Service Cars

2006 Volvo V70 R Review

Pros:

Excellent AWD performance, well appointed interior, good visibility, safety, appearance

Cons:
Ride a bit rough, limited turning radius

Ive researched all autos in this class. This is by far the best AWD station wagon in this price range - offering superior performance/pick-up, numerous first-line standard features including a very user-friendly steering wheel controlled nav system. Particularly, I found the all around visibility, permitting great situational awareness, and thus safety to be the best of any station wagon, and by far, SUV available. This is in a solidly built, safe, relatively economical, practical, very attractive and all around great performing vehicle.



Whats New for 2006

New for 2006 is an optional six-speed automatic transmission in place of last years five-speed unit. The V70 R also gets a new electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. The Touring Package has been deleted and replaced by the Convenience Package, which includes a cargo protection net, grocery bag holder, cargo area 12-valve outlet, power child door locks, a holder for sunglasses and rear park assist. A rear-facing third-row seat is no longer available as an option.

For higher-level handling, Volvo has fitted the R cars with its Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) system, which combines an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system with a semiactive, continuously adjustable suspension system. Four-C is comprised of an impressive array of sensors, new shocks and a powerful microcomputer to process all the information. The heart of the system, though, is a valve made by Ohlins, a Swedish suspension manufacturer, that lets the shocks change their damping up to 500 times each second.

Out on the road, the V70 R can be driven hard enough to generate some serious fun. Whether charging out of turns on little-traveled two-lane highways or on a racetrack, the R demonstrates excellent balance and grip, not to mention a playfulness you wont find in other V70s. With a base price under $40,000, we consider the V70 R a larger, less expensive alternative to the Audi S4 Avant.

Comfort

While the front cabin in the Volvo V70 R offers a bit more head room than the average luxury wagon, there really isnt much of a difference. The Volvo V70 R is not particularly roomier for your passengers than the average luxury wagon.

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside, the V70 R offers more upscale furnishings than regular V70s, namely laterally bolstered leather sport seats, stylish silver and blue gauges and real aluminum trim. Comfort is exceptional in front, but rear passengers may find legroom a bit tight. The control layout is more complex than in other cars, and new owners may need to sit down with the owners manual in order to master everything. Cargo capacity is 37.5 cubic feet; fold down the rear seats and youve got 71.5 cubic feet.

Driving Impressions

Considerably faster than other Volvo wagons, the V70 R is also a much better handler. Its not quite in the same league as Audis S4, but its closer than we ever thought a Volvo wagon would get. Taken out on your favorite back roads, the R is ready to play -- its high level of balance and grip instills confidence in the driver. And it still rides comfortably enough to be used as an everyday commuter vehicle. Better yet, the midsize V70 R is priced and sized right to make it a good value for enthusiasts with families.

Dimensions

The average luxury wagon is slightly heavier than the Volvo V70 R. The Volvo V70 Rs tank is about the same size as the average luxury wagons, though the average luxury wagons is a bit larger. The Volvo V70 R and the average luxury wagon compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the Volvo V70 R to the dealership as the
average luxury wagon. Regarding fuel economy, the average luxury wagon and the Volvo V70 R dont differ much. The Volvo V70 R wont tax your gas budget quite a bit more than the average luxury wagon will. The Volvo V70 R isnt much less expensive than the average luxury wagon with respect to MSRP. The Volvo V70 R isnt much less costly than the average luxury wagon as far as purchase cost.

Auto-Trex Advice:

To our eyes, the 2006 Volvo V70 is one of the most attractive luxury-sport wagons on the road. However, it lacks the dynamic refinement and performance of true luxury vehicles, continuing to rely instead on its extensive safety engineering and supremely comfortable seats as its primary selling points. If the V70s particular strengths are important to you, it should certainly be on your test-drive list.