Volvo is one automaker that gets business mileage from a wagon. The Swedish automaker’s wagon line-up represents almost one-third of worldwide Volvo sales. Based on the S80 sedan platform, the new V70 wagons offer a choice of 5-cylinder engines, two of which are turbocharged. An extended test drive of a V70, fitted with the 197-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and combination 5-speed electronically controlled automatic/manual transmission, reveals an easy handling vehicle with sluggish passing power. V70 sports a stiff and sturdy suspension, which compliments Volvo’s safety attitude. (Standard safety equipment includes side impact airbags, and an inflatable curtain for front and rear head protection.)

To avert neck-snap in event of an accident, front seats feature a headrest that offers whiplash protection. The downside is that the non-adjust headrest doesn’t always feel the best on extended drives. (For this writer, the headrest slant netted unwanted neck curve that lead to headaches on different drives.) Various optional selections for the V70 are worth considering – like a steel protection net/grid for the cargo area (an especially nice feature if traveling with a dog) as well as a glass break sensor. All wheel drive Volvo V70 XC with turbocharged 2.4-liter 5-cylinder engine has estimated mileage counts of 18 city/22 highway. The Importer’s Suggest List Price is $36,100.
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