Once upon a time, Volvo unveiling a 'Concept Estate' would surely be a contender for dullest motor show exhibit by miles. But of course 21st century Volvo is a different prospect entirely, and the Concept Estate for Geneva looks absolutely marvellous.
Boring name, anything but in reality
It's the third of Volvo's recent show concepts, clearly related to the
Concept Coupe
and Concept XC Coupe. See the grille, T-shaped DRLs and the rear lights. As the XC previewed the new XC90, this car points to a very exciting future for the V70 and XC70.
The influence of the 1800-era models won't have escaped your attention with the Concept Estate, particularly from behind. The official comment from Volvo is that 'The first four decades of the Volvo history was characterised by classic craftsmanship and high quality materials. We are merging this vital part of our brand DNA with the more recent focus on technology and smart functionality'. Sounds like a promising fusion of ideas, and if the reality is anything like this there's a lot to look forward to...
Volvo says the 1800 inspiration continues inside with a two spoke steering wheel and dials reminiscent of the classic shooting brake. Except the pictures show it with three...
Anyway, the rest of the cabin indicates an entirely new and attractive design direction for Volvo. No longer festooned with buttons
as recently
, the dash is dominated by a touchscreen display. It interacts with the digital instruments but there are also a few buttons too for the heated windows, volume and the hazard warning lights. This is a Volvo after all, it needs functionality.
The rest of the Concept Estate's cabin includes an array of delightful Scandinavian features. The carpets come from Swedish designer Kasthall, the gear lever is crystal from Orrefors/Kosta. Bridge of Wear has provided the leather. In a long list of brands involved, Volvo has also mentioned the Concept Estate's Pirelli tyres with nothing more on size or spec. Materialistic much?
An XC90 based on the Detroit concept is due later this year. Hopefully that means a production version of the V70 will follow soon after drawing heavily on the Concept Estate. Obviously it will need five doors and some of the show chintz to be stripped back, but here the reality really could follow the concept.