[vc_single_image image=”55384″ img_size=”article-image”]Back in the day, before the army of SUVs, crossovers and people carriers took over, the Volvo estate – which is now the Volvo V70 Estate – was the be all and end all for families who craved space, and lots of it. Even now, this car is as relevant as ever, and thanks to some nifty revisions, it’s been updated in order to satisfy the demands of the modern family. Let’s take a closer look at what it offers.
Better Performer
One of the issues that beset the Volvo V70 back in the day was that its handling was just turgid. You couldn’t throw it around like a sports saloon no matter how hard you tried, and, sure, that really isn’t the point of a car like this, but still. You know? Cars like this have become better at handling; they’ve become more dynamic. The BMW 5 Series Touring is a case in point. The Audi A6 Avant is another. These are fairly large cars that drivers can throw around a little bit. They’re dynamic. If the Volvo V70 continued to drive like a tank, it would look and feel every inch like a dinosaur. Fortunately, handling has been improved.
Sure, it’s still some way off the class of a BMW, but if you opt for the lowered sports chassis, or even the Four-C active chassis system, you get to choose from three suspension settings that will allow you to conform them to the type of road you’re on. It does help, even if this car is still some way off an executive sports estate. Engine-wise, drivers only get the choice of a Volvo V70 diesel, with four diesel units on offer – the D2, D3, D4 and D5, with the latter generating 215bhp, whilst the base-level develops 115bhp.
Practical and Entertaining
The new Volvo V70 doesn’t really look all that much different to its predecessor, with the changes coming in the form of improvements to the front grille, the rear bumper, tail lights, whilst chrome touches have also been added to help the car feel a bit more upmarket and, dare we say it, luxurious. These are all neat embellishments, and the Volvo V70 R design is also worth a mention, thanks to its stylish exterior, but the Volvo V70 continues to do what it has always done best – practicality and space.
This means a boot space of 540-litres, which can be hugely expanded if you fold the rear seats. Indeed, the Volvo V70 comes with an ingenious 40-20-40 3 part split/folding rear seat concept that gives you sixteen combinations. You also have the option of fixing a sliding load floor to your V70 too. Up front, an adaptive digital display has been added which means drivers can customise their instrument panel, whilst the Sensus Connected Touch Infotainment system has also been implemented, from which drivers can access the Internet and apps, such as Spotify, to enhance their on-the-road entertainment.
Facts and Figures
Volvo V70 deals start from around £25,000 and rise to about £38,000. You’ll be able to get hold of a used Volvo V70 or a second hand Volvo V70 for a little less. Standard specs across the range include alloys, four electric windows, roof rails, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and cruise control. If parents are looking to equip their Volvo V70 with a bit more safety, there is the option of twin child booster seats, as well as Volvo On Call. And whilst there are no petrols available, the efficient diesels should be more than enough to satisfy drivers, with Volvo V70 mpg figures very good. The 1.6-litre D2 diesel returns 67.3mpg whilst emitting just 111g/km of CO2.
Final Thoughts
The Volvo V70 estate is better than its ancestors. And whilst it might not be as good at handling as one of the German cars, the Volvo V70 is certainly less costly and yet more practical. It basically offers more bang for your buck, and is probably capable of living longer than any of us. If you’re looking for the perfect family car, but have had your head turned by SUVs and MPVs, why not give the Volvo V70 estate a sample?
If you want to get hold of the new Volvo V70 don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page, or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out more about our Volvo lease deals.
