For those not desirous of the extra heft accompanying most SUVs, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) wagon is a worthwhile alternative; the refreshed and re-powered 2008 Volvo XC70 is an exceptional example of that.

Volvo styling resist radical design changes.

The XC70 design evolution
Although Volvo styling has become slightly more daring over the years, they resist radical design changes. For 2008, the XC70 receives a new nose, tail and plenty of reshaped sheet metal. It also receives a comprehensive cabin makeover. Despite the totality of these significant changes, it's still an XC70 to anyone vaguely familiar to Volvo's lineup, and from a marketing perspective that makes sense.

The exterior tweaking bolsters the XC70's presence, making it more eye-catching and artistic than before. Yes, I prefer the new lines to the old but my admiration for changes to the mid-size wagon favor its new interior architecture. Cabin revisions result in an appearance that's clean and notably upscale not to mention tremendously functional and wonderfully comfortable.

My tester was shod in butter-soft leather and finished in cream hues that combined to create a soft, airy enclosure. Large slabs of glass ensured plenty of light entered the cabin while providing excellent outward visibility for the driver and passengers.

Increased functionality
On the functional side, Volvo is hard to beat. I was impressed with the rear seat, which is split into three sections: 40/20/40. This arrangement enables the insertion of long items, such as skis, through the centre 20% section while both outboard passengers enjoy independent, full-size seating. Folding one or all three seat sections is a "snap." There's no need to slide the front seats forward or remove rear seat head restraints; they simply flip down while the seat back drops flush to create a load floor that's truly flat.

The cargo bay features Volvo's Cargofix rails and sliding tie-down hooks to assist in securing awkwardly stowed items. The cargo floor can be lifted to access cleverly hidden storage pockets. Finally, shopping bags can be secured to an inner portion of the floor that pivots to 90-degrees and is fitted with hooks and an elastic belt. These are smart, innovative touches that keep articles snugly positioned, preventing the "roll and bang" syndrome we all hate when groceries escape their largely useless bags.

The cargo floor can be lifted to access cleverly hidden storage pockets.

Increased power and performance
2008 brings with it a new engine for the XC70. Replacing last year's turbocharged 5-banger is a sophisticated inline 6-cylinder DOHC powerplant. The new mill breathes through 24-valves without the aid of turbocharging. The movement of air is enhanced with the use of Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) technology, culminating in the production of 235 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque @ 3,200 rpm. This represents a gain of 28-horsepower over 2007.

Replacing last year's turbocharged 5-banger is a sophisticated inline 6-cylinder DOHC powerplant.

The larger engine is backed-up by a new automatic transmission loaded with six cogs instead of five. The Geartronic autobox features electronically activated manual-mode shifting. Power is continuously dispensed to all four wheels via Volvo's Instant Traction, AWD system. I tried to initiate wheel spin on a loose gravel incline and was unsuccessful in inducing the slightest amount of spin from any of the four corners.

Countering the claw-like traction is Volvo's Hill Descent Control (HDC), which is new in the XC70 for 2008. Unlike "jerkier" hill descent control systems that I have previously experienced, this setup felt remarkable smooth in its actuation of the XC70's four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

Driving dynamics
When one considers the off-road ability of the XC70, it's difficult not to feel spoiled by its smooth ride and refined road manners. Unlike typical AWD vehicles, the XC70's suspension delivers an absorbent ride rather than rigid, yet that can be altered when stiffer spring calibration is desired. Three settings are available: Comfort, Sport and Advanced.

Not much difference is detectable between the "comfort" and "sport" settings however the "advanced" mode is accompanied by significant stiffening of the XC70's legs. The firmed-up calibration keeps the wagon near dead flat during hard cornering however I find little need for such an attribute in this automotive genre. The XC70 was pleasingly agile and quite capable in the corners while in its "comfort" setting, which was my preference for day-to-day driving.

My appreciation for the XC70's smooth well-composed ride was overshadowed by suspension rumble. Perhaps the absence of wind and road noise served to amplify the discord generated by the car's compliant underpinnings. As minor as this issue is, it would annoy me as an owner

It's difficult not to feel spoiled by its smooth ride and refined road manners.

The new inline-6 is a civilized performer. It progressively conjures-up power, and is capable of hustling the XC70 when required however it makes its presence known to the ears when doing so. There's nothing unpleasant about engine harmonics other than being a little more intrusive during acceleration than I would like in a premium-level sedan or wagon. On the highway, the XC70 delivers a divinely smooth, quiet ride.

The Volvo XC70 was equipped with Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

Comprehensive safety
Volvo prides itself on safety and occupant protection, and the XC70 represents this ideal. An electronic Dynamic Stability and Traction Control System (DSTC) is part of the XC70's vast array of standard equipment, which also includes a full assortment of airbags.

My tester was equipped with Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which triggers a warning light at the base of the "A" pillar when a vehicle is detected travelling in the driver's blind spot on either side of the XC70. I grew fond of this technology, finding it increased my awareness of peripheral traffic.

Additional XC70 options include Active Bi-Xenon headlights, Active Cruise Control and rain-sensing wipers. Of course the option packages that bring forth these accoutrements quickly escalate the XC70's price tag from a low of $46,495 into the mid $50K range or higher. Despite the rapidly ascending sticker shock, the XC70 is a stylish, nimble, luxurious alternative to the graceless SUV.