Volvo persists with hot wagon

However, this will be a one-spec van with plenty of go and plenty of stuff.

Costing about $70,000, the new V70 will come with all-wheel drive, but will not qualify for the SUV import duty exemption.

The van will be powered by a 210kW/400Nm three-litre twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder engine based on the 3.2-litre naturally aspirated engine in the XC70 and XC90.

It will be packed with goodies such as 18-inch alloys, FOUR-C adaptive suspension, personal car communicator, premium 6-CD sound system, front and rear park assist and auto tailgate.

The V70 will arrive in Australia early in 2008. Other new vehicles will accompany it in the first quarter of the year, including the much-awaited diesel version of the cute 2+2 C30, which this year was a Carsguide Car of the Year finalist.

The C30 D5 will come in five-speed auto first up, followed by a six-speed manual shortly after.

There will also be a 'poverty pack' C30 S for around $34,950.

Volvo Australia's new public affairs manager Laurissa Mirabelli said it would not have leather seats or some of the other more expensive creature comforts of the C30.

“It will be a safe and stylish vehicle for young people wanting to get into a premium brand," she said.

Volvo Car Australia is on an upward trend with a 37 per cent increase in sales last year, about 22.5 per cent this year.

Managing director Alan Desselss said the bulk of the sales increase was from the XC90, but the C30 would be a major contributor when the diesel engine variant arrived.