2008 Volvo XC70 Reviews

Subaru had the Outback, but the idea of all-wheel drive wagons hadn’t yet spread across the industry, which had started to get busy with selling big SUVs for people to go shopping in.There are more crossover rivals now, but the XC70 has proved such a success for Volvo that it recently came close to killing the donor car here in Australia.Volvo has relented, and the new V70 will arrive in the first quarter of 2008 for the estimated 150 buyers per year who want it. But a longer queue; about 800 a year; is expected for the new XC70, which was launched last week and goes on sale in January.For them, the XC70 delivers a bit more of the same. It’s bigger and longer, has slightly more room and a modernised look. But it’s not so different that you can’t tell what it is straight away – and from quite a distance.The most noticeable styling change is around the tail, where it has faint echoes of the funky C30. This has been achieved by giving the cargo area a subtly hexagonal-shaped tailgate, and then moving part of the light cluster onto it, allowing for much larger lenses that accentuate the shape of the brand’s now-signature sculpted haunches; and are bound to be a safety bonus, too.The interior scores another key Volvo cue, the floating console, which does a lot to reduce the bulkiness of the previous cabin layout.The dash has an organic shape that sweeps up over the instrument binnacle, and a nice touch is the wood inlay that is not only the real deal, but looks and feels like it; rather than being masked in thick gloss lacquer.The old five-pot petrol engine has been evicted from under the bonnet, with the new tenants being a choice between either a 175kW/320Nm 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol or a revised 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel that develops 138kW and 400Nm. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic with simulated manual mode.The petrol variant costs $58,950 and the diesel $2000 more in standard trim, with 'standard’ meaning all the essentials plus leather upholstery, driver’s seat power adjustment, 17” alloys (but temporary spare) dual zone climate control airconditioning, premium audio and retractable mirrors.The safety list includes airbags everywhere, dynamic stability and traction control with anti-skid brakes and a variety of braking assistance program; including one that starts braking automatically if it thinks the situation requires it, hill descent control, rear park assist, whiplash protection headrests, and two-stage booster cushions in the rear seat that not only raise kids to the level where they can see more easily but also bring their little noggins closer to the protection of the extended side curtain airbag.The LE trim level adds $6000 to the price, for which you get 18” alloys, self-opening tailgate, sunroof, front parking alert, power adjustment on the passenger seat, CD stacker and rain-sensing wipers.Another $6000 gets the optional technology pack, which Volvo says adds $9500 worth of nav system, active bi-zenon headlights with washers, blind spot alert and auto-dimming rear vision mirror with compass. On the road There’s no question that the diesel engine is the winner when it comes to hauling around the XC70’s hefty bulk, which adds to about two tonnes by the time you add a couple of healthy adults and some luggage.The petrol was an adequate performer for urban cruising and undemanding stints on the open road, but with effort of the higher revs needed; about 2000 more for peak power and 1000 for peak torque; it’s best to let this one simply take life at a sedate and sensible pace.The diesel’s extra muscle and the fact that it comes on tap earlier means it’s the one to go for if you want to get into the joy of driving. Although it sounds unrefined at idle, once you tap the pedal enough to get the turbo involved it rewards you with great response and a rather satisfying meaty gurgle.However the handling is doughy in hard corners, the steering is very dignified about when it answers input and steep slopes demanded some help from the transmission’s manual mode.But apart from a touch of bouncing because of the long wheel travel that serves the vehicle well offroad, ride quality is excellent, whether you’re on good or bad bitumen, dirt, gravel or facing off against a pothole run.So on a run up North Queensland’s version of the great ocean road, the trek from Cairns through the Daintree and Cape Tribulation to Cooktown, which claims one write-off a week plus countless breakdowns; the XC70 was a great companion.This is the kind of travelling that can leave you exhausted at the end, but the car insulated us from any of the unpleasantries under the wheels and we arrived as fresh as we started.It’s never going to climb up the sides of mountains. But then nor are most of the offoaders that can rock-crawl but never get outside the city. The XC70 is for those who want a wagon with some SUV ability, but don’t need an SUV; and are intelligent enough to acknowledge that fact. SnapshotVolvo XC70Price: from $58,950Engines: 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol (175kW@6200rpm, 320Nm@3200rpm), 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel (138kW@4000rpm, 400Nm@2000-2750rpmTransmission: six-speed automatic with simulated manual mode. 

