The distinctively charming and chic Swiss style 2008 Volvo V70 wagon is high on the list of comfortable and safety rich midsize front wheel drive only wagons. A complete makeover for the 2008 model year includes a new look, some new safety and convenience features and increased horsepower.

In keeping with Volvo's high safety standards, the list of features intended to protect the V70's occupants and other drivers from serious injury is impressive. Anti lock brakes, traction control, an anti skid system, and front and side curtain airbags are all standard. Optional safety features include Blind Spot alert, which alerts the driver to a car on the right or left of the vehicle with LED warning lights on the instrument panel. The V70 is also the first vehicle to incorporate 2 height adjustable child booster seats with adaptive seat belts within the design of its 40/20/40 split rear seat. With the Collision Avoidance Options Package, you can add adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system, and a collision warning system with automatic braking. Included with the purchase of the keyless ignition feature is a Personal Car Communicator that can actually detect the heartbeat of an unexpected occupant in the vehicle and then sends a warning signal to the key fob to alert the driver.

The 2008 Volvo V70 is equipped with a 3.2-liter 6 cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower, which is significantly more than last year's model. A 6 speed automatic is the sole transmission. Fuel economy is sub par, with EPA ratings of 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Acceleration is adequate, but not one of the V70's hottest selling points.

The one and only V70 trim boasts new front and rear fascias, a slightly raised hood and sloping roof line that gives it a modestly sporty yet elegant appearance. The standard equipment in the V70 this year includes 16 inch alloy wheels, power operated and heated side view mirrors, front and rear fog lights, a power driver seat, cruise control, dual zone automatic climate control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, an 8 speaker audio system with 6 CD changer and auxiliary jack, fold flat passenger seat and a 40/20/40 split rear bench seat with 2 integrated child booster seats. In addition to the Collision Avoidance Option Package, there are a few other bundled options packages for the V70. A Premium Options Package adds a sunroof, real wood interior trim, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, and an auto dimming rear view mirror with compass. The Climate Option Package includes heated headlight washers, rain sensing wipers and heated front seats. The Convenience Options Package features a power tail gate, cabin air filtration system and front and rear park assist. Additional a la carte options include a navigation system, rear seat entertainment center and 17 inch wheels. Bluetooth and iPod connectivity are also available as dealer installed options.

The 2008 Volvo V70 has amazingly comfortable and supportive seats throughout the cabin and a minimally, yet appealingly designed interior. The multi tasking backseat folds down to open up 71 cubic feet of storage space. The steering is light and its small wagon body style is easy to maneuver. However, the V70 has some pretty disappointing fuel economy ratings and even with the increased horsepower there are crossovers that provide much more space and utility and midsize wagons that offer all wheel drive, both with similar or better gas mileage and acceleration for around the same price.