2008 Volvo V70 T6 first steer

By Paul Maric | March 31st, 2008

2008 Volvo V70 T6 First Steer & Review

Model tested: Volvo V70 T6

Recommended Retail Price: $67,950

Options fitted: Radar cruise control ($3,950); Speed sensitive power steering ($750); sunglass holder ($100); Volvo navigation system ($3,950); sunroof ($2,150).

Styling, impressive handling, interior room, safety

Satellite navigation a bit dated and slow

CarAdvice rating:

- by Paul Maric

Before you reach for your e-mail icon to write me a letter of annoyance over double testing of cars – this is NOT the Volvo XC70. Although it resembles Volvo’s latest iteration of the cross-country soft-roader, the all-new V70 is a different beast altogether.

For starters, the new Volvo V70 only comes in one guise for the Aussie market. The ‘T6’ title refers to the unit under the bonnet. The turbocharged 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder motor pulsates 210kW and a very brisk 400Nm of torque. Power is delivered via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. All these turbocharger shenanigans return a fuel consumption figure of 11.3-litres/100km – pretty modest when you consider the performance!

If the acceleration doesn’t blow you away, the handling certainly will. Coupled with a Haldex all-wheel-drive system, the V70 has tremendous grip through corners. Sitting on 18” wheels with 245-wide Pirelli Pzero tyres, grip levels are prodigious – making it the best way to drop the kids off to school and make it home before your favourite morning show begins.

The interior is typical Volvo – clean and sleek. The quality of materials used is extremely impressive, as is the fit and finish. The cabin is very quiet at highway speeds, indicating good cabin sealing. Front and rear leg room caters for families, with more than enough space for adults to stretch out.

The advanced key fob allows the drive to obtain information about the car’s status, meaning that you will never have to think back and try to remember if you have locked the car, as the key stores the last state.

Optional radar cruise control allows the driver to maintain a set distance between their vehicle and the car in front. This allows the driver to concentrate on one thing – driving. The system can also pre-emptively brake for the driver if it senses an impact is imminent, this further reduces the braking distance in the event of a collision.

Next page…

Dual-stage booster seats in the rear now allow children to see out the windows, while also catering for their safety. The seats act as boosters to assist with head positioning in side impacts – optimising protection in the event of an impact.

Pricing begins at $67,950 for the T6. Options such as satellite navigation, sunroof, radar cruise control and ventilated seats can be optioned at extra cost, indicating Volvo’s commitment to technology and the latest comfort possibilities.

Standard features include: Premium sound system (12 Dynaudio speakers); 6-disc in-dash CD-player; fog lights; active bi-xenon headlights; leather seats; leather wrapped steering wheel; central locking; dual zone climate control; self opening and closing tailgate; IAQS (Interior Air Quality System); electric front seats; heated front seats; cruise control and auto dimming rear vision mirror.

Standard safety features include: ABS brakes with EBD, EBA; emergency brake light flashing; driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; inflatable side curtain airbag; SIPS (Side Impact Protection System); WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System); dynamic stability and traction control; headlight washers; front and rear parking sensors; hydraulic handbrake and water repellent rear view mirrors.

I was nothing short of amazed with Volvo’s latest car. It’s the definition of safety – complete with a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating – while also impressing when thrown through a few bends.

In my opinion, there is no better way to move the family around in style, class and safety. The all new V70 T6 is here to stay and will leave you impressed, no matter how much you refuse to like a Volvo.

CarAdvice overall rating:

How does it drive:

How does it look:

How does it go:

2008 Volvo V70 T6 Specifications

Engine: 3.0-litre
Power: 210kW
Torque: 400Nm
Top speed: 245km/h
Safety: Electronic stability control- front air bags – side airbags – curtain airbags – front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.
0-100km/h: 7.2-seconds
EuroNCAP rating: 5-stars
Turning circle: 11.2m
Fuel tank: 70 litres
Fuel consumption : 11.3 litres/100km
Fuel type: 98RON premium unleaded

http://Citroen Boggy

I agree having driven one , awesome wagon very solid and great build quality feels like a bank vault every bit as nice as a 5 series or E class with AWD and $$$ plenty of change. Xc70 will have this turbo 3.0 six next year should be fun in the dirt.
AC COBRA

Awesome set of wheels, Volvos are as realiable as anything and safe as houses…
Mitch

maybe they should put this engine in the c30
http://Citroen Boggy

Its too wide for the engine bay … but i know Volvo in Sweeden have a C70 with the Yamaha sourced V8 they use in the S80 AWD and the XC90 sqeezed in and that is the same engine bay as C30 ….mmmmmm C30R V8 AWD that would hammer
Iamthestig

Yes, I am biased (I have a new XC70 D5 on order) but isn’t one of these so much better than a 4WD to drop the kids off school mums ?

