2009 Volvo V70 Review

Standard features include fabric upholstery; an eight-way power driver seat with three-position memory; dual-zone automatic climate control; 160-watt AM/FM/MP3 audio with a six-CD changer, eight speakers, and auxiliary input; a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls; front and rear fog lights; a fold-flat 40/20/40 split rear seat; locking cargo-floor storage bin; and a fold-flat front passenger seat that considerably increases cargo flexibility. The standard wheels are 16-inch alloys.

The new Technology Package ($2,295) adds active bi-Xenon gas-discharge headlamps with washers; Sirius satellite radio (including six-month subscription); and a 650-watt, 12-speaker Dynaudio Premium sound system with rear seat headphone jacks and audio controls. The Premium Package ($2,995) includes a power glass sunroof, leather seating and gearshift knob, a power passenger seat, real walnut wood trim, and an auto-dimming inside mirror with a compass and Homelink. The Convenience Package ($1,395) adds power-operated tailgate, front and rear park assist, a humidity sensor for the climate control system, an air filtration system, a sunglasses holder, a grocery bag holder, and a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area. The Climate Package ($725) includes heated front seats, headlamp washers, heated windshield washer nozzles and Rainsensor windshield wipers. The Volvo Navigation System ($2,205) uses DVD-based map data with driver controls on the steering wheel and remote control. The rear-seat DVD system ($1,800) adds two seven-inch LCD monitors in the front headrests, with an auxiliary jack for video games or cameras, wireless headphones and remote control. Stand-alone options include bright silver roof rails ($300), 17-inch alloy wheels ($550), and metallic paint ($525).

Safety features include multi-stage front-impact airbags and curtain-style head protection airbags for all outboard seats. The front passenger side-impact airbags have two compartments: a lower one for the hips, which can handle more force without injury, and a second one that deploys more gently around the shoulders. Volvo's latest generation Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS) is design to minimize neck and back injuries in a significant rear impact. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), the latest-generation anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a tire-pressure monitor are also standard.

Integrated child safety seats are built into the rear outboard seats, and can be adjusted specifically to the child's size. This optimizes the seatbelt geometry regardless of the child's stature. The safety belts have specially adjusted force limiters to reduce the risk of restraint injury, and the side-curtain airbags are lengthened (relative to previous-generation models) for better coverage.

Safety options include Volvo's Blind Spot Information System, or BLIS ($695), designed to warn the driver of approaching vehicles that might not be visible in the mirrors; and a Collision Avoidance Package ($1,695) that combines radar-managed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). In short, the system issues a warning if the V70 is closing quickly on an object and pre-loads the brake system. It can actually engage the brakes if the driver fails to respond.

The Personal Car Communicator ($495) adds keyless starting. More to the safety point, it allows you to determine from anywhere whether you locked the car, though you'll have to call your spouse or friend to lock it for you if you are already on the plane, because it can't actually lock the V70 out of range of the remote. This device also allows you to tell if the car has been tampered with as you approach it in a dark parking lot, and includes a heartbeat sensor to determine if there is a villain lurking inside.