Long before the SUV - a bit of Volvo history

[Erik]

Long before the the SUV or the minvan, there was the wagon—and for fifty years, the Volvo wagon has been the quintessence of the breed. Now, as this most recognizable of Swedish imports turns fifty, we celebrate with a look back, from the 1953 Duett to the new V70R. Here, a train of wagons crosses San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge during recent Golden Anniversary festivities.

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_01.jpg

Volvo's first wagon was created from chassis components left over after the planned production run of the 1953 PV444 sedan had finished. The PV445 Duett was so-named for its dual-purpose nature—cargo van by day, stylish sedan after hours.

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_02.jpg

1968 Volvo P220 (above)

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_03.jpg

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_04.jpg

1974 Volvo 145

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_05.jpg

1977 Volvo 265GL

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_06.jpg

1986 Volvo 760GLE

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_07.jpg

1988 Volvo 240GL

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_08.jpg

1994 Volvo 850 BTCC

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_09.jpg

1994 Volvo 850R

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_10.jpg

1995 Volvo 960

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_13.jpg

1999 Volvo V70XC

http://www.automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0309_volvowag_12.jpg

2003 Volvo V70R
The highest evolution of the Volvo wagon, the V70R features a sophisticated adaptive suspension that employs Volvo's Four-C Technology (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept). It uses a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder engine matched to a new six-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive.

From http://www.automobilemag.com

[Erik]

Here's another wagon, rebuilt in the USA of course. (sportbilen.se)

http://www.sportbilen.se/bilder/bilder/lowridert5_468.jpg

[sturs6]

Erik,
Give me your opinion of the V70R. I am thinking of gettin one for my wife.:incar:
-Stuart

[Erik]

Originally posted by sturs6
Erik,
Give me your opinion of the V70R. I am thinking of gettin one for my wife.

I've driven it and it's by far the best Volvo they made.

This is my review - note this is a manual:
http://www.rs6.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1334&highlight=v70+r

Don't expect to play around with the different buttons to change the suspension all the time, it's more of a marketing gimmic.
They ran some tests here and in slalom they got more or less the same speed through the obstacles regardless of setting.
If you want to save some money the T-5 or a 2.4T AWD is a better option.

Perhaps this website can help you more: http://www.v70r.com/

There is a video here:
ftp://www.rs6.com/rs6.com/RS6COM-Volvo-V70R.wmv

[bludnik]

Originally posted by sturs6
Erik,
Give me your opinion of the V70R. I am thinking of gettin one for my wife.:incar:
-Stuart

completely agreeing with Erik in the sence that it's quite possibly the best Volvo ever made... You got safety (it's a volvo... duh... :D ), a lovely engine (300hp as you know), 4wd and some pretty decent handling.

The 3 different suspension modes are also a very very very big plus... It is also very practical since it's an estate...

The T-5 and the 2,4T AWD are decent cars too, but there is something special about the R... Thinking like Erik, you dont really need a RS6, a standard A6 with 1,9 TDI is as good... Maybe a 1,8T A4 ?