Volvo V70 2.0D SE (2008) CAR review

The Volvo V70 is the model that defines the Swedish brand. Volvo built its reputation around both estate cars and building in the highest levels of passenger protection if you were unlucky enough to have an accident. But somewhere along the way these two things got diluted. EuroNCAP meant the likes of Renault, for heavens sake, suddenly claimed the safety high ground, while the Volvo V70 lost its sensible hat in a grasp at fashion.

The current V70, introduced last year, brought more practicality back into the equation to clearly distance itself from the 5 Series Touring (although not the roomier E-Class estate). Yet with an engine range that started at 2.4-litres for the diesel and a 2.5 turbo in the petrol, it increasingly missed the point of these taxing times. Hence two new options for 2008, four-cylinder, two-litre petrol and diesel power.

How did Volvo conjure up these two engines?

They are both from the Ford/PSA warehouse of euro-friendly power plants that already appear in more than a dozen Ford, Peugeot and Citroen models. Not too exciting then, but at this entry point to the V70 range buyers can’t afford to be too choosy. There was a time when you find a sexy six-cylinder engine in a two-litre prestige car but those days have gone. Four cylinders are cheaper to build, punchier to drive and, if they are done well, almost as smooth as a six.

Volvo’s existing 2.4litre five-cylinder diesels, with either 161 or 182bhp, are something else again.  Although further refined for the V70, they remain vocal engines than are starting to show their age. They are the only choice if you want an auto with your diesel V70, but perhaps a four pot may have something to offer after all.

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