2010 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 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.

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.

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