2008 Volvo V70 Review Summary
The Volvo V70 was redesigned in 2008 with the most prominent being a standard 6 cylinder engine instead of the inline 5 and a new stylish body. It is based on the sedan V80 powertrain and structurally identical to the XC70, so has many standard features as a result. It is also 4.5 longer and wider, 2.4 inches of wheelbase, which grants more middle-row room than prior year's model. The V70 is front wheel drive and is powered by 235-horsepower 3.2-liter inline-6 with 236 torque. This is the lone engine choice and the only way to get all wheel drive is to buy the XC70. The new engine is more powerful than the standard engines offered last year and Volvo says it can get to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds though most revierwers pegged it closer to 8.2 seconds. The fuel economy is underwhelming with 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway - Similar to those of larger crossovers and wagons. It comes in only 1 trim but with three packages – Premium, Climate and Convenience. Premium Package includes leather upholstery, a sunroof, a power passenger seat, real wood trim and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass. Climate Package adds heated front seats, heated headlamp washers and rain-sensing wipers. Convenience Package will get you front and rear parking assist, a power tailgate and an interior air quality system. The interior controls and trademark floating console are noted by a few including motherproof and Motortrend, as being elegant and simple to use yet still full of cool features.
2008 Volvo V70 Review Handling
Since the Volvo C70 does not offer wheel drive, the Volvo V70 has trouble competing with the Audi A4 and others. Due to its small size it maneuvers well and accelerates adequately, but not impressively. Ride quality is Euro-crisp in the V70 as described by Motrtrend. It has a light and forgiving suspension and steering has a decent feel for the road.
2008 Volvo V70 Review Safety
As one would expect lots of standard and optional safety features. According to MotorTrend and Volvo, the collision protection will be enhanced in the 2008 V70 through the use of a stronger body structure. Also, the side-curtain airbags now extend 2.4 inches lower down the door to better protect kids. Standard features include Traction and stability control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, power childproof door locks and two integrated two-stage child booster seats with adaptive seatbelts. Volvo’s optional equipment, as observed by a few reviewers is meant to protect drivers from themselves - Collision warning system, vehicle distance alert, blind spot warning system, lane departure system and a Personal Car Communicator included with keyless ignition entry, which sends a warning to the key fob should the car detect the heartbeat of an intruder inside the vehicle.
2008 Volvo V70 Noteworthy
Mom’s will love the V70’s dual height-adjustable child booster seats integrated into the 40/20/40 split rear bench. They are designed to keep children in a booster seat for as long as possible. Motherprrof.com described them as supercool.
