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Volvo V70 R
If you need a fast station all wheel drive station wagon this just
might be the one, but be prepared to forfeit over $45,000 for a loaded
version. The V70 R utilizes a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5-liter
20-valve, 5 cylinder engine to create 300 horsepower for your enjoyment
with all wheel drive if you care to try your luck in the winter. By the
way, don't even think about using this potent puffer without winter
tires even with the new Instant Traction program that provides 50
percent of available power to either the front or rear wheels.
Mom's view: 
We owned a Volvo wagon for years because I liked the safety features.
This model has more of the same with Dynamic Stability Traction
Control, a Whiplash Protection System, side and head impact airbags as
well as ABS, and a safety cage. I loved the look of the Volvo wagon,
but hated the low front spoiler that could easily double as a snowplow
and can be shredded on most any tax provincial roadway's frost heave.
The xenon night lighting is superior and the interior gauges lovely.
Unfortunately, it has a huge turning radius so expect to take a couple
of maneuvers before you can park it.
I felt at ease while driving this Volvo, but I couldn't seem to get the
transmission and engine to coordinate their actions unless I used the
autoshift feature. Personally, I would go for the base Volvo wagon and
save $10,000 while still enjoying the enormous 71 cubic feet of cargo
room and safety and be much more willing to take it out come a snowy
day.
 Dad's view: I was very excited to test a performance vehicle for a change, but that
proved to be short lived. The six-speed automatic transmission takes
the edge off the turbocharged power and the brake pedal modulating the
four-wheel discs is wooden in feel. The 3750-pound Volvo feels heavier
than it is when it comes to cornering, accelerating, and stopping. But
that poundage is put to enjoyable use on the highway where the ride is
well behaved and you have a choice of what type of shock absorber
resistance you want from stern to sedate. Look for 0 to 60 rides taking
about 6.5 seconds. Overall a nice utility player with something to
please everyone, but order the manual transmission if you want to be a
player.
 Young working woman's view: A terrific looking interior with comfortable seats and doors that close
like a bank vault give evidence that this is no ordinary station wagon.
Driving it is easy, but be warned that the turbo comes on quickly.
Visibility is good and Volvo has finally provided a stereo that doesn't
take a genius to operate. The GPS is difficult to read being housed
under the front windshield and controlled by buttons in back of the
steering wheel. I averaged 21 miles for every gallon of premium used.
The Volvo R treads the middle ground for all wheel drive performance
wagons. It is not as large or fast as the 345 horsepower Dodge Magnum,
not as awe inspiring as the expensive Mercedes E55, and not as soft at
the Audi A6.
 College going male's view: A pretty wagon with a
plethora of standard equipment such as 4-piston Brembo brakes, a
continuously variable valve timing, dual-zone climate control, trip
computer, and power everything. What takes the edge off the R model is
the pricing. If you order the Premium Package with moonroof and
surround sound stereo to better hear my tunes at
www.simple-thoughts.net plus a few other features such as heated seats
you are well into Mercedes territory. Really not my type of vehicle,
but it definitely attracts those ladies with an eye for the elegant. I
didn't like the lack of proper place for my left leg when driving and
the awkward placement of the window controls so far back on the door
panels.
Family conference:
The market for a fast Volvo wagon is a tiny indeed, but if speed,
looks, and room are your criteria the R model is worth a test drive. As
for all high performance machinery such as this, check the prices for
maintenance and insurance before you buy. If you don't need as much
room and still want a hot station wagon check out the V50, Volvos
newest wagon. For a list of all vehicle websites go to www.reacheverychild.com and click on business.
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