Drivers who like the stealth capabilities of a wagon that roars will be amused by the V70R. Its 2.5-liter engine with turbocharger and twin intercoolers pumps out 300 horsepower. The engine delivers 295 pound-feet of torque with the six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox, and 260 pound-feet with the five-speed automatic. With the six-speed manual, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds; with the automatic, 60 mph comes in just 6.5 seconds. That's quick. All-wheel drive, DSTC electronic stability control, and big Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers help the driver maintain control.

The V70R offers exceptional high-speed performance, and the Four-C active suspension makes it feel confident in all conditions. We drove one comfortably for hours on choppy, twitchy and undulating Nevada back roads. On one stretch of very remote road, dead straight with visibility for miles, we achieved a very high speed, but despite the bad road surface, the V70R was rock steady. A button on the dash allows three settings, Comfort, Sport and Advanced, which modify shock response and engine management. There are distinct differences among the three settings, and each performs exactly as defined by the buttons. The suspension is soft when passenger comfort is desired, sporty when negotiating back roads or maneuvering in traffic, and nearly flat when high-speed performance is desired.

Volvo's Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, or DSTC, employs an on-board computer and various motion sensors tied to the anti-lock brakes. This sophisticated device monitors the vehicle's forward progress and, if potentially dangerous oversteer or understeer is detected, acts automatically to correct the instability by braking one or more wheels. It's optional on most models, but be sure to order it as it can help you maintain control of the car.

All models have great brakes that are smooth and easy to modulate. The four-wheel disc brakes do a good job of slowing the car. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) helps shorten stopping distances by directing the braking forces to the tires with the best grip. ABS kicks in when needed to help maintain stability and steering control on pavement as well as dirt.

The Geartronic automatic transmission, available for all but the base 2.4 model, works very well. Put it in Drive and the shifts come in all the right places, and they are wonderfully smooth and tight. Most of the time we left it in Drive, but the Geartronic automatic features an enjoyable manual mode. Slide the lever to the left to lock it in the manual-mode gate. Then push the lever forward to bump up a gear, or tip it rearward to shift down. The selector has a feeling of quality with short, precise movements. In manual mode, Volvo engineers show respect for the driver with almost no programming of the transmission to shift on its own. However, the manual upshifts are too slow; there's a time lag between the lever movement and the shift itself. We found it works best to wait until we were ready to accelerate before downshifting, rather than downshifting sooner to use engine braking.

Summary

The Volvo 70 series wagons are attractive, luxurious and enjoyable to drive. The base V70 2.4 offers a smooth, soft ride, but the engine lacks the sporty response of the turbocharged models. The 300-hp V70R is a wagon to die for if you're a car enthusiast who wants a sports car but needs a people/cargo hauler. The XC70 Cross Country offers ruggedness and the sure-footed benefits of all-wheel drive without the poor ride and sluggish handling of an SUV.

NewCarTestDrive correspondent John Rettie reported from Mexico's Baja Peninsula; with Sam Moses in the Pacific Northwest and Mitch McCullough in Los Angeles.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Volvo V70 2.4 ($29,445), V70 2.5T ($32,765), V70R ($39,545); XC70 Cross Country ($35,700)

Engines:168-hp 2.4-liter dohc 20-valve inline-5; 208-hp 2.5-liter dohc 20-valve turbocharged inline-5; 300-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged twin intercooled 20-valve inline-5

Transmissions:5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual

Safety equipment (standard):anti-submarine seats, dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, 3-point front seatbelts with adjustable anchors, front seat Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), rear seat ISOFIX child restraint anchors, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), power rear door child safety locks

Safety equipment (optional):Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system; all-wheel drive