Volvo V70 (2007): unveiled

By James Mullan

First Official Pictures

02 February 2007 09:09

New Volvo V70: the lowdown

Today heralds the launch of a new Volvo of the sort that’s shaped the world’s view of the Swedish company: a large, luxury estate. The new V70 is more practical, roomier and – surprise, surprise – faster than its predecessor. Volvo has attempted to spice up its oh-so-sensible estate by installing the T6 six-cylinder 285bhp 3.0-litre turbo. We reckon it might frighten a few antique dealers; this load-lugger will shuttle from 0-60mph in just 7.2 seconds on its way to 155mph. Although you’d have to ask yourself what sort of country gent is going to drive a big, sensible estate in such hooligan fashion (not to mention pay the resulting fuel bills).

Not everyone wants 295lb ft of twist in their green-welly estate. In fact hardly anyone does. So the bulk of sales will go to the smaller engines: there are two variations on a 2.4-litre diesel; a 2.5-litre turbo petrol; and a naturally aspirated 3.2 six-pot. Later in the year we’ll see a 2.5 capable of running on E85 bioethanol for countries where there’s a refuelling infrastructure. Every engine is available with the six-speed Geatronic auto transmission and manual gearboxes will be offered on the smaller engines. There’s no word yet on prices for the new V70 range.

By James Mullan