The V70, available only in front drive with a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, rings up at a base price of $33,210. At that number, the V70 is an entirely different proposition. It's even $6240 cheaper than the six-cylinder S80 and $4310 less that its all-wheel-drive sibling, the XC70. And despite the price break, the V70 rides on the same platform as the S80. That means the same crash structure and the same safety equipment: front, side, and curtain airbags; anti-whiplash headrests; and panic brake assist.
Things are looking better for the V70 than its sedan sibling. On a literal level, the V70's looks are underwhelmingly pleasant. The old V70 went out of its way to define a new look for Volvo. The new wagon is a step backward from that boldness. Its character has been ironed out in the form of smoother, rounded sheetmetal. The new design retains the rear taillights that run from the bumper to the roof, now a Volvo wagon trademark. The V70 looks thoroughly modern, even classy, but it's not going to shatter any preconceptions about the stylishness of wagons.
The V70's only available engine is the 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder making 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It's a big gain from the 157 horsepower that the old base engine produced and only 12 horsepower shy of the go-fast T5's 247.
The inline-six has its appeal, even if it lacks the oomph of the old T5. It's the same engine found in other Volvos, as well as in the Land Rover LR2, and it features variable intake-valve timing. It's mated to a six-speed automatic. Smooth is the name of the game, and unlike in the old turbo, torque steer is nearly imperceptible.
The 0-to-60-mph sprint happens in a respectable 7.5 seconds. That's only 0.3 second behind the T5 and more than a second quicker than the V70 Cross Country with the base engine that we tested in October 2000.
Respectable, yes, but perhaps not noteworthy. This seems to be a recurring theme. The V70, however, only comes across as a wallflower because it takes a while for its charm to sneak up on you. Generally, we're not fans of a spongy brake pedal and muffled steering feel, but both reflect the V70's serene nature. Of course, we would applaud a stopping distance shorter than 178 feet, grip greater than 0.83 g, or handling that would make us wish even more for a stability-control system that turned off completely. Sure, it doesn't corner like a BMW, but it doesn't seem like that's what the V70 is going for, unlike the S80. If you're looking for more sport in your wagon, you might find it in the Saab 9-5 SportCombi, Subaru Outback 2.5XT, or Volkswagen Passat 3.6 4MOTION. But only the Subaru is close on price?the VW and the Saab are nearly 40 grand?and none of those cars feels as solid and composed as the V70 going down the road. The quiet comfort that the V70 provides is the automotive equivalent of Grandma's meatloaf. It makes you feel better after a long day.
Highs: Good cargo space, comfortable seats, first-rate safety, child-friendly second row.
Lows: Mushy brake pedal, anonymous looks, not a single thing jumps out as excellent.
The Verdict: It's a true Volvo. There's no sense of excitement, but it does everything a wagon should do?and well.
On first inspection, the pants seem rather high quality. The smooth material that makes up the majority of the pants is what Snickers call Dura twill, which is a mix of cotton and a synthetic man made fibre called polyamide, which is a more modern form of nylon. This so-called Dura twill has a nice feel to it and apparently is easy to clean and care for, which we will certainly find out about when Mrs Nickson gives them a wash.
The pouches and pockets on the pants are made out of a material called Cordura, which is like the hardwearing material that sports bags tend to be made out of. The Knee areas and pockets appear to be quite hard wearing, in comparison to denim at least.
In wearing, the pants seem comfortable, at first. Plenty of room around the groin area, fit well over the boots and the waistband sits nicely (more on this later). Snickers say they trousers anticipate your next move, which seems a bit like sales patter, but in truth, the 3212 trousers are complete un-restricting, without being like the baggy pants an angry teenagers may wear.
Put more simply you do not feel like a fool wearing them, and to be honest I think they are quite trendy, in work wear terms, remember nobody is going to want to wear an Armani suit to a building site, unless your one of those corporate types on a jolly.
After wearing them for Eight hours, I must admit the waistband started to get on my nerves, but then again I am 57, and I have a bit of a belly.
One thing that did start to annoy me even after wearing them of just a couple of hours is the stupid, stupid pouches. I am sure if your carry a selection of 400 nails and screws, 20 screwdrivers and a slide rule around with you, you may find them useful. Nevertheless, with me, they just got in the way of my pockets.
Speaking of pockets there are many things snickers have right. The phone pocket for instance, on the left leg, is such a great place to store your mobile. It really keeps it out of the way you are not going to smash it against a wall with your knee, and it keeps it from bouncing around.
The Ruler pocket on the right leg is handy I guess. I don't carry a ruler with me, but I tried these the pocket out. Nevertheless, if works well and keeps the ruler out of your way when not in use.
The back pockets are quite ingenious too. For my sins, I smoke and usually with any other pants, you sit down and end up with a crushed cig packet. The pockets on the snickers come out at the sides, so you do not crush anything when you sit down.
Washing and cleaning wise, the 3212's are pretty easy to clean, or so my wife says. I would have thought they've be hard to iron, but turning them inside out reveals a nice smooth surface, fantastic, no ear ache.
In Summary, could not recommend a pair of 3212's the pouches just got in my way too much. However, just before writing this article I found out snickers made a 3312, same pants, and no pouches. I ordered four pairs.
If tool pouches are your thing, order yourself a pair of Snickers 3212 Trousers. If being comfortable and looking good at work is your thing, buy a pair of 3312's now, you won't regret it.
Both Mr. John & Johan Nickson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mr. John has sinced written about articles on various topics from Classics, Cars and Classics. Author thanks to .. Mr. John's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.
Johan Nickson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Shopping and Gardening. Johan Nickson is an free lance writer for and an expert in. Johan Nickson's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.