2006 Volvo V70 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

V70 is a wagon version of Volvo's S60 sedan. The similar XC70 adds a raised suspension and SUV-flavored appearance cues. All V70s use a 5-cyl engine and are turbocharged, except the 168-hp V70 2.4 model. V70 2.5T has 208 hp, the V70 R has 300 hp. For 2006, the V70 T5 with 247 hp has been discontinued. R has all-wheel drive, the others are front-drive. The 2.4 comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, the R with a 6-speed manual. Standard on 2.5T and optional for 2.4 is a 5-speed automatic; a 6-speed automatic with manual-shift capability is available for R. R has Volvo's Four-C suspension that's driver adjustable for ride and handling. Traction control and ABS are standard on all. An antiskid system is standard on R, optional on the others. All models come with front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Dual integrated rear child seats, a rear-facing 3rd-row seat, navigation system, and rear obstacle detection are optional.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

2006 Volvo V70 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Navigation-system controls

Acceleration (R)

Front-seat comfort

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
4	6	6.7

The 2.4 model feels sluggish with automatic transmission; no opportunity to test with manual. Others in this line go well once their turbo starts boosting, but suffer from nonlinear throttle response under moderate acceleration; first there's little power, then too much. No opportunity to time 0-60 mph with 2.5T. Volvo pegs V70 R at 5.6 sec with manual transmission, 7.4 with automatic. AWD provides outstanding traction for slippery-surface acceleration.

Fuel Economy

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
5	4	4.6

Test V70 R with automatic transmission averaged 22.4 mpg in mostly highway driving. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel for all engines.

Ride Quality

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
7	4	6.7

Softest in 2.4, but 2.5T provides best balance of compliance and firmness--though it can feel too stiff over sharp bumps. R's taut suspension and 17-inch tires give busy, thumpy ride--doesn't duplicate supple control of best European rivals.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
6	7	7.1

R is a wagon with sport sedan moves, though not those of a great sport sedan. All V70s have good cornering behavior and strong, stable braking. AWD versions are sensible SUV alternatives, though R comes on summer treads and requires extra-cost all-season tires for winter duty.

Quietness

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
6	5	6.8

Volvo's 5-cyl isn't objectionably noisy, but is louder than most rival V6s. Wind noise moderate, but XC70 and R suffer tire drone.

Controls

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
7	7	6.7

Gauges lack contrast in dim light. Dashtop navigation screen hard to read in daylight, and system's controls are on the steering wheel, inaccessible to passenger. However, navigation system doesn't incorporate audio or climate functions--a plus.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
8	8	7.4

Occupants coddled by Volvo's usual wide, plush seats. Ample head and leg room. High front headrests block view to back and sides, rear headrests hinder over-the-shoulder vision.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.5

Decent foot room and 6-footer head clearance if front seats no more than halfway back. Short cushion lacks thigh support. Shoulder width insufficient for three grown-ups. Entry/exit average.

Cargo Room

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
7	7	4

Ample and useful. Rear seat folds to make a flat, long, fairly wide deck. Optional audio system's subwoofer blocks access to under-floor spare tire.

Value within Class

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
4	3	5.9

Not as refined as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes competitors, and less fuel efficient than you might expect. The 2.5T has the best blend of what this wagon offers.

Total Score

2.4, auto.	R, auto.	Class Average
59	56	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		72

2006 Volvo V70 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/27/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.4 4-door wagon	$29,445	$27,713	$695

2.5T 4-door wagon	$32,765	$30,834	$695

R 4-door wagon	$39,545	$37,207	$695

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.4

Powertrain

2.4-liter 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/manual dual-zone controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, fold-flat passenger seat, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear fog light, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.

2.5T adds to 2.4:

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder 208-horsepower engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, 8-way power driver seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Front fog lights, 215/55R16 tires.

R adds to 2.5T:

Powertrain

2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder 300-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission.

Safety

All-wheel drive, uprated brakes, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat, aluminum interior trim, universal garage-door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Bi-xenon headlights w/wiper and washer , front fog lights, rear spoiler, adjustable-damping suspension, 235/45ZR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
R	$2,400	$2,064
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.

Convenience Pkg.
R	$1,040	$894
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power child locks, sunglasses holder, cargo area auxiliary power outlet, grocery bag holder, cargo net.

Climate Pkg.
2.4, 2.5T	$1,025	$881
R	$625	$537
Heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, headlight wipers/washers (2.4, 2.5T).

Run-Flat Pkg.
2.4, 2.5T	$1,920	$1,651
Antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, variable-assist power steering, unique alloy wheels, 235/45VR17 run-flat tires. Requires Premium Pkg.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
2.4	$1,000	$1,000


6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
R	$1,250	$1,250


Safety
Dual booster seats
2.4, 2.5T, R	$300	$258


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.5T, R	$2,120	$1,823


Power sunroof
2.4	$1,200	$1,032


Leather upholstery
2.4	$1,400	$1,204


Upgraded leather upholstery
R	$1,550	$1,333


Rear-facing 3rd-row seat
2.4, 2.5T	$995	$855


AM/FM w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
2.5T	$1,200	$1,032
Includes upgraded sound system.

Subwoofer
R	$300	$258
Requires Premium Pkg.

Satellite radio prep
2.4, 2.5T, R	$75	$64


Interior air quality system
2.4, 2.5T, R	$175	$150
2.4 requires Premium Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Metallic paint
2.4, 2.5T, R	$475	$408


Electric Silver metallic paint
R	$625	$537


17-inch alloy wheels
2.4, 2.5T	$550	$473
Includes variable-assist power steering, 235/45HR17 tires.

2006 Volvo V70 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Volvo V70 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	108.5

Overall Length, in.	185.4

Overall Width, in.	71.0

Overall Height, in.	57.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3488

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	71.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	38.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	35.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I5	Turbocharged dohc I5

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /149	2.5 /153	2.5 /153

Horsepower @ rpm.	168 @ 5900	208 @ 5000	300 @ 5250

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	170 @ 4500	236 @ 1500	295 @ 1950

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/29	--/--	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	--/--	18/24

5-speed automatic	21/28	21/29	18/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Volvo V70 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Sweden

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

< 2006 Volvo V70 Photos

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