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Introduction, styling

Volvo's large estate models have always been more practical alternatives to their saloon cousins. In contrast some manufacturers have sacrificed space and practicality for style and looks.

But not Volvo though - the V70 estate is a highly practical and more spacious alternative to its S80 saloon equivalent. It has been four years now since the current generation V70 was launched and Volvo has now introduced minor changes as well as a new entry level model in the form of the T5 to its large estate offering.

With the T5 and the recent T4 models, Volvo has reorganized its engine nomenclature. On older models like the C30, S40 and V50, the T5 badge basically refers to the high output five-cylinder turbocharged powered models. This naming logic was also applied to the last generation S60 T5. With newer, all turbocharged models like the S60, XC60 and V70 line-ups, the number after the 'T" on the badge of the models denote the engine's power - the bigger the number, the higher the power output of the engine under the bonnet. A T6 variant for example is more powerful than a T5 while the latter is in turn, offers more power than a T4.

Performance, ride and handling

Behind that familiar Volvo egg crate grille lies Volvo's increasingly familiar 1999cc turbocharged four-cylinder engine as used in the 2.0T models throughout the range.

While the 2.0T models offer 203bhp and 300Nm from the turbocharged, direct injection GTDi unit, the same four-pot unit is tuned to churn out 240bhp in the new T5 models like the V70 T5. Maximum torque of 320Nm is available from just 1800rpm all the way to 5000rpm. This translates to impressive mid and low-range kick.

The blown engine hardly suffers from any turbo lag out on the road and there's ample torque in the mid-range for overtaking slower traffic. Taking 7.7 seconds to reach 100km/h from rest, acceleration off the line is pretty impressive too, making the T5 just eight-tenths slower off the line to three-figure speeds than the range topping 304bhp T6 variant. Rev past 5500rpm though and the surge will start to wane - top end power is just isn't as impressive as its low and mid-range urge. The V70 T5 will accelerate to 230km/h before running out of breath.

Like the 2.0T models, the T5 sends its power to the front wheels via the Ford-sourced six-speed PowerShift twin clutch gearbox. The box is hard to fault when it comes to executing smooth and seamless gearshifts but the gear changes can certainly do with more urgency like with a BMW DCT transmission.

The V70 is no lightweight and it shows in the way it goes round corners. The steering has a nice weight to it but it lacks outright feel and feedback. Hurry the T5 into a corner and it'll pause for a while before reacting to your inputs. This is one car that prefers to take things slowly and easy rather than fast and furious when it comes to cornering.

Volvo seems to have improved the V70's ride quality with this new variant. The T5 feels like it rides better than the 2.5T as well as the range topping T6. The big estate feels composed and controlled even over the severest of bumps, making it a wonderful and capable long distance cruiser.

Interior and conclusion

Volvo's recent interiors have been both practical and stylish. Up front, there's that floating centre console design that first appeared several years ago in the S40. The ergonomics are spot on, the switchgear are all well placed and clearly labelled for easy operation. The seats are comfortable but are somehow not as cosseting as the previous generation model's.

Rear legroom is not outstanding when compared to some of its competitors but is enough for most adults to feel comfortable. The boot, on the other hand, is just vast and voluminous. The load area is flat and there are minimal intrusions from the wheel arches. Furthermore, there is an additional load compartment under the boot floor for storing smaller items and odds and ends - this is one thoughtful estate indeed. With the rear seats folded, it offers whopping 1580 litres of cargo volume. A luggage compartment cover is standard and a boot floor load separator can be had as a cost option.

Overall build quality and perceived luxury levels are pretty impressive. The T5 comes with sanded silver inlays for the dash and centre console while the seats are wrapped in soft perforated leather upholstery with contrasting white piping. Another nice touch is the silk metal inserts on the steering wheel spokes.

The entry-level T5 is a very well equipped package as well - rear park assist, an electrically operated tail gate, cruise control, a high end stereo with iPod connectivity, dual zone climate control, rain sensor, electrically adjustable front seats and much more.

The new entry level V70 might have an engine that is as charismatic as the five-cylinder 2.5T that it replaces or the previous generation five-pot 2.0T but the new tax friendly and more efficient 2-litre T5 should widen the V70's appeal to those who previously shunned it for its relatively big engine.

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