2008 Volvo V70 T6 review
June 23, 2008 by Karl Peskett
2008 Volvo V70 T6 review & road test
Model Tested:
- 2008 Volvo V70 T6 – $67,950 (RRP)
Options fitted: Metallic Paint – $1,350; SatNav – $3950; Bluetooth – $445; BLIS – $1200
Engine, Transmission, Comfort, Economy, Space, Quality
Suspension can be confused, steering artificial, satnav
CarAdvice Rating: 
Review and photography by - Karl Peskett
Some pernicious comments about looks were thrown my way recently. Now I know that my nose is a tad on the winged-keel side, and that I’m about as handsome as a frog’s achilles tendon, but the statements weren’t about me.
No, they were about the car I was driving. The photos might give you a clue. You see, the Volvo V70 wagon I was driving, was big, long and black. “So, how’s the hearse?” was a question I didn’t quite know how to answer.
Ignore them I did. Especially as in this tester’s eyes, it’s a damn fine looking car. The chrome around the glasshouse, with the black metallic paint means it looks mean. Some people have mentioned that the wheels look a bit small too, but again, water off a ducks back.
And speaking of water, in duck-friendly weather, the AWD grip is appreciated. Sure the balance on turn in initially communicates a nose-heavy tendency, but when you’re really on it, the Haldex system gets the rears pushing just that bit more, to maintain a neutral stance.
Particularly at higher speeds does the V70 feel at home. This is the perfect car to lope across the countryside in. The term GT comes to mind, however let’s not kid ourselves – it’s not a sports car. The V70’s role is as a family hack. But oh, what luxury the kids and the dog have.
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 ;)
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.
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.
i saw one the other day and it had these beautiful chocolate brown seats in it.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…
Volvo have always made solid cars with outstanding durability.
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!
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.
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.
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.
But there are some pictures to look at Reckless ..Ha Ha ;)
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.
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.
last timke i heard camry drivers were the new volvo drivers.
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…
sorry said it wrong.
Carmr drivers are the new volo drivers
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!
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”
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.
Just back from a test drive on the V70. I must say this is a very excellent car standard. Pretty much comes with everything you need including auto tailgate, auto lights, auto wipers, excellent stereo, rear entertainment, parking sensors and turn in external mirrors.
Its also a fantastic drive. I’ve driven a few cars over the past few weeks and its a really smooth ride with a perfect amount of power for the type of market it is targeting. It was also very quiet to external noise.
My only criticism is that the transmission is not as smooth as the review let me to believe. Its a bit rough on acceleration.
Also has excellent breaking. I took it to about 70kph and slammed on the brakes. The hazard lights kick in and there was the slightest wheel lockup. ABS is excellent.
I’ll be testing the new A4 avant and passat but the V70 is a fantastic luxury wagon which will be hard to beat for the price I think.