Volvo long has been known for its popular utilitarian station wagons, partly because it heavily promoted safety features that were very desirable to families.

The revamped V70 station wagon continues to improve the automaker's wagon line with new styling that makes it the least boxy Volvo wagon to date. It's several inches longer, wider and taller and has added power.

The 2008 wagon rides on the same platform as Volvo's large luxury S80 flagship sedan, instead of one from the smaller Volvo S60 sedan. It also has an improved chassis that results in a better ride and eliminates the old wagon's noisy ride.

The 2008 V70 gets a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower, up from the previous five-cylinder engines that had 168 and 208 horsepower. Gone is the turbocharged 300-horsepower R model, which didn't make much sense because most Volvo wagon buyers don't want a high-performance model.

The new dual-overhead-camshaft engine has variable intake valve timing for better responsiveness and provides strong acceleration for merging and passing. The 0-60 acceleration run takes only 7.4 seconds.

The 24-valve "six" works with a responsive new six-speed automatic transmission, up from a five-speed unit for better performance and economy. A manual transmission no longer is offered. But, as with the R model, it doesn't make much sense for such a family oriented vehicle.

Estimated fuel economy is just so-so in the city at 16 mpg, partly because the V70 is fairly heavy at 3,527 pounds. But estimated highway economy is 24 mpg. Premium-grade gasoline is recommended for the best performance.

The V70 has front-wheel drive and lists at $32,465. A longer, heavier all-wheel-drive version with a similar 2008 redesign but raised suspension and lower fuel economy is sold as the $36,775 XC70.

The V70 comes in only one well-equipped trim level. Standard are air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, tilt/telescopic wheel with radio controls, cruise control, power driver seat, split folding rear seat and fold-flat front passenger seat. AM/FM/CD/MP3 player -- and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

Standard safety features include an anti-skid system, traction control, front- and curtain-side air bags and anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes. A $1,695 Collision Avoidance system contains lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control that helps prevent a driver from hitting a vehicle ahead and collision warning with automatic braking.

Option packages are desirable, but often pricey. For instance, the Premium Package, which lists at $4,050 without a manufacturer's discount price of $2,995, has leather upholstery, power sunroof, power front passenger seat and wood interior trim.

Other extras include an $1,800 DVD entertainment system and $2,120 navigation system.

There's also a $1,395 Convenience package with a front/rear obstacle-detection system and power tailgate, $295 satellite radio and $800 steering-linked adaptive headlights that let a driver see better through curves.

The steering feels slightly muffled, but is precise. And the ride is smooth. The V70 doesn't pretend to be sporty, but handling is good, with minimal body lean during fast highway lane changes and in curves. The brake pedal has a nice linear action, and controls powerful brakes.

The quiet interior is easy to enter, with large door handles and wide door openings. The white-on-black gauges can be read quickly, but the digital bar graph seems out of place and is no substitute for a conventional fuel gauge. A driver has good all-around visibility and controls are easy to use, at least without the optional navigation system. Front seats are especially large and supportive. The backseat area is roomy, although the center of the rear seat is stiff. Front cupholders have a cover and are well-placed, but interior storage room is just fair

The huge, nicely shaped and finished cargo area has a low, wide opening. The split rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat to accommodate considerably more cargo.

The hood has a lining for sound control. It raises smoothly on twin struts to reveal a large plastic cover over the engine and easily reached fluid-filler areas.

The new V70 is worlds better than the popular boxy Volvo wagons of the 1970s and 1980s -- and makes them almost seem like collectors' items.