Volvo unveils new V70

VOLVO unveiled its all-new V70 wagon yesterday at the Detroit motor show.

The newcomer will be launched in Australia in May, initially only in turbo form.

The low-pressure turbo V70 2.4T will retail for about $73,000 - taking into account Volvo's GST-reduced prices - while the high-performance T5 model will cost about $81,000.

The normally-aspirated V70 20-valve will make its debut in August, followed by the all-wheel drive XC model in November.

Volvo Car Australia plans to sell the existing V70 range alongside the new model for most of the year, but the former will be backed by hefty discounts to keep its sales afloat.

Although the new V70 range is based on the same floorplan as Volvo's S80 flagship sedan, it is the first model to be designed uniquely as a wagon.

Externally, the V70 bears a strong resemblance to the S80, particularly in its bold snout and waterfall flanks.

Some of the options available are a shopping bag holder in the luggage compartment, a fold-away rear seat table and waste paper basket.

As expected, the new V70 is packed with a host of safety features including Volvo's new IC side-impact curtain, WHIPS whiplash protection system, impact sensitive two-stage front airbags and Dynamic Stability Control.

Traction control is standard in the rapid T5 and available as an option in the 2.4T.

The range-topping T5 version uses the same turbocharged 2.3- litre, five-cylinder engine as the current V70R. This unit produces a hefty 184kW at 5200rpm and 330Nm between 2400 and 5200rpm.

But unlike the all-wheel drive V70R, the newcomer relays its power to the tarmac via only the front wheels. Volvo claims the new T5 can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds, making it one of the quickest wagons on the market.

The 2.4T's low-pressure turbo engine generates 147kW at 6000rpm and 285Nm from 1800rpm through to 5000rpm.

Unlike the existing V70, which uses a four-speed automatic transmission, the new model comes equipped with a five-speed automatic with Geartronic adaptive control, which enables sequential-style shifts.

The new transmission also features a winter mode for slippery conditions.

Volvo claims ride and handling characteristics have been improved thanks to gains in torsional stiffness. Refinement levels are also said to have benefited from the use of new sound-deadening materials in the cabin.

The newcomer will play a key role in maintaining the Swedish marque's strong grip on the luxury wagon segment. The current V70 wagon is Volvo's second-biggest selling model in Australia - behind the S40 compact sedan.