Volvo had intended the V70 to usher gently into this world later today - but since a Dutch publication broke their embargo, we're piling on with these pics and this info on the new big wagon coming to Geneva.



Volvo says the new V70 is definitely not a sport wagon, the term so many European manufacturers now cherish for their station wagons. The new Volvo V70 is a real station wagon, with an emphasis on practicality.



Key in the V70's profile is safety gear. Volvo's Side Impact Protection System has been improved; the new model will also get Volvo's whiplash protection head restraints (WHIPS), adaptive cruise control and the Personal Car Communicator, a system that senses the heartbeat of the driver in order to detect signs of sleepiness.



The new V70 has the family looks of the S80 and at the rear it shows a resemblance to the new C30 compact hatchback. The luggage compartment has grown by nearly two cubic feet to 19 cubic feet, and the large hatch makes it easier to access the cargo area.



The V70 will get a new 3.0-liter turbo engine with 285 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Volvo's 3.2-liter in-line six with 238 hp and 236 lb-ft, and its 2.5-liter five-cylinder with 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, also will be available, as will two diesel versions.



Stability and traction control will be standard. The turbo model will get standard all-wheel drive. Options will include the Four C-suspension, which adjusts itself to the vehicle's speed.



Prices have not yet been announced, but we expect them by the end of the month as we prepare for the Geneva show.

According to Volvo, the V70 Estate is what Volvo Cars are all about: practical, safe and stylish and boring. But this particular model could do with a bit of a pep up, and that is where the R design optional extras come in.

The V70 R Design features a sports chassis which has been lowered by 20mm at the front and 15mm at the rear and has stiffer anti-roll bars and bushings and more responsive steering feedback giving the driver that extra sporty feeling. The exterior has a number of eye catching features including five spoke aluminium 18 inch rims, silk metal finish grille with the R Design emblem and chromed exhaust pipes, consumers may choose from 11 different exterior colors. Highlights of the interior include a sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals, smooth leather upholstery and a specially designed center console.

The V70 is the fifth Volvo model to receive the R Design treatment and will be launched in the UK in August with prices to start from £26,745 for the V70 2.0 petrol R-DESIGN.