Strengths

Safety features; roomy interior and cargo space; excellent ride; powerful turbocharged I6 engine available

 

Changes

Following a complete redesign in 2008, the Volvo V70 wagon sees no significant changes for 2009, though its more rugged counterpart, the XC70, adds a new model-the T6. The T6 features a turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder that delivers 281 horsepower and 295 ft-lb of torque.

 

Value

The 2009 Volvo V70 and XC70 stand out for their roomy interior, ride comfort and innovative child booster-seat system with integrated, adjustable cushions. The XC70, can be seen as an ideal alternative to a large sport utility vehicle. With the availability of a new 3.0L turbocharged 6-cylinder, the XC70 T6 offers athletic performance to match its good looks. The incorporation of several active safety systems also reinforces Volvo's reputation for producing some of the safest vehicles on the road.

 

Overview

Volvo has been making appealing wagons for decades, and the V70 and XC70 certainly add to that legacy.

For 2009, the Volvo V70 returns with its 3.2L inline-6, which makes 235 horsepower and is hooked up to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic manual selection. While the base XC70 shares that engine a new high-performance model has been added to the roster. The XC70 T6 offers a 281-horsepower 3.0L turbocharged inline-6. It is also mated to the 6-speed automatic. The V70 is front-wheel drive, while the XC70 features all-wheel drive standard.

On the outside the wagons feature a soft, aerodynamic look in front, with the distinctive Volvo "eggcrate" grille, yet they display a roofline that doesn't significantly compromise cargo space.

The interior in these wagons is ultra-contemporary, with a handsome instrument panel and unique slim, upright center console. Front seats are among the most ample and well bolstered in the segment, and both wagons come with seating for five, but the back seat is split 40/20/40, and sections fold forward for expanded cargo space. The cargo area has a sliding load floor and under-floor storage compartment. A power tailgate is optional, and LEDs function as supplementary brake lights if the tailgate is open.

The XC70 comes with protective lower body cladding, excellent ground clearance, attractive trim, and a generous list of standard interior appointments, such as automatic climate control, illuminated keyless entry, and a sound system with 6-disc changer.

A full compliment of airbags and a whiplash protection system are standard, as might be expected for customers of the Swedish automaker. To aid with child safety, there's an innovative adjustable, built-in child booster-seat system.

Volvo has incorporated several active safety systems into the V70 and XC70. The Driver Alert Control system sounds a chime and displays a coffee cup symbol in the instrument panel when it senses that the driver might be falling asleep or be distracted. The lane departure warning system uses a camera to detect when the driver is swerving or losing concentration. A new collision warning system uses radar sensors to signal the driver if a collision is imminent, pre-charging the brakes and actually applying them at the point where it judges that a collision is unavoidable. The system is in addition to the available adaptive cruise control system, which follows a set distance behind traffic.

Other major options include leather upholstery, a high-end Dynaudio audio system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, automatic climate control, a power tailgate, and a xenon high-intensity-discharge adaptive headlamp system that helps aim into corners.