Long term test: Volvo V70 D5 SE Geartronic – on sale now

The V70 has won widespread acclaim from the entire AM team during the three months we’ve had it on test, as it also had during its previous three months on Fleet News, our sister publication.

It has a solid combination of premium-car refinement, reasonable driveability, adequate economy and enough kit to keep executives happy.

In keeping with the Swedish brand’s reputation, the car never let us down. An unfortunate conflict with a pheasant, however, resulted in an unexpected repair.

It has been our car of choice for long distance commutes, thanks to its reasonable economy and good pace. Its sat-nav, in-car TV, iPod connection and comfortable leather seats were also a real bonus. However, these extras drive up the car’s cost significantly from its original £28,815 OTR price. Yet in standard form it still combines executive express with family-friendly capacity.

The only issues we’ve had with the car are relatively minor. The most annoying are the automatic transmission’s tendency to kick down far too frequently, and the car’s lack of steering lock, which makes it difficult to manoeuvre in multi-storey car parks. Other niggles include front tyre wear, its almost-orange tan leather upholstery and the clumsy iPod interface.

But in those we’re really looking for issues, because this car is easy to live with. We’re sad to see it go.

Price: £35,898 (as tested)
Engine: 2.4-litre, five-cylinder turbodiesel; 185bhp @ 4,000rpm, 295lb ft @ 2,000-2,750rpm
Performance: 0-62mph 9sec; top speed 137mph
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Test period: March-June
Start mileage: 2,750
Current mileage: 9,031
CAP RV 3yr/30k: £12.400 (40%)
CAP RV 3yr/60k: £10,700 (34%)
Likes: Trouble-free, premium feel
Dislikes: Incapable of three-point turns, over-active automatic box