Insurance Group: 41
MPG: 27.7
CO2: 237
0-62 Mph: 6.9 secs
BHP: 300 BHP
Range: 427 miles
PROS: Excellent build quality, stylish design and classy interior, extremely comfortable and well refined, low emissions, good performance from 3.0L petrol engine.
CONS: It can no longer claim the largest carrying capacity in its class, not as entertaining to drive as some of its rivals, poor fuel economy.
The V70’s interior is well finished and uses top quality materials throughout. The dash is well designed and is clean and clutter-free. The driver’s seat and steering wheel are infinitely adjustable so anyone should be able to find the perfect position and visibility is very good all round. The seats are superbly comfortable; however, they lack side support.
The T6 is fitted with Volvo’s 3.0-litre 300bhp petrol engine, which produces 324lb-ft of mid-range torque and will haul it from 0-62mph in only 6.9 seconds, and then on to a top speed of 155mph. Mated with Volvo’s six-speed Geartronic automatic box – its a formidable combination and you can’t fault the performance. All this performance comes at a price though; the T6 returns a dismal 27.7mpg average fuel economy and its CO2 emissions are 237g/km.
The V70 is sure-footed and maintains its composure well on most road surfaces. There’s some body roll when cornering, but it’s well checked by the firm suspension. The T6 is all wheel drive, but it only kicks in when it senses that traction is being lost on the front wheels. There is an optional electronically controlled damping system available, but while it improves cornering and keeps the V70 flatter, it still does not produce the keen handling characteristic of the rival BMW 5-Series Touring.
The inside of the V70 is hushed and well insulated from any road or suspension noise, making it very relaxing on long journeys.
The V70, like many of Volvo’s models, boasts classic lines and a somewhat understated manner from the outside. The cabin of the V70 is more evident of the Swedish design touch, and the overall package is a very pleasing one.
The V70 T6 SE Lux comes with a good level of equipment and includes power steering, central locking, DSTC stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, rear parking sensor, leather seats, alarm, immobiliser, CD with MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and satellite navigation as well as a powered tailgate and luxury floor mats.
Volvo also offers the option of metallic paint, a 'Clean Zone Interior Package' and several optional safety systems.
The V70’s luggage carrying capacity is excellent, although no longer class leading. With 575-litres available without moving any seats and a maximum of 1,600-litres with the rear seats folded down, it should meet most carrying requirements. The boot of the V70 is wide and the tailgate is almost vertical which also makes it very practical. Floor-mounted rails and anchor points in the boot make it easy to secure any type of load quickly.
Interior space for passengers in the T6 is excellent, both up front and in the rear. The five seats are extremely comfortable and relaxing on long motorway journeys and it really is a refined, hushed environment in which to travel.
EuroNCAP awarded the V70 the maximum five-stars for safety in its crash-tests. Individual ratings were five-stars for adult safety, four-stars for child safety and two-stars for pedestrian safety. The V70 comes with the usual airbags, side-impact bars, rollover protection and stability control as well as head restraints specially designed to reduce whiplash injuries and buyers can also opt for adaptive cruise control which includes collision warning and auto braking function. Laminated safety glass is also an option.
Volvo usually rate very well for both quality and reliability and is in the top ten in customer satisfaction surveys. Most Volvo owners hold on to their cars for longer than some other makes and generally have few complaints about them.
The V70 is covered by Volvo’s three-year 60,000 mile warranty and regular service intervals are every 18,000 miles.
The Volvo V70 T6 SE Lux is good value for money at £40,335 when compared with many of the offerings from Audi, BMW and Mercedes. You get a car loaded with safety features, extremely refined and comfortable over long distances, and plenty of performance too – all for a lot less money than its competitors ask.
Residual values are not as strong as its German rivals though and the poor fuel economy of the T6 3.0L petrol engine will make it expensive to run as a high mileage motorway cruiser – which is what it does best.
Apart from the poor fuel economy, running costs are typical for a large executive car. Insurance for the V70 T6 SE Lux is in group 41.
If you’re buying new from a dealer – you should be able to get a good discount on the petrol version, as it’s less popular than the diesel versions.
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