The XC70 is the four-wheel drive version of the Volvo family favourite V70, a largish wagon, with a raised ride height that is underpinned by an active all wheel drive system.It has much the same feel as Subaru's Outback, but as a Euro carries considerably more prestige.Although Volvo has since produced a larger, seven-seat offroader since its inception, the decision to retain the XC70 has been vindicated as it is still the second largest seller in the range behind the XC90 - running at a ratio of about two to one.#dip#pi9017#th2.5-litre turbocharged, in-line five cylinder engine produces 154kW of power at 5000rpm and 320Nm of torque between 1500 and 4500rpm. It's a smooth, economical unit with no turbo lag to speak off.#dip#pi9017#thEngine is hooked up to a five-speed, sequential auto that allows the driver to change gears manually if desired.#dip#pi9017#thPower is fed to all four wheels through an electronically controlled Haldex centre coup- ling.#dip#pi9017#thAcceleration from 0-100km/h is a brisk 8.0 seconds flat, with a top speed of 210km/h.#dip#pi9017#thThe all-wheel drive system remains predominantly front-wheel drive during normal driving, but shifts automatically to an equal front and back split when loose surfaces are encountered.#dip#pi9017#thTRACS traction control system is able to activate and to control each brake caliper individually to control wheel spin.#dip#pi9017#thWith 209mm of ground clearance this is no off roader, but copes well with dirt roads and icy, slippery conditions.#dip#pi9017#thAt 1655kg it is the lightest vehicle in its class and has a noticeably lower roofline too when parked beside other off road vehicles.#dip#pi9017#thFuel consumption is rated at 11.1L/100km. Our test vehicle returned 11.6L/100km during several days of testing. It has a 70-litre tank and premium is recommended but it runs on standard unleaded.#dip#pi9017#thOur test car was fitted with a large aerodynamic luggage pod. It's adds much needed luggage space, but is suitable only for soft items and can be difficult to close without leverage.#dip#pi9017#thThe $1860 pod generates quite a bit of wind noise and vibration and precludes the use of the sunroof that was fitted to our car.#dip#pi9017#thThe extra drag of the pod would of course also add to fuel consumption.#dip#pi9017#thWe carried three bikes on a bike rack attached to the tow bar. With tthe bikes a bit of luggage, the rear has a tendency to squat and scraping the back is easy to do. As a result we recommend fitting optional self-levelling rear suspension.#dip#pi9017#thThe car comes with a full quota of luxury accessories, including leather, heated front seats and dual zone climate air. There's also an impressive 11-speaker Dolby sound system, complete with six stack CD.VERDICT: Priced from $56,950, the XC70 represents excellent value for money. It offers sedan-like ride and handling, but with the security and versatility of a knock around package - one that will be much easier on the pocket than a large 4WD. 

