2008 Volvo V70 T6 review
Not only that, passengers are well catered for too. Probably the biggest gripe is a lack of footroom, but that aside, it’s a practical car with a luxury bias. The built-in bolsters for kids are a brilliant idea, and the hooks on the rails in the boot can be utilised for load-carrying.
Interior negatives? Well, it’s a pity that the satellite navigation is so slow, and it sort of looks tacked on, too. For the $4K that is asked, I wouldn’t worry about it, and go and buy a Mio instead. Also the bluetooth provision wouldn’t connect with my Sony-Ericsson, no matter how many times I tried. Also the funky floating needles on the dash (which I love) can be a bit hard for older people to read at night.
However the drive makes up for any quibbles. Especially the drivetrain. This is a sweet, sweet engine. Combine it with one of the best automatics going around, and you’ve got one brilliant drive experience.

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June 23rd, 2008 at 7:08 am
Great review!
I’m with you, I think that it’s quite a good looking car. And those red seats look fantastic in the black car ;)
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June 24th, 2008 at 1:56 am
I never once had the word hearse pop into my head upon seeing this car… but now the more I think about it..
Very nicely put together car - not a squeak or rattle.
The lane changing warning system is to be applauded too.
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June 24th, 2008 at 2:48 am
Nice motor - Now thats what a decent practical wagon should be like. Sorry pimpy red seat don’t do it for me.
Good performance if a little thirsty on the go go juice.
Prefer the D5 engine for economy, but thats just me. I don’t want the petroleum Co’s getting too wealthy now do we.
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June 24th, 2008 at 5:45 am
i saw one the other day and it had these beautiful chocolate brown seats in it.
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June 24th, 2008 at 7:17 am
They should put the T6 into the new XC70. I had one for a few days, and I reckon it is the best thing coming out of volvo in years, and I have pretty much driven all of them. Just could be a touch quicker, and the T6 would do that.
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June 24th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Yes, haven driven the V70 a couple of weeks ago, the T6 engine is what the XC70 needs. It is already slated for the US market for 2009, but it remains to be seen whether we will see the T6 XC70 in Australia.
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June 24th, 2008 at 10:03 am
I have been advised by a very reliable source that we unfortunately wont see the T6 engine in XC70 in oz, you will however see it in the XC60 mid size SUV arriving later this year.
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June 24th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Volvo deserves a better reputation here, which has long been damaged by some Volvo drivers. The latest example, last weekend I was driving around Chadsone car park lanes, a new V70 almost didn’t give away, but we both applied emergecy type braking to stopp, well, instead of receiving an apology, I was abused by the lady’s language. What a “bloody Volvo” driver. I am sure not all Volvo drivers are this type but Volvo does have a “mum”’s car badge in Australia…
V70 is still a nice car…
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June 24th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Well, I am loving my new XC70. First time Volvo driver but I am impressed with the comfort, features and finish.
I have the D5 and that is freeing up nicely. Mid range torque is great. From delivery I am now averaging 8.5l/100kms.
Pics and comments: http://www.flickr.com/photos/2008xc70/
I needed the extra ground clearance and economy (hence the XC70) but the V70 looks a very nice thing indeed…
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June 24th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Volvo have always made solid cars with outstanding durability.
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June 24th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
The “Volvo Driver” no longer exists, despite Weirluo’s one-off experience.
First it was the Valiant drivers, then it became Volvo drivers and, yes, it’s now Camry drivers. Always slow off the mark and always the first to piously relinquish their right of way and hold everyone up behind them as they wave through other motorists.
See, you’ve gotta look for a pattern, Weirluo. And there it is!
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June 24th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Golfschwein, I am sure only a small number of Volvo drivers would behave like that, just as all other drivers, and it could well be an isolated case. I guess that people rarely find Volvo cars connected with performance is where all the “pattern” started from.
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June 24th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Pracaticality in the shape of a pimp-tastic hearse! Just kidding… Great Car but I’d personally prefer the diesel in a Station Wagon. Suits it better I think. Love the seats but I think id get mine in a different exterior colour.
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June 24th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
When I saw the review was 6 pages ling, I lost all interest in reading it.
Just not my cup of tea. Camry drivers might get excited enough to actually accelerate away from the lights, though.
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June 24th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
But there are some pictures to look at Reckless ..Ha Ha ;)
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June 24th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
A good review on a car with a solid reputation, though I don’t think I could live with that Cranberry Leather personally - a bit too much in an Estate.
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June 24th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Can Volvo not EVER get their suspension right?
Nearly every single review I’ve ever read for a Volvo, ever since I started reading car magazines at age 6, has said that the suspension was “odd” or “bad” in one way or another.
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June 24th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
last timke i heard camry drivers were the new volvo drivers.
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June 25th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Ouch!! I’ve got 2 volvos - an s60R and a s40T5 - O’s comment really burns! Anyway, the R goes next week for an xf V8, so maybe I’ll be laughing about volvo drivers after that (my wife included). And the best thing about the Jag over the volvo (excluding the badge)? - the ride. Joe is right - volvo is always either too hard, or too “floaty”. …Well, on second thoughts, the ride, the looks, the V8, the interior - they are all pretty hot in the jag…
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June 25th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
sorry said it wrong.
Carmr drivers are the new volo drivers
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June 28th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
fantastic drive, its speed is deceptive - particularly when taking off from traffic lights! much more powerful than i first anticipated. love the ability to adjust the feel of the drive with comfort, sport and advanced. kids or no kids, i love this cheeky wagon!
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August 6th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Pious will miss the rush of the S60R now that he is in a JAG, especially if it has been modified…
Volvos drivers do not have a need to be “like the rest”
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October 11th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
it is a shame that we dont get the D5 engine in the v70 (or even a smaller diesel becuase we dont need the power in oz) in oz becuase it is lovely, when i lived in Holland i had a D5 engine in my V70 and it was great and got good feul economy.
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