Volvo V70: New wagon is equal parts fun and functionality

Safety engineering, versatile practicality and built without compromise as a premium wagon, the new Volvo V70 is designed for families who want a little fun with their functionality. With three models and an array of family-friendly features, the new V70 expands Volvo’s world-wide leadership in the market for premium wagons.

Innovative design and clever engineering permits owners to optimize the interior of the new V70 with features like a two-position rear seat backrest (to accommodate larger cargo without folding seats forward), a folding grocery bag holder hidden under the cargo area floor, fold-up table for the rear seat, and a myriad of little touches like strategically placed hooks for purses and coats. But family transportation doesn’t have to be dreary: the new V70 offers a choice of performance packages with three engines (two with turbo power) and two available transmissions. Poised handling with available stability and traction control systems contribute to a dynamic driving character.

The 2001 V70 wagon interprets the new Volvo family design language with smooth, arresting lines reflective of the S80 luxury sedan, yet maintains the functional rear cargo area necessary in a versatile wagon. Based on the same platform architecture as the S80, and sharing its structural integrity, the V70 is certainly the safest Volvo wagon ever built. Dual-stage front airbags, three-point seat belts at all seating positions, SIPS side impact protection with side airbags and Inflatable Curtain, WHIPS whiplash protection seating and the first standard ISO-FIX attachment for rearward-facing child safety seats help safeguard modern families.

"Volvo wagons have been one of our strongest year-to-year best-sellers that continue to account for about 32% of our total sales. They have come to symbolize Volvo’s brand identity and are a strong link to our past. Today, the new V70 showcases true Scandinavian design where form and function are combined to not only delight the eye, but please our buyers’ concerns for utility," comments Volvo Cars of North America CEO and President, Mark LaNeve. "V70 stands for ‘V’ersatility. Our versatile offerings have been a home run with us. In the past, Volvo wagons were like medicine; customers knew they needed it, but it wasn’t very pleasant. Today, we’ve updated our wagon line by adding truly wonderful styling. Now it’s a wagon that people desire…as well as need."

V70 Buyers

Quintessential Volvo owners. Primarily married, with two young children and maybe with a Fido or two. They are well educated and value family and friends. Household income is around $110,000. Principal driver is split evenly between men and woman.

Competitive Group

Audi A6 Avant, BMW Wagon, MB E-Class and Saab 9-5 wagon.