Even more surprising is the fact that North American market V70s will miss out on the world's first blind spot monitoring system.

The V70 2.5T AWD is an unpretentious, safe, large wagon, and excels at being just that. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

The BLindspot Information System (BLIS for short) is Volvo's latest breakthrough safety feature. It informs drivers of moving vehicles in their blind spot through the use of high-speed digital cameras mounted below the side-view mirrors. The system takes 25 photos per second, and compares each photo to determine if objects moving 20 km/h slower or 70 km/h faster are within the danger zone of 9.5 meters behind and 3.0 meters beside the vehicle. If a vehicle is detected in the BLIS zone, a warning lamp lights up on the A-Pillar indicating which side of the vehicle it is on.

Even without such advanced features, the revised Volvo V70 has left its mark in a way that few other cars have; the improvements building on a car that was already very good. The V70 2.5T AWD is an unpretentious, safe, large wagon, and excels at being just that; mostly because it doesn't try to be something it's not, like a crossover or an oversized sports car. It is, I fear, the last of a dying breed. As an owner of the car's predecessor, the first-generation V70 AWD Turbo, the new model fortifies Volvo's strengths of safety, practicality and above all extremely comfortable seats. As such, if I ever get to the point where I settle down with wife and kids, I know where to go for the perfect family vehicle.

Specifications:

• Price Range (V70 2.5T AWD MSRP): $47,120 - $62,170
• Price as Tested (MSRP): $58,570
• Body Type: 5-door wagon
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 208 hp, 236 lb-ft of torque, 2.5L, 20-valve DOHC I-5
• Transmission: 5-spd automatic
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,710 / 1,804 / 1,465 / 2,755 mm (185.4 / 71.0 / 57.6 / 108.5 in)
• Curb Weight: 1602 kg (3531 lbs)
• Tires: 235/45R17
• Capacity (seats up/down): 1016 / 2022 L (35.9 / 71.4 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.9 / 7.9 L/100 km (20 / 30 mpg)
• Observed Fuel Economy: 12.7 L/100 km (19 mpg)
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 km comprehensive
• Competitors: Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5-Series Touring, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Magnum RT, Ford Freestyle, Lexus RX330, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, Saab 9-5 Wagon, Volkswagen Passat Wagon
• Website: www.volvocanada.ca