Volvo Adds R-Design to V70 Wagon

Although Volvo’s R performance cars have been off the market for over a
year, their spirit lives on in the Swedish brand’s sport appearance cars, in a
package called R-Design. Volvo first started applying the sporting
treatment to its smaller vehicles - the C30, S40, V50 - and the XC90.
Now, the Volvo is introducing an R-Design version of the V70 station
wagon.

From
the outside, the V70 R-Design is simple, yet clean looking. The only
major additions are matte metal trim on the side-view mirrors, grille
and air dam, plus a rear spoiler.

Inside,
the R-Design features sportier seats with unique leather trim. In the
photos you see here, it’s a bold contrast of light and dark leather,
embossed with the R-Design logo. In addition, the V70
R-Design gains new instruments that are lit in blue (a tribute to the
V70 R), and the center console is finished in aluminum trim instead of
wood, plus stainless steel sill plates.


It
isn’t just all show either - Volvo’s engineers have fettled with the
V70’s suspension to give it a more dynamic driving experience. The
R-Design car sits lower than the standard model, and features different
dampers as well as new bushings and thicker anti-roll bars. The
combination will firm things up, but Volvo hasn’t compromised on comfort. And while it may not necessarily be as performance oriented as
the R was, it’s a step forward for enthusiasts, especially since the
package is available on the 281-hp turbocharged all wheel drive T6
variant.

Volvo of North America will be importing certain versions of the R-Design cars, although the V70 has not been confirmed.