Following the success of Volvo‘s R-design trim level in the C30, the Swedish brand has introduced the sporty-styled version to other models, including the S40/V50 twins, XC90 and, here, the V70.
Priced at £1750 above the standard SE trim, the R-design adds cosmetic tweaks including rear spoiler, chrome exhaust pipes, unique alloy wheels and leather sports seats as well as other interior tweaks such as new blue inserts on the dials and a new gear lever.
But the V70 R-design isn’t all cosmetic. The chassis has been upgraded and the car lowered to provide a more sporting drive.
Largely it works, although the huge V70 is never going to be a sports car. It looks good, is pleasant to drive, and the modification doesn’t harm the ride and refinement as may have been feared.
It’s also, crucially, below the new 161g/km capital allowance threshold in 136PS 2.0-litre diesel form driven here, so is attractive to fleets. The diesel engine isn’t, though, particularly potent compared to premium-badged rivals from BMW and Audi. But decent RVs and an average 47.9mpg help the Volvo to a 53.3ppm running costs figure.
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