EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 1998 Black Volvo V70 AWD

**UPDATE** THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SOLD

1998 Volvo V70 AWD, Black, Station Wagon, 75933 mi, $6,900 http://bit.ly/tuUm7R 4–spd automatic, MPG = 16/22

SPECS / FEATURES:
Yahoo! Autos http://autos.yahoo.com/volvo/v70/1998/all-wheel-drive/features.html

AOL Autos http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volvo-V70-1999-Base__4dr_All_wheel_Drive_Station_Wagon/equipment/

MSN Autos http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=1998&make=Volvo&model=V70&trimid=1128#trimsel

USER REVIEWS:
MSN Autos http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?modelid=2983 (1998)

http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?modelid=2990 (1999)

EXPERT REVIEWS:
NewCarTestDrive http://www.vehix.com/car-reviews/1998/volvo/v70/expert-reviews/nctd

“The introduction of a new Volvo is such a rare occasion that it deserves to be noticed. Change comes slowly to the Swedish firm, which tends to keep good products in its catalog far longer than industry norms.

It's not entirely correct to call the S- and V70s totally new. There's a strong resemblance to last model year's 850 that will be readily apparent at a glance. Good reason: The 70-series sedans and wagons are mildly facelifted 850s, with some improvements made where they count most and a new face that follows Volvo design tradition but is more up-to-date.”

“The 70-Series new interior represents a major improvement over what was already a well-designed and roomy cabin. Former hard corners have been rounded off, giving dashboard, center console and door panels a more attractive look. Soft-faced switches are placed for easier use. For example, window switches are now on the driver's door armrest rather than the center console, and the seats have new frames and padding.

Other important changes are invisible. The B or central roof pillar has been reinforced to provide extra crush resistance in side impacts; driver and front-seat passenger are further protected by standard side-impact airbags. A new steering column design reduces wheel intrusion into the cabin in frontal impacts. 

Those items add mental comfort for occupants who are already well taken care of in physical comfort terms. The new seats are excellent, most comfortable in their standard velour upholstery.

Though more stylish, the interior has lost none of its functionality. The driving position is, as always, good, made better for all drivers by tilt/telescope steering wheel adjustments. Gauges for car and engine speed, fuel level and coolant temperature have large, clear markings, and can be supplemented with an optional trip computer. Stretch-out room for all five occupants is more than ample, and the sedan's large 15 cubic-foot trunk can be doubled in size by folding the rear seat back. The versatile wagon, of course, can swallow considerably more.”

“Our tester, which we drove during a mid-winter trip to Arctic Scandinavia, was a V70 AWD wagon, which adds the tractive benefits of all-wheel drive to an excellent chassis. Even in Arctic weather conditions, the V70 AWD felt safe and secure, picking its way over snow- and ice-covered roads with considerably more ease than its front-wheel drive counterparts, even when the latter were equipped with the optional TRACS traction-control system.”

"The 850 was a very good car. The 70-Series is better. With a host of changes that go well beyond new badges, the newcomer is still recognizably a Volvo when judged for looks and driving feel, and far more competitive compared to its many rivals.

With the addition of the C70 coupe, the 70-series lineup offers something for everyone. And these cars are so well developed that there are no either/or situations: You can have performance, safety, comfort, excellent handling and all the utilitarian virtues in a single package."

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