This question is certainly not new. It is obvious that the third seat in any vehicle is at risk, despite the crash tests or manufacturers claims. However, what people should be looking at is the risk and exposure to the kids when using the third seat. For example, we have three kids, who can fit across the middle seat of our V70. The third seat is used occasionally. Usually only used when we are ferrying one of the kids friends (no we don't necessarily put him in the third seat) or when we need to free up a middle row seat for an adult. We have over 45,000 km on our wagon and I bet less than 200 km using the third seat. In the 'old days' you didn't worry about the third seat for occasional use, you just let the kids sit in the cargo area.

Compare this exposure to a mini van (which we also owned at one time). Most mini vans only allow two across the middle seat. Therefore, in our case, the third child is ALWAYS in the third seat. With most minivans his head would be a foot or two at most from the back glass. No one can tell me this is safer than occasional use of a rear facing third seat in a VOlvo. Think about it.