If I didn’t need the extra ground clearance the XC70 has, I would have bought one of these…

Well equipped for the money too…

Glad to see the tester was impressed, even when he hadn’t discovered the adjustable steering weight control…
TonyB

The stunning aspect about this V70 is the pricing – both in comparison with the XC70 and more so the S80. The V70 is effectively the wagon version of the S80 sedan – but it signifcantly undercuts the price of the sedan. Comparing with the 3.2 non-turbo S80 AWD, it has much the same features but is a wagon and has a much better engine – and its $7,000 cheaper!!
o

man i love volvo they are great the. interior in my opinon is better than any bmw or merc and even yes an audi there built like a house and in my opinon look very modern and 90% of the time all i ever see driving volvo are young families not old people
http://www.caradvice.com.au Anthony

O, you are so right. These guys have surpassed Audi in the interior department!
No Name

Try the BMW 5 series touring 535 diesel 0-100 in 6.9. and 6.6 litres/100. OK it more expensive or maybe BMW 520 diesel to 100 in 8.5 and 5.3litres per 100.
o

i feel that the 5 sereies wagon is odd looing from angles and the interior in black is downright depressing
European Lover

BMW isn’t even in the same league here in australia. The starting point for the 5 series touring is the 530i at an almost unbelievable $119,500. No wonder they sell X5 at a ratio of 100:1 to the touring. Volvo should be commended for pricing the V70 and XC70 so competitively when compared to their european rivals.
Jase

Volvo’s designs are definitely heading in the right direction. The V70 is as good as the E-class or 5 series if not better. If you wanted to purchase the E350 estate, which has similar performance (200kw, 360nm & 11L/100km), you would expect to pay at least $134,000. That’s double the V70, I know what I’d rather get.
Alex

The V70 is the wagon variant of the S60 not the S80.
Jase

Alex, the new V70 is the variant of the S80, volvo are scrapping the S60
No Name

Yeh I know BMW are a bit pricey. commendations to Volvo for keen pricing. Still prefer the D5 though.
http://www.caradvice.com.au Anthony

Jase, you are correct mate
http://www.caradvice.com.au Anthony

No one has mentioned the Dynaudio sound system in the V70. I rate it in the world’s top five in-car sound systems, maybe higher!
Pablo

Is this car front wheel drive or AWD…did I miss this in the text??
Pablo

Whoops..cancel that, just read it again…
Iamthestig

Anthony,

After trying a favorite CD with both the standard and Dynaudio stereos, I was happy to pay the extra $930. Both were good but the Dynaudio gave me goosebumps ! You can get a Dynaudio upgrade in a Passat too, but even VW charge you $1990…

I made the mistake of paying for a BMW stereo upgrade once (and it was well over $1k), and all I got was a slightly clearer version of a very inferior stereo…
http://www.geardiary.com Mitchell Oke

That’s quite a nice looking car too, would look great in black
Frugal-One

$68k

LOL

Hope they are satisfied selling 10 a year

LOL

Cheers

F-0

NB WHO???? would buy this when a BMW/Benz wagaon is the same coin?

NBB Best Ford piss-off Volvo as they have L/R and Jag. would like to see them married to SAAB
Reckless1

For $7000 more I’d have the 3.0 V6 Diesel Touareg any day.

