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2008 Volvo V70 Performance Review

July 22, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

respectable, yes, but perhaps not noteworthy
Car and Driver

this Volvo's tradeoff between control and compliance [is] a very livable compromise
Kelley Blue Book

V70 is down on power compared to other midsize premium cars
ConsumerGuide

six-cylinder lacks high-speed power
Cars.com

lackluster fuel economy
Edmunds

The 2008 Volvo V70’s sole powertrain combines adequate acceleration with mediocre fuel economy. At least the engine’s butter-smooth.

In light of the old V70’s weak-kneed 157-horse inline-five, the smooth 235-horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque of the new 3.2-liter inline-six are a blessing. Car and Driver: “Smooth is the name of the game, and unlike in the old turbo, torque steer is nearly imperceptible.” Car and Driver recorded 0-60 times of 7.5 seconds. Kelley Blue Book finds that the new engine has “sufficient muscle” but “won’t do much to satisfy anyone with even modest enthusiast leanings.” The 3.2 is backed by a six-speed Geartronic automatic with manual shift control that ConsumerGuide finds smooth and “quick to respond to throttle inputs.”

Where the V70 powertrain falls from grace is in fuel efficiency. Says Kelley Blue Book, “the V70's EPA fuel economy numbers of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway are only average, and are equaled by BMW's pricier, but far-quicker, 300-horsepower all-wheel-drive 535xi Sport Wagon.” The sensible drivers at ConsumerGuide average 21.6 mpg “in an even mix of city and highway driving.”

In general, reviewers find the V70’s handling safe, predictable, but only semi-athletic. Luckily, the ride is absorbent and plush. Says Edmunds.com, “sharp handling isn't in the V70's repertoire, but light steering and a relatively small size make for easier maneuvering than a much larger crossover SUV.” ConsumerGuide feels that the V70 offers a commendable balance of road feel and bump isolation.” They call its handling “almost sporty,” and find the vehicle “benefits from direct, responsive steering and well controlled lean in corners.” Motor Trend sums up the others’ feelings when saying “the big brakes demonstrated reassuring retardation.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Volvo V70 is semi-sporty in a stoic way, but fuel economy is a downer.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:respectable, yes, but perhaps not noteworthyCar and Driverthis Volvo's tradeoff between control and compliance [is] a very livable compromiseKelley Blue BookV70 is down on power compared to other midsize premium carsConsumerGuidesix-cylinder lacks high-speed powerCars.comlackluster fuel economyEdmunds The 2008 Volvo V70’s sole powertrain combines adequate acceleration with mediocre fuel economy. At least the engine’s butter-smooth. In light of the old V70’s weak-kneed 157-horse inline-five, the smooth 235-horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque of the new 3.2-liter inline-six are a blessing. Car and Driver: “Smooth is the name of the game, and unlike in the old turbo, torque steer is nearly imperceptible.” Car and Driver recorded 0-60 times of 7.5 seconds. Kelley Blue Book finds that the new engine has “sufficient muscle” but “won’t do much to satisfy anyone with even modest enthusiast leanings.” The 3.2 is backed by a six-speed Geartronic automatic with manual shift control that ConsumerGuide finds smooth and “quick to respond to throttle inputs.” Where the V70 powertrain falls from grace is in fuel efficiency. Says Kelley Blue Book, “the V70's EPA fuel economy numbers of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway are only average, and are equaled by BMW's pricier, but far-quicker, 300-horsepower all-wheel-drive 535xi Sport Wagon.” The sensible drivers at ConsumerGuide average 21.6 mpg “in an even mix of city and highway driving.” In general, reviewers find the V70’s handling safe, predictable, but only semi-athletic. Luckily, the ride is absorbent and plush. Says Edmunds.com, “sharp handling isn't in the V70's repertoire, but light steering and a relatively small size make for easier maneuvering than a much larger crossover SUV.” ConsumerGuide feels that the V70 offers a commendable balance of road feel and bump isolation.” They call its handling “almost sporty,” and find the vehicle “benefits from direct, responsive steering and well controlled lean in corners.” Motor Trend sums up the others’ feelings when saying “the big brakes demonstrated reassuring retardation.” ConclusionThe 2008 Volvo V70 is semi-sporty in a stoic way, but fuel economy is a downer.  2008 VOLVO V70 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: “the V70’s looks are underwhelmingly pleasant” Kelley Blue Book: “a more contemporary appearance” Edmunds:  “unmistakable Swedish style” Cars.com: “simple, clutter-free dashboard” ConsumerGuide: “Gauges are large, clearly marked, ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Nearly all of the V70’s wagon rivals come from other European automakers, and nearly all offer performance that’s livelier than that of the 2008 Volvo V70. The Passat is considerably more affordable than the V70, and very fuel efficient when equipped with the standard 2.0T engine, while the A6 Avant and 9-5 SportCombi both have a sportier feel behind the wheel than the V70 without being much worse in ride comfort. At the far end of the comparison is the larger Mercedes E-Class, which as a wagon only comes in all-wheel-drive E350 4Matic form or as the high-performance E63 AMG. Both models are considerably more expensive than the V70 without being much roomier inside. The V70’s interior is the real differentiator versus its rivals; its look and feel is refreshingly different, and the backseat design is easier to fold down than in most other wagons.

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See the Volvo V70 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

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