2005 VOLVO V70 NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Volvo V70 R?
Body colored exterior trim provides a cleaner appearance for the 2005 Volvo V70 R, and a new six-disc in-dash CD changer replaces last year's four-disc unit. An optional subwoofer is new, and the V70 R is wired for satellite radio. Other new options include a rear-facing third-row seat, and a rear park assist feature.

Advantages of the 2005 Volvo V70 R:

• 300 horsepower and all-wheel-drive
• Comfortable front seats
• Long list of standard safety equipment

Objections to the 2005 Volvo V70 R:

• Limited rear seat room
• Slightly downmarket interior materials
• Lacks ability to match German rivals in terms of refinement
• Easy to bonk head when leaning into cargo area to unload
• Volvo’s new Blind Spot Information System is not offered on the V70 R

Editor's Advice:
To our eyes, the 2005 Volvo V70 R is one of the most attractive luxury-sport wagons on the road and in sport-tuned R trim it's a downright bargain. However, despite its 300-horse turbo motor, manual gearbox, and all-wheel-drive system, it lacks the dynamic refinement and performance of an Audi S4 or BMW 330i Performance, relying instead on a low price tag, extensive safety engineering, and world-class seat comfort as its primary selling points. Better than ever, the 2005 Volvo V70 R is worth consideration if you value safety and comfort over refinement and performance.