Nice review but there's no mention of the R-Design model you're testing. As a BMW owner for 35 years I swapped my 5 series Touring, which I had for 14 years, for a used 2010 Volvo V70 R-Design (now 190k miles) and was amazed how much better it handles than the BMW I drove for all those years. It corners much better than the BMW, has as much power (3.2 6 cylinder gas engine), and is better on gas mileage. The ride is a little harsher with the factory sport springs but I haven't even noticed the difference between the RWD BMW and the FWD V70. I'm still a wagon owner because of my two dogs. but will keep this one for a long time. The new V90 has changed the boxy rear end which, to me, makes it a lot less functional.
I recently took test drives in a Skoda Superb, more space than the V70, a Volvo XC60, less space than a V70 and a Skoda Octavia, much less space. When I got into my V70 (2011, 2.0t) I realised why i've been driving V70s for the last 15 years and Volvo for 40 years. The XC60 didn't have the 'wow ' factor which I had expected. The Superb Hybride (2020) was fantastic but it just didn't compare to the V70.
Without doubt another great review by Car and Driving. I have a 2011 XC70 3.2 petrol that is great. I'm half inclined to see if I can add a 3rd gen V70 T6 to the garage as that motor is an absolute hoot, or maybe a C70 for something same same but completely different. We were introduced to Volvo with our 96 850 2.5 petrol sedan which we always loved until the daughter had an argument with a kangaroo - dang we really enjoyed that car.
I have this car and I used to own a 2012 Passat and I can safely say that the Passat was the much roomier car inside. Aside from that, I prefer the Volvo (minus the crappy infotainment unit). Mine is the 2.4D 5 pot. Awesome sound and pulling power but drinks diesel like crazy. The 2.0 TDI is a lot more economical.
are u sure that most petrol models automatic transmissions are of a quick shifting dual/double clutch variety? i have heard of no use of such trans in these at all, just a classic automatic.
They are, small engine petrol and diesel have dual clutch Powershift boxes and larger engines/power get the Geartronic traditional auto. Powershift is best avoided just google them
Volvo's engine ideology is quite harsh when it comes to fuel supply. I had a Volkswagen diesel as a work car and it didn't raise the engine temperature to the normal range at all without an additional heater? Unlike the Volvo, the that tells about a really scarce fuel supply. Volvo's five-cylinder naturally aspirated is also a powerful engine with the only downside being high fuel consumption.
The Isofix system in the V70 is rubbish as it costs a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get a seat fitted. You can buy adapters which make it much easier. Luckily the new Volvos have a much better system something many other makes have had for years.
