2008 Volvo V70 3.2

A brand-new engine, sleeker look, and a host of added safety features make up the changes to the 2008 Volvo V70 3.2, the only trim offered for this front-wheel-drive high-end family wagon. A 3.2-liter DOHC inline-six engine delivers 235 hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque at 6,200 RPM. It's matched with a six-speed shiftable automatic. Built on the new S80 sedan platform, a longer wheelbase opens up passenger room and widens the stance for even better stability. 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires give the 3.2 a good grip on the road, and 17-inch wheels are available.

The wagon seats four or five in two rows, with 42 inches of legroom up front and nearly 35 in the back. A raised roofline increases headroom. Rear seats split-fold 40/20/40 and fold flat, increasing the 33-cubic-foot trunk to 71 cubic feet. The front passenger seat also folds flat. Tie-downs and hooks are standard, and a cover can be added. A roof rack is also available. Full power features include remote entry and an 8-way power driver's seat with memory settings for both the seat and the heated power mirrors. Wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls for the 6-CD/MP3 player, intermittent front wipers, a rear window wiper, a trip computer, a security system, leather trim for the wheel and shifter, and Volvo's version of OnStar are also standard. New this year are integrated child booster seats that can be adjusted for height according to the size of the child.

Options add a new power liftgate, a sunroof, an 8-way passenger seat, wood interior accents, a DVD player, navigation system, garage opener, satellite radio, and heated seats. A unique optional security system uses a two-way radio and can detect if there's a heartbeat in the car when the alarm has been activated.

Safety features are the focal point in the 2008 V70 3.2. It adds longer side curtain airbags to the dual front-side ones and improved side impact protection. Front airbags feature passenger deactivation and now come with two-zone activation. The whiplash-protection system has also been updated. Four-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction and stability control, emergency brake assist, automatic headlights, a tire monitor, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, backup sensors, and mirrors with turn signals are also part of the package. Adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure warning system are optional features to help with highway driving. Foglights, xenon headlamps with washers, folding mirrors, and a rearview camera are also offered.