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Designed without compromise, the new Volvo V70 simply
is the best Volvo wagon ever.
In the first Volvo to be designed solely as a
wagon, solutions have been introduced that would be impossible if it was developed
as a sedan derivative.
Form, function and innovation work together in
the Volvo V70 to refine the concept from a dependable and safe "transport vehicle"
into an exciting and spacious luxury wagon, still with world-class safety.
Design Director Peter Horbury and his team have
achieved an outcome that is characteristically Scandinavian - the Volvo V70
is both beautiful and versatile.
"It looks powerful - almost muscular - and timelessly
elegant at the same time," he said.
"The aim has been to create an appearance that
is both aerodynamic and powerful. We also wanted to give the wagon a clear sense
of direction ? to create the impression that it aims straight ahead, almost
like an arrow.
"We have attempted to reinforce the new Volvo
look, but also to maintain the powerful heritage."
One design theme that connects the new Volvo
V70 with the past is the V-shaped bonnet, which has featured in Volvos since
the PV444 of the 1940s and is strongly evident in the current S40/V40, S70/V70
and S80.
At the front and rear, the upright, proud grille
with its diagonal cross-bar and the vertical tailgate are Volvo signatures.
The side windows have a single, simple line running
along the top from front to rear. This shows that the Volvo V70 was designed
to be a wagon and is not an adapted sedan shape.
As on every Volvo wagon, the third side window
is longer than the others, to show it is a true load carrier.
Horbury says the design challenge involved marrying
sports car style at the front with the necessary limitations of a wagon back.
"The element that ties the two distinctly different
halves together is the full-length shoulders, inherited from the Volvo S80 but
also reminiscent of the mother of all wagons, the Volvo 145/245, which shared
the identical feature.
"Seen from the front, the side windows begin
with a very dynamic angled curvature, which is not exactly what you'd expect
when creating the most efficient wagon. However, towards the rear the side windows
pivot outwards, making them almost vertical when they reach the cargo area.
"This blend of reminders from the past and up-to-the-minute
design creates the natural successor in a long history of Volvo wagons."
The interior also is very Volvo in character.
It is roomy and airy, clean-lined without being rigid or boring, and the upholstery
choice is dominated by light colours.
The basic interior design is complemented by
a host of innovative ideas. Each makes an important contribution to the usefulness
expected of such a vehicle by the modern family:
Shopping bag holder - The shopping bag
holder solves the problem of loose groceries and other items in the luggage
compartment. When not in use, if stows under the floor.
Rear-seat table - The Volvo V70 can be
fitted with a table when the centre seat at the rear is not occupied, providing
a useful surface for cups, books and other items. The table is hidden under
the centre cushion when not required.
Waste basket - A handy waste basket is
created when an ordinary paper or plastic bag is fitted to a frame that folds
out of the back of the centre tunnel console. It also will hold large plastic
bottles.
Coathook - Volvo designers have come up
with a brilliantly simple idea ? a coat hook on the side of the front passenger's
headrest, where it can be reached easily by the driver from his seat but does
not obstruct side or rear vision.
Storage space - The Volvo V70 has a number
of compartments and pockets for every occupant. The glove compartment has holders
for pen a petrol or toll card. The centre console can be configured to suit
individual needs ? for CDs or other small items, for example.
Two-position backrest - The backrest can
be locked in two positions - slightly more reclining for best possible comfort,
or more upright to provide a few extra centimetres of space in the luggage area.
Integrated rear seatbelts and cargo net
- Converting the Volvo V70 into a full-length load carrier is easier because
the rear seatbelts and cargo net are integrated into the folding backrest.
Ever since the first Volvo PV445 Duett was introduced
almost 50 years ago, Volvo has been building wagons that are functional, sensible,
durable and safe.
The Volvo V70 introduces further dimensions -
gleaming elegance and unprecedented versatility in a package offering superb
driving enjoyment.
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