In this way I found the Volvo wagon easier to use than some sport-utility vehicles with three seats because you don't have to fool with taking out the third seat. A differential next to the transmission sends power to the rear wheels, where a viscous clutch determines how much drive goes to which end of the car based on available traction. When traction is lost by the front wheels, as much as 95 percent of the drive can be shifted to the back wheels. And it all happens transparently. Under moderate throttle it feels smooth.
Acceleration is accompanied by the five-cylinder's uniquely raspy exhaust note.
Under full throttle it accelerates to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, but the harder this engine is used, the more you can feel vibrations. The automatic transmission has Sport, Economy and Winter shift modes so you can tailor its shifting to conditions as well as your preferences. Once inside the V70 you will be surprised at how much the interior has changed. Borrowing the dash from the lovely C70 coupe is a major improvement, in terms of both ergonomics and styling. Switches are now placed more logically, knobs have rubber nibs that can be gripped with gloves and the textures and finishes are much like Scandinavian furniture.