And get better fuel economy to boot.
Myke

It is a very smart looking wagon, honestly if you keeping a car for a long time, resale shouldn’t be a big issue. You are also saving $30-$35 compared to the less powerful and older 530i Touring.
o

Well frugal one im obviously guessing you drive a falcon or a commodore
1.the v70 has more powere and to get that power in a merc or beemer you ill pay around another 50k
2.the v70 only hope to sell 250 [er year mainly cuase theXC70 is cheaper but this has better equipment.
3.have a look ast the interior in this compared to anything else.
Iamthestig

Reckless One – Talk about getting Off Topic !

I don’t think anyone considering a V70 will be looking at a Touareg too – different markets altogether.

Have a look at some of the equipment you get in a V70 STANDARD vs what are options in a Touareg anyway – on that basis, the VW is way overpriced…

BiXenons – $3000
Electric Tailgate – $1400
Foglights – $500
Dynaudio – $2500
http://Citroen Boggy

Hey Reckless one, You will get a big discount on the Toe-Rag as well they have a paddock full of them …. nobody is buying them
Andrew M

Volvo have been creating very very good cars for quite a while.
if only they learnt to design a front and rear that doesnt,…….. well,……… look like a volvo

i think those of you that are dissing volvo simply cant see past the typical Volvo styling stereotypes
Luke

Yep no surprises. I bought a new S40 in late 06 and Volvo are just going and going now. They’re right with Audi, Merc and BMW now. This is an extremely gorgeous car, with a great engine, enjoyable dynamics, and the best interior in the class (Audi included). If you still can’t get your little heads around a great looking, great handling Volvo, then who gives a toss, they’r probably inbred rats anyway…
http://Citroen Boggy

Well said Luke
Adrenalin

I am a convert to the new breed of volvo and will likely become a volvo family. I had an old 360 as a student, then went into many euro marques. I have just run in a C30T5 to commute in and love the ergonomics and responsiveness. YOu can not challenge the value gear the T5 provides. I think this V70 will be similarly be the perfect compliment for weekend work and the daily family driving needs. Well done volvo – you are delivering on your marketing promises!
Jake02

this volvo is bloody bad value, as it doesnt come with sat-nav etc for 70k! thats ridiculous!
Catwoman

Better than BMWs wagons No Name…….How is $68,000 exy Frugal? Bloody good value I think,nothing comes close to their interior finishes ,Im seriously considering another one! O you are absolutely correct. Only thing I would consider next time is AWD and manual,Im too hard on autos! I think Volvo are getting over the Ovlo driver stigma Andrew,thats reserved for Prius drivers now!
weirluo

anyone knows why V70 doesn’t offer the D5 diesel engine available for xc70? Thanks!
TonyB

Weirlo,
The D5 is available for the V70 in most European markets. It was a decision made by Volvo Australia to only bring in the T6 AWD version of the V70. Because of the different import duties on the XC70 and V70 (the V70 is subject to a 10% import duty while the XC70 with its higher ride height has only 5% as its classified as a 4WD), for the same spec car, the XC70 should always be cheaper. The only way Volvo could bring in the V70 and still make it competitive against its own XC70 was to bring it in in a single highly spec-ed T6 AWD version. If nothing else the fact that the V70 is cheaper than a similarly spec-ed up XC70 shows the amount of markup there are on factory options (and yes Volvo is not alone in this).
weirluo

Thanks a lot, TonyB. I compared in detail between V70 and XC70. I am having trouble to decide which one to go now. V70 is a better deal all the way, but XC70 has a diesel option and higher ground clearance. After having three Foresters, maybe I should go back to NOT-SUVs. The claimed soft off road ability is rarely going be used and useful.
weirluo

also considering Passat 4-motion wagon and Audi A6 allroad quattro. But passat comes short on reliability records and A6 quattoro is really poor value with its more than $120,000 on road cost. Hope Volvo Au will bring V70 R here when it’s out!
TonyB

Weirluo,
Have you sat down and done the economics on diesel vs. petrol. 12 months ago diesel may have had an edge. Today even against premium unleaded diesel is no longer economic. The one other advantage turbo-diesel offered was the “driveability” factor – the wide flat torque curve gives impressive rolling acceleration. Against non-turbo petrol engines it wins hands down. But the turbo-charged T6 gives the same or better performance so that argument also bites the dust.
I too am in the position of deciding between the D5 XC70 and the great value-for-money V70 T6. My personal opinion of the D5 XC70 was that it simply doesn’t have what it takes to lug around something that weighs 1.9 tonnes. However as I also like the advantage of higher ground clearance even for city driving (speed bumps, low profile roundabouts etc), I’m currently hanging out for the hope Volvo Aust will bring in the XC70 T6 (the T6 XC70 is confirmed for the left-hand drive US and Canadian markets next year).
Golfschwein

Through two and a bit years of Golf ownership, diesel fuel has always had a 15-20% price premium over 91RON petrol, much less over the 95 and 98 brews.

