Volvo V70 T6 2008 review

And it's reassuring to know you are cocooned in one of the safest vehicles in the world.

Volvo has made the third-generation V70 wagon an even safer proposition. There is greater side protection and curtain airbags extend a further 60mm to cover smaller passengers in the rear seat.

It is a departure from previous models in that it gains a six-cylinder engine for the first time and is enhanced with more luxury features. Performance and sophistication were the goals for the V70 that is powered by a fresh 3-litre V6 boosted by a twin-scroll turbo.

For those who want to tow, there is a generous 400Nm available across the 1500rpm-4800rpm rev range.

There is spirited performance in a competent chassis which rides, steers and handles diligently.

In fact, you can tailor the car to steer, handle and ride to suit individual tastes.

There is the Four-C continuously controlled chassis as standard where you can set the damping to three settings — comfort, sport and advanced.

For a $750 premium you can add the adjustable power steering that can be set to one of three levels — low, medium and high. It works at low speeds such as in parking areas where assistance is most needed.

On the highway the steering feels quite neutral and the ride, even in Advanced mode for better body control and firmer damping, is reasonably compliant.

The clarity and quality of the interior layout and trim, red leather in the ilk of an Italian sports car rather than a Swedish wagon, is top shelf and up there with the highly praised Audi architecture.

The seats are a hallmark, one of Volvo's strong points, where it is easy to consider occupying a pew on an inter-city haul or a long driving holiday.

On the launch drive from Adelaide, through the hills and down to Goolwa and back, the fuel consumption was 12.6 litres/100km, overshooting the factory claim of 11.3.

The V70 feels bulky, a substantial vehicle in mass and on-road presence.

There's a long list of standard features although the list of options runs up a princely sum.

Among the items you can add are ventilated seats ($3200), electric sunroof ($2150), satellite navigation ($3950) and reverse camera ($1200), adaptive cruise control and collision warning with auto brake ($3950), integrated telephone ($2900) and Blind Spot Information ($1200).

This is a fine package that successfully harnesses performance, luxury, packaging and safety.

Just as BMW are the kings of the compact premium sedan genre, Volvo is the king of the wagon market.

The V70, while initially it may be seen as a low volume seller, is ready to catch any fall-out from the luxury SUV crowd.

A word of warning — don't lose your Personal Car Communicator (the key) — it's at least $270 to replace.