2009 Volvo V70

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 new dual-height child booster-seat system with adaptive seatbelts and introduces, as available options, Volvo's Blind Spot Information System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Auto Brake and Personal Car Communicator with heartbeat sensor.

Convenient Cargo Handling
The V70 3.2s 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 now offers optional power activation.

Cast in a Swedish-modern motif, the V70's spacious cabin is finished in standard charcoal or beige Tricotek 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 new variable-height child booster-seat cushions. Maxxing out the aft quarters for cargo toting increases the carrying capacity from 33.3 to 72.1 cubic feet.

The third-generation V70 has grown a bit, adding 2.3 inches of wheelbase and 4.5 inches to its length. The latest iteration imparts a more athletic flair, with bolder character lines that rise from its chiseled front fascia and carry through a power-bulged hood and onto 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 the optional 225/50 run-flat tires on larger 17-inch alloys impart a sportier finishing touch.

For the first time in its history, the V70 has an engine with six, not five, cylinders. Still an in-line configuration, this naturally-aspirated powerplant displaces 3.2 liters and was co-developed with parent company Ford. The engine's 235 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 a respectable – although hardly class-leading – estimated 7.8 seconds. The V70's EPA fuel economy numbers of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway are only average, and are equaled by BMW's pricier, but far-quicker, 300-horsepower all-wheel-drive 535xi Sport Wagon.

3.2-liter in-line six
235 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 3200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25