From the traditional perspective, Volvo Cars is often linked with the image of the spacious, family wagon.

At the V70's introduction in 2000, Volvo took that traditional approach and gave its full-size wagon one dynamic twist by combining traditional characteristics such as safety, function and cargo space with a more elegant design, high comfort and improved driving properties.

Now arriving for 2005 is a further-refined Volvo V70 wagon with emphasis on enhanced comfort and driving properties. The versatile Volvo V70 is always the right car for the occasion, whether you are hauling the kids to the beach or enjoying a black-tie night.

New Features for the 2005 V70 Wagon:

• More rounded front and an elegant grille
• Chrome panel inserts in front and rear bumpers
• Colour-matched side trim
• New centre stack and panel décor
• New tunnel console with shutter blind and multifunctional armrest
• Cleaner rear end design with new bumpers and transparent lenses in lamps
• New generation of Volvo seats with improved adjustment
• Improved sound deadening in rear wheel housings for quieter ride
• High pressure headlamp washers
• Water Repellent Glass (WRG) as an option
• Four-C active chassis as an option
• BLIS safety technology as an option

The V70's exterior design changes reinforce the elegant profile, while the interior changes enhance the aura of quality and comfort.

The Volvo V70 is now also available with the sophisticated Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis. “A perfect example of the fact that even our most spacious and practical models are designed for drivers with exceptionally high demands on driving properties,” continues Hans-Olov Olsson, President and CEO at Volvo Cars.

"The owner of a family car naturally always has immensely high demands concerning safety. The revitalised Volvo V70 has several new solutions that demonstrate our commitment to continue our lead in this area." For example, Water Repellent Glass on door-mounted rear view mirrors is a standard feature.

To further improve occupant safety and security, the cost of laminated side windows has been reduced by $500 from $990 to $490. This new pricing includes at no additional cost water repellent front door glass.

What is more, the safety level of the Volvo V70 is being further enhanced with the smart camera-based BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which 'sees' and monitors the driver’s 'blind spots'.

Volvo Car Australia will introduce BLIS as an option on S80 luxury sedan, all-wheel-drive XC90, all-wheel-drive XC70 crossover wagon, V70 wagon and S60 sedan model variants in early 2005 for $1200.

To improve comfort the front driver's seat now features electronic adjustment for MY05 V70 wagon (previously a $1950 option).

V70 wagon's list of standard features includes:

• Electronic climate control
• Cabin air filter
• Dual rear seat booster cushions
• Power front and rear door glass
• Cruise control
• Five-speed automatic transmission with revised shift quality
• Select leather interior with leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 16x7-inch alloy wheels
• Performance sound system (eight speaker with 4x25W amp) with CD player
• Puddle lights incorporated in door mirrors
• Three-point inertia reel safety belts and head restraints on all five seats
• Dual stage front passenger and driver airbags
• Inflatable Curtain (IC)
• Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags mounted into front seats
• Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Stability and Traction Control (STC)

Volvo Car Australia has not adjusted pricing for MY05 V70 despite improving the wagon's standard specification. Pricing holds at $61,950 for the premium, full-size V70 wagon.