New cars: Volvo XC70 T6

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Unlike sports car lovers, Volvo buyers see automobiles as appliances, “not motorized mistresses.” This rugged crossover SUV delivers the company’s signature safety and solidity but also a handsome, roomy interior. Its turbo-charged, 3.0-liter V6 generates 281 hp, and goes from 0 to 60 in a reasonable 8.4 seconds. The six-gear auto­matic, Hill Descent Control, and all-wheel drive are standard.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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This totally redesigned XC70 is brawnier, and its mileage—15 city/22 hwy—is nothing to write home about. Its laundry list of safety features includes electronic stability control, front side air bags, and a Whiplash Protection System that brings head restraints forward to cradle passengers’ heads in the event of a rear-end impact.

Chicago Sun-Times

Extras can easily drive the price of an XC70 to $46,985. The collision-avoidance package features an automatic breaking system, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot information system. A “personal car communicator,” or PCC, can automatically unlock the car upon the driver’s arrival and, “thanks to a heartbeat sensor,” warn if an intruder is hiding in the vehicle.