At first glance, the Volvo V70 is a brash estate. It could hardly be called sleek – rather, it’s a little bit boxy, but let that not put you off; to get a true sense of what a car is like, you have to drive it.
Volvo V70 D5 SE Lux
Thankfully, I have.
And boy have I been pleasantly surprised. First of all, let’s get our Volvo speak out of the way – the V70 has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and it is filled with lots of technology, including over 4 airbags, to give any family man peace of mind. Also, the V70 is ridiculously practical, with roof rails, an enormous boot complete with gaping tailgate, lots of leg room, and seats that are more sofa than chair… quite literally, you sink into them, and for a minute, you can be distracted into thinking you’re in DFS.
Now, let’s move on to how the Volvo V70 drives.
Performance is excellent – this car features a 2.4-litre, five-cylinder, 20-valve D5 engine that produces a thumping 309 lb /ft of torque from only 1,500 rpm. This lugs the car around at a very respectable pace, and the engine is quiet , too, proving to be ideal for motorway cruising. The only harshness it has is on a very cold morning, but the engine heats up quickly, so it isn’t long before you can whack the heaters on.
It is on the move that you get a feel of what this car is really about; reviews and news can only tell you so much. So, allow me to evoke feeling into you – the V70 is very comfortable, the gear change is crisp, and aside from 1st gear, it delivers a linear driving experience. Inside it’s quiet, and on the outside it looks great, if a little too understated. If this car evoked one emotion in me, it would be satisfaction.
The base price of this car is £35,970, but for the one you really want (complete with Geartronic gearbox), it’s going to cost you £37,455.
Vertu Cars Derby Volvo thinks that the Volvo V70 D5 SE Lux is a great new addition to the V70 range, offering Volvo customers yet more choice.
Overall, the Volvo V70 D5 SE Lux is a compelling family estate. It lacks the badge appeal of its German rivals, but it’s much more anonymous, which is what I like about the Volvo brand – plus, it helps that their latest design language wipes the floor with many competitors. This is undoubtedly a pricey way to lug the family around (the V60 is perfectly capable, although less practical), but if you need the space, the V70 comes highly recommended from me.