Unfairly chastened by a stigma of sexless family men, the Volvo XC70 is struggling for its fair share of the market.Despite some realistic pricing, high standard of features and a macho look inside and out, the XC70 sold just 52 in February, compared with 138 for its upright brother, the XC90.The only SUVs in the luxury segment that it outsold include some extremely expensive models from Porsche, Lexus and Land Rover, as well as its closest soul brother, the Audi Allroad.The Volvo and Audi are all-wheel-drive luxury medium-sized off-roaders that are station wagons, not big upright-standing SUVs.And in these days of bad press for SUVs, you would think the Volvo and Audi would have a distinct advantage.The XC70 SE at just $56,950, which places it under the luxury tax threshold, would ideally suit anyone who wanted to carry a windsurfer, surfboard, canoe, small boat, bicycle, etc and doesn't want to be caught out on slippery ground by the riverbank or lakeside.It will also tow quite capably, yet it has nicely integrated and unobtrusive tow fittings so it doesn't look like a Mack truck.It won't crawl over rocks, plough through deep sand or romp around in mud up to the gunwales, but then how many luxury SUV drivers want to risk their expensive duco in such conditions, anyway?Instead, it will ably run down the poorest country roads, straddle dual track centre humps, grip in slippery conditions and provide a comfortable and safe environment for passengers.The Allroad is a much sportier option, but the XC70 is not far behind with a 2.5-litre light-pressure turbocharged, inline five-cylinder engine producing 154kW at a realistic 5000rpm and a substantial 320Nm of torque from as low as 1500rpm through to 4500rpm.Mated to a surefire five-speed Geartronic auto box, it provides plenty of drivable grunt for launching, passing and towing.Yet I found fuel economy was a realistic 11-12l/100km, thanks to the surprisingly light 1655kg body.I drove this test vehicle during the recent non-tropical cyclone and can vouch for the safety and sure-footedness of the computer controlled all-wheel-drive system. It provides instant traction in all situations, and as long as you keep the power down smoothly, it won't aquaplane or lose traction.The ride is on the plush side with a fair amount of pitch, but no roll.This leads to a "boat" feeling on some of the long humps, but a quiet and comfortable gallop across the rougher stuff, yet with flat cornering characteristics thanks to a combination of good high and low speed damping. There is a slight dip in the nose on initial turn-in, but then it sits flat no matter how much power you pour on.The XC70 has a wide 11.9m turning circle which makes it a bit tricky for negotiating shopping centre car parks and manoeuvring trailers.Inside, there is a surfeit of 1970s soft black leather. It's comfortable in a chunky and macho way, but dated and hot in summer.Dashboard styling is also getting a little old-fashioned. It could do with the floating console of some of the newer Volvo models in the fleet.There is plenty of room in the cabin, yet the middle rear seat is not the most comfortable. The rear seat folds in a 40-20-40 fashion and there are child booster cushions.Mums and dads will like the ease of the electronic child safety lock switch on the console.The huge wagon cargo area has a usable flat floor and the massive tailgate will go up with just a light touch and you won't have to take a big step backward.As you would expect, the big Volvo comes with a host of passive and active safety systems including safety brakes, traction control, plenty of airbags front and rear, and side impact and whiplash protection systems.

In one store, you can buy things that will grow plants, kill plants, shelter plants, enhance plants, illuminate plants and even help plant plants.What more can a person wish for? Well, perhaps a vehicle that can accommodate all that is on offer at one store and then take home all the stuff that the Visa card could afford.Which is where the Volvo XC70 fits precisely into the hardware store weekend because it also is one place you can do virtually everything.Volvo specifically advertises the XC70 – the XC stands for cross-country and the 70 is the model series shared with the 2WD V70 wagon – as an all-wheel-drive.It hints you can go to lots of places you haven't been before.Like trundling through a trail between poplars and pines in the snow searching for a standling that will become the Christmas tree.Packing the roof with windsurfers before taking to the Portugal coast and bringing home that humungous turkey in time for America's Thanksgiving Day.Or, more relatively, going to the hardware shop on Sunday in Perth.Volvo's XC70 actually does all these things with aplomb.Though it doesn't have the panache of some other equivalently priced soft-roaders, the more conservatively styled wagon loses none of the versatility. Yes, it is shaped like a conventional wagon and, more than most rivals, equates more to the Holden Adventra in price and features.Despite the long bonnet and stretched appearance of the Volvo, it is shorter than the Kluger/Lexus RX330 cousins yet is much lower, so it's easy to get in and out.Surprisingly, the Volvo has better ground clearance and the 65-profile tyres give excellent potential for deflation to traverse soft sand.Not that I was willing to do that. Yes, it probably would do reasonably well on the beaches, though the XC70 isn't light and the long wheelbase increases the chances of being caught.It weighs a hefty 1729kg, though matched to the similarly priced Lexus, it is actually more than 100kg lighter.The five-speed automatic gearbox comes with sequential change – so you can play with it, thinking it is a manual – which has got to be one of the best around.But even better is the turbocharged 2.4-litre five-cylinder engine.Though the five cylinders mean the exhaust beat is a bit off-pace, the motor is a free revver and is very quiet at cruising speeds.Occupants revel in a ride that – on bitumen – is so comfortable that Peugeot would be as green as absinth and as euphoric.On a long, winding, windy and wet country road, where safety is paramount, the Volvo treated it all as child's play – the mark of a good country tourer that can pretty much do everything.