From Towcar Awards 2008

List price: £30,660 (when tested)
Kerbweight: 1932kg
85% Match: 1642kg
Max towing weight: 2000kg
Towball limit: 90kg

THE OLD-SHAPE V70 was one of the star’s of last year’s tests. The new model has upheld tradition with another strong performance.

Today’s V70 is bigger than the old car, with better legroom for rear-seat passengers. The boot is a healthy size, too, with plenty of space for the full load of luggage. In fact, our practicality testers were very impressed with the V70, although they’d have preferred a full-size spare to a compact.

Strong performance

The Volvo’s D5 diesel engine has been around a few years now, but it still performs strongly, hauling Volvo and caravan from 30-60mph in 14.4 seconds. Braking was lacklustre, however, taking over 13 metres to stop from 30mph.

Dull steering means the V70 isn’t the most engaging drive, but this disguises capable and grippy handling. The Volvo was controlled and smooth through our lane-change test. With four-wheel drive to call upon, it was also superb on the hill-start.

The button-operated handbrake held well the first time, and the Volvo pulled up the slope without fuss.

We say

Towing: 4/5
Solo: 3/5
Practicality: 4/5
Buying & owning: 4/5
Verdict: 4/5

An impressive towcar. Very practical but a bit dull to drive.

Braking 30-0mph: 12.53m