Nothing’s changed. Pick what you want and go for it.
weirluo

TonyB,
I am not very concerned about “petrol vs diesel” arguement. In the end, the cost differences (purchase+running) wouldn’t be a number big enough to change my preference on car selection. A T6 XC70 equiped similarly as V70 would be a no-brainer buy! I don’t understand why T6 XC70 comes out so much later. Do V70 have exactly the same engineering structure as XC70?

Golfschwein, Golf is great car, but it’s a too small car for a famil.
TonyB

Weirlo,
I must admit I agree with you on the petrol vs diesel issue – in the end the difference in overall cost of ownership probably isn’t that big compared with the initial cost of the car. On the issue of the T6 engine, its largely a matter of timing. The 3.0 litre T6 engine – which is a development of the 3.2 litre non-turbo engine – is relatively new and I suspect its has been a case of limited supply. You also have to appreciate that in most overseas markets the V70 actually outsells the XC70. Thus the focus has been to get the T6 into the V70 (and the S80 in some O/S markets) with the focus only now switching to the XC70 – largely driven by the poor sales of the 3.2l XC70 in Volvo’s key US market where they don’t have the D5 diesel.
weirluo

well, I have to be honest. Volvo Au website is very poorly maintained, outdated info, always shown as oversea models, lack of information, and the website is down again, for example, try to click on “features and options” for V70. it sounds like Volov staff never open their own website to find out what’s wrong.

This is just a point that can be expanded to the Volvo Au marketing/management team. Judging from their performance, they have done a very poor job. Get rid of them and grab some real marketing talents, the Volvo sale will fly up!

It’s a pity that there are many people loving Volvo cars but being poortly treated.

TonyB, V70 is definitely the one for me to buy if I don’t buy other brands (also considering X5 but feel it’s over priced and there too many X5s on Melbourne Street). even a new T6 XC70 is out next year, it will be much more expensive than V70 if same equipemtns are fitted.
TonyB

Weirlo, if I had to make a decision right now, I would also take the V70 T6 over any current XC70. If the XC70 T6 does make it to Aust, all things (ie spec level) being equal the XC70 T6 should be cheaper than the V70 T6 because of the import duty concession the XC70 has over the V70. However it remains to seen whether Volvo Aust will bring in the XC70 T6 and then at what spec level. I agree if you spec up the current XC70 LE to the same spec as the V70 T6 then yes it becomes more expensive – but that only because of the high cost of the factory options.

One word of advice if you go with the V70 (or even XC70) path – make sure you tick the option box for the speed-sensitive power steering. For a vehicle of this weight (and cost) it should be standard.

And yes I also agree on the state of the Volvo Aust website – its not the best maintained.
greencoopers

what’s the verdict- passat r36 vs volvo t6? same money
selP

greencoopers, did you go the R36 or V70 T6?
Anthony Y

For those interested in real-world fuel economy, I drove my V70 T6 from Melbourne to Port Lincoln and back last week at around speed-limit speeds and averaged 9.3 l/100km (carrying 2 adults, 1 child, 1 dog and a fair load of gear). I don’t think thats particularly good or bad, it is what it is. However, the car is supremely comfortable and has ample power for swift-passing the Canadian B-Doubles and double bottom road trains which tend to amble along at around 105 km/h. As is typical of Volvo, the climate control is superb in 40 plus degrees Celsius temperatures. And the Dynaudio sound system is good. Don’t believe the nonsense which some journalists seem to peddle about the V70′s suspension. It is designed for the real world and, like the rest of the car, excels at what it does. What the V70 T6 is not is a frugal every-day city-commuter car. But why would you buy one to use it for that? I use a MB A180CDI, which is perfect for that task.