-step entry could be a one-step process, but that technological perk is part of the Personal Communicator package for $495.
The test car had just two options, and I liked that simplicity. I could do without metallic paint ($475), and the climate package ($725) would be desirable where heated seats, washer nozzles and headlight washers are needed. But the headlight washers blast fluid with hydrant force when the wiper-washer is used, bad weather or not. Just clearing the glass of grime triggers the headlight bath, first the left, then the right. But typically, the right side managed to spray the windshield after the wiper cycle stopped.
Other option packages can raise the sticker price quickly.
The Convenience Package ($1,395) is loaded with extras, including a cargo-area grocery-bag holder, interior air quality system, Park Assist (front and rear), fog lights, power tailgate and private locking.
A sunroof is available as part of the $2,995 Premium Package, which adds leather-trimmed seats, power passenger seat, integrated garage door opener, leather-wrapped gear shift with wood inlay, wood interior trim and more. Since when is a sunroof synonymous with wood trim?
The optional navigation system ($2,120) includes a rearview camera.
And there are several technology packages, such as the Collision Avoidance Package with Driver Alert Control and Lane Departure Warning ($1,695) and Blind Spot Information System ($695). These demonstrate Volvo's advanced technology, but will they have long-term value? The electronics that go into these systems evolve so quickly that what was state of the art this year may quickly become dated and a resale liability.
Hot cereal may be bland to some, but if you're the type who listens to National Public Radio, began a college fund immediately for the first-born child and ducks inside for an umbrella if it looks like a chance of rain, this station wagon may be for you.
Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at
mark.maynard@uniontrib.com
