2005 Volvo V70 T5 Test Drive

Hauling Never Looked So Good

With style, power and versatility, the Volvo V70 represents most of what I'd want in my personal automobile. The current V70 was introduced in 2001 as an '02 model has matured nicely with only minor nips and tucks. Thanks to my tester, the T5 edition of the V70, I found it's wise to understand what you're getting. Only front wheel drive is offered in the T5 and it's powerful engine makes the V70 a handful even on dry roads. MSRP: $36,480; Warranty; 4/50,000.

First Glance

To prove the North American market is the most important one for Volvo, final decisions on styling now come out of Volvo's design studios in Irvine, CA. This approach works well for Volvo because its latest automobiles are widely considered to be among the most chic available anywhere in the world.

My elegant black tester sported the optional 17inch alloy wheels, which perfectly set off the T5's gorgeous Euro-type 5-door lines. The vast majority of automobiles sold in Europe these days are hatchbacks or wagon-type bodies and the V70 is among the most stylish of the contemporary European hatchbacks. And I gotta say, the T5 is the most attractive in the V70 model line.

Only in the last few years has Volvo's marketing added the "world-class styling" message in addition to its well-known "safety for driver and passengers." The company has also been justly celebrated for its environmental and social record. Almost alone among carmakers, it demands the highest standards of environmental protection and social responsibility from all of its suppliers. No ozone-depleting freon chemicals are used to tan the leather in Volvo seats, and no 10-year-old children are employed in sweatshops to sew it.

In the Driver's Seat

Although the basic V70 wagon targets younger family buyers who appreciate the safety and security features, the T5 targets the enthusiast who also has a family - or who is regularly obliged to schlepp around a lot of stuff. Generally, the V70 is large enough in back so there's no need to carefully pack and stack; merely open one of the doors or the rear hatch and toss it in.

Volvo front seats, already among the best in the industry were re-worked for enhanced comfort and adjustment. These are the company’s next generation seats; they debuted in the '05 V70. And while the back seats are very comfortable, the front seat headrests (though made thinner in '05) still somewhat restrict forward visibility. However, the cushion height and the ample head, elbow and legroom make the rear of this wagon with its squared-off, though elegant, roofline a pleasant place to spend time.

A thick leather steering wheel is standard but I would recommend spending the extra few bucks for the wood option. There's really nothing like fine wood to convince yourself you've finally arrived.

The optional 325W sound system with Pro-Logic would complete the contemporary Swedish-design center stack.

On the Road

The V70 T5's engine generates plenty of horsepower (257) and plenty of torque (258 lb-ft of torque) but where it really makes a difference is where and when that power is available. Most of this engine's power is available in the normal driving that we all do: starting from 1,800 rpm. But there's a drawback to that, too: torque steer. Torque steer happens when a car pulls sharply to the right during hard acceleration. This sometimes happens with over-powered FWD cars. I like the T5's power but I really don't like its full on/off type delivery. You floor it and you wait; then all hell breaks loose. I sure wouldn't want to forget I'd ordered the T5 engine if I were on an icy road.

While the 6-speed manual in this car was great fun to play with, I think the 5-speed auto would be the sounder choice with the T5 engine.

My Volvo V70 T5 tester had the optional electronic control suspension system, which actively adjusts shock damping in relation to driver and vehicle input. There are two driver-initiated settings - comfort and sport. I found the ride a bit hard even on the comfort setting. But the V70 is smooth and quiet so it certainly makes a great highway car. I also thought the fuel economy was reasonable at 19 city/26 highway.

Journey's End

The look of the V70 is a blend of the European and the American. While the wagon body style is attractive to both, it seems especially so to the European eye. During the week I tested the T5, there was an Italian fashion industry extravaganza in town. One day I was parked on our street when a beautifully dressed chap - a designer for the Italian firm Alta Moda (Armani, etc.) - stopped his rental car beside my gleaming black V70 and asked for directions to the airport. We got to chatting and he remarked that he really admired the styling of my T5.

Then, the very next day - I swear I'm not making this up - a second very stylishly-dressed Italian, another designer from Alta Moda, pulled up beside me and asked directions to the airport. After we chatted for a few minutes, he, too, said he thought my V70 T5 was really gorgeous. Go figure the odds of that happening on consecutive days? I actually thought about buying a lottery ticket.

It's hard to believe I'm talking about a station wagon here, folks, but it's the truth. It's gorgeous and does everything a station wagon should. You don't need the high-end T5 edition I tested to get all of this, however. All Volvo V70s are this good.