I got the chance to drive my V70AWD tonite on packed snow and ice, although it was only in my driveway (150 feet)! :{ I've seen alot of posts here wondering how the car does in these conditions so I thought I'd add my comments. I've owned one AWD vehicle (Voyager minivan) and one 4WD (Nissan Stanza wagon) before this and the V70AWD seems just as capable as these others. No spinning of the wheels with moderate acceleration and minimal almost imperceptable spin with pedal to the floor on hardpack with ice underneath. The ABS works fine. I can't see any advantage or even any sign of action of the TRACS. The tranny winter mode seems to be of little use with the AWD, unless you're used to flooring it on ice. I can't wait to try it out during a regular drive in a snow or ice storm. Fortunately I was away in London for this past storm so I returned home to face the aftermath in my driveway. BTW, I visited a Volvo dealership in London who had 90, 70, and 40 series wagons and sedans on display. I'd never seen a V40 before, nice looking car. The V70s are more expensive than here in the U.S. and seem to need more upgrades and packages to match my V70AWD, i.e. sound system changes, climate control, etc. One thing though, they all have those neat side marker turn signal lights that IPD sells as an add-on for the U.S. versions. I like them alot, but haven't found a way to convince my wife that we should have them. Any suggestions?

Doug Gerard
Connecticut