Used 2010 Volvo V70

A cornerstone of Volvo’s lineup, the front-wheel-drive V70 wagon arrives for 2010 wearing only minor changes. Although gaining a fresh and more contemporary appearance, the third generation of this popular hauler remains solidly anchored to the platform architecture shared with the firm’s flagship S80 sedan and the XC70 all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicle. Available in two trims, the V70 3.2 and 3.2 R-Design boast a powerful and refined six-cylinder engine, a broad range of standard and available features and a stellar array of advanced safety systems. This competent Swedish family wagon faces off against a shrinking field of front-wheel and all-wheel drive rivals, headed by the Audi A6 Avant quattro, the BMW 535xi Sport Wagon and the Cadillac CTS Wagon.

The Volvo V70 makes the most of its chassis and powertrain elements to deliver a smooth, comfortable and well-isolated ride. While the six-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine has sufficient muscle to let the V70 3.2 successfully cope with most day-to-day traffic and passing maneuvers, it won’t do much to satisfy anyone with even modest enthusiast leanings. Aggressive cornering will elicit some noticeable body roll, but most buyers will likely find this Volvo’s tradeoff between control and compliance a very livable compromise. The standard driver-selectable Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system helps the V70 maintain its composure on slicker surfaces without being too intrusive, and its powerful four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes incorporate both Electronic Brake Assistance and anti-fade compensation circuitry to optimize the car’s overall stopping power in emergency situations.

Cast in a Swedish-modern motif, the V70’s spacious cabin is finished in standard charcoal or beige T-Tec fabric and brushed aluminum accents but can be upgraded with leather and real wood trims. It shares basic S80 design cues, from legible analog gauges with supplemental driver-info readouts to Volvo’s distinctive slim-line center stack with intuitively arrayed audio and climate controls. Well-formed front seats feature eight-way power adjustability for the driver, while the V70’s 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench has room for adults at the two outboard spots – which also incorporate Volvo’s variable-height child booster-seat cushions. Maxing out the aft quarters for cargo toting increases the carrying capacity from 33.3 to 72.1 cubic feet.

The latest V70 imparts an athletic flair, with bold character lines that rise from its chiseled front fascia, carry through to a power-bulged hood, and flow rearward to form prominent shoulder ridges. Blackout pillars and tasteful brightwork help integrate the V70’s side glass, but the strongest visual statement is provided by its rear quarters, where a single-piece liftgate is framed by oversized conventional and LED combination tail lamps and a highly-stylized soft fascia. Standard 16-inch aluminum wheels mount 225/55 tires, but available larger 17- and 18-inch alloys impart a sportier finishing touch.

World-Class Safety Innovations
Beyond it’s more-rigid unit body, the V70 3.2 incorporates upgraded WHIPS and SIPS whiplash and side-impact protection systems, a dual-height child booster-seat system with adaptive seatbelts and such available options as Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Auto Brake and Personal Car Communicator with heartbeat sensor.

Convenient Cargo Handling
The V70 3.2’s flexible cargo system features floor rails with adjustable fold-down anchor points and additional tie-downs in the side panels to secure bulky items, plus a big, lockable underfloor cargo bin. Its larger, one-piece tailgate further simplifies the loading and unloading process, and offers optional power activation.

As befits its up-market status, the V70 3.2 is a high-content vehicle that complements its capable powertrain and comfortable seating with a full array of power assists, dual-zone climate control, a tilt/telescopic steering column, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth and a 160-watt AM/FM/MP3 sound system with six-disc CD changer, USB port and iPod interface and an auxiliary input jack. Enhancing its utilitarian qualities is a flexible hold-down system in the rear bay that makes it easier to secure bulky items, plus a lockable underfloor cargo bin. Heading the V70’s formidable safety systems are front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control and four-wheel anti-lock discs with Electronic Brake Assistance.

Five key equipment groups highlight the V70’s extras list. There’s the Multimedia Package (Dynaudio 650-watt sound system, Volvo navigation and SIRIUS Satellite Radio); the Premium Package (leather and wood cabin trim, a power moonroof, auto-dimming mirror, power passenger seat and HomeLink); the Convenience Package (front and rear Park Assist, a power tailgate, 12-volt cargo bay outlet); the Climate Package (heated seats, Rainsensor wipers, heated washer nozzles and headlamp washers); and the Technology Package (Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning System with Auto Brake, Distance Alert, Driver Alert and Lane Departure Warning systems). Stand alone options include bi-xenon headlamps with Active Bending Light, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, Blind Spot Information System and Personal Car Communicator with heartbeat sensor.

Long powered by five-cylinder powerplants, today’s V70 has an engine with six cylinders. Still an in-line configuration, this naturally-aspirated powerplant displaces 3.2 liters and was co-developed with former partner Ford. The engine’s 235 (225 on PZEV engines) horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque are less than any of its main rivals. However, sophisticated Cam Profile Switching and a variable-intake system help keep 90 percent of its peak torque on hand from just 2000 rpm. Backed by a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with manual-style shift mode, it propels the V70 3.2 from zero to 60 mph in just under eight seconds.

3.2-liter in-line six
235 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 3200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27