Volvo V70 and XC70- First Drive

The latest V70 and XC70 are great-looking, but Volvo is also making claims for the dynamics of both cars. On both models, the use of high-strength steels has increased torsional rigidity by 15%. V70 models also benefit from Four-C chassis technology. Fitted to SE Sport and SE Lux models, it's electronically controlled damper adjustment with the choice of three settings: Comfort, Sport and Advanced. On the harsh, pot-holed roads of the Irish test route, I felt that the distinctions were obvious. Advanced seemed like a harder version of the Sport mode, Sport felt firmer than the Comfort mode and the Comfort mode was the softest and most compliant - though least dynamic! The upshot of this is that new V70 and XC70 are good to drive, but none of the cars we drove felt particularly sporty as the handling is geared to being safe rather than inspiring.

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Inside the V70 and XC70, there's a definite step change as far as fit and finish is concerned. The instruments with their two electronic displays look as though they've been lifted straight from the latest Mercedes C-Class - which is no bad thing. The quality of the plastics, wood and metal inlays are at least as good as German rivals and the current Volvo styling trend of fitting 'floating' centre consoles is stylish and well-executed in the new car. Two of the cars we drove on the UK launch were fitted with the optional hard-wired iPod and USB cables. This was a welcome option and the bass from the standard audio system was awesome.

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Volvo estates have always sold on their versatility and load-lugging ability and the new V70 and XC70 are no exception. The rear tailgate design on both models is not just stylish but makes the boot aperture larger than before and increases bootspace is up by 55 litres over the old car. The spacious load area was shown to great effect at the launch, with a full-size washing machine and packaging easily fitting in the back. For larger loads there's a 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat with 16 combinations. Even the loadbay floor is fitted with aluminium rails and movable load-securing anchorage points, which fold away when not in use. A sliding load floor is available as an option, it moves easily over the bumper to aid loading. Together with the option of a powered tailgate. To assist load and passenger security there's a lockable storage area under the load floor with the option of all-round laminated windows to deter thieves.

I drove the 200ps 2.5T SE Sport manual, the 230ps 3.2 SE Geartronic and 2.4 D5 versions of the V70 and XC70 with 185ps with manual and automatic transmissions. Both worked well enough, but the six-speed manual gearbox felt over-light and imprecise. The 2.5T engine was willing, with a charismatic five-cylinder soundtrack. The 3.2 was very smooth but felt a little lazy with the standard Geartronic automatic transmission and the 2.4 D5 was refined and torquey though perhaps a little slow when starting off. Sadly we were unable to try the storming 285ps T6, but we look forward to a full road test at a later date. The 2.5T was the best petrol version of the new V70, but it's the D5 versions of the V70 and XC70 that I would rather take home. The XC70 isn't all show and no go off-road. During the launch we took it round a proper course and it performed amicably in the rough stuff.

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The majority of the test cars available at the launch were in SE Sport, which seemed the best specification to make the most of the V70 and XC70's more dynamic drive. The SE Sport pack includes speed dependent power steering, Four-C active chassis system, 18" Odysseus alloys (18" Minos alloy wheels for XC70), rear spoiler and ventilated leather sports upholstery with cooling and heating systems.

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The new V70 and XC70 go on sale in the UK this September, with prices starting from £26,495. German rivals should be worried; it's not sporty but far more practical than rival offerings.

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