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By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
10 December 2007
Almost a decade after it became one of the pioneers of what
are now known as ‘crossover’ vehicles, Volvo has released the
latest, third-generation, version of its XC70.
A cross between a station wagon and a 4WD the XC70 has had
something of an identity crisis during much of its life, having
been known variously as V70 XC, Cross Country and XC70 Cross
Country. The choice of the name Cross Country added to the
confusion – in Australia we tend to think of cross country as
being off-road, to the Europeans it means a long-distance cruiser.
Being based on the Volvo V70 station wagon, the XC70’s body
shape is closer to that of a wagon than an SUV, similar to the
Subaru Outback and Audi allroad quattro, although considerably
cheaper than the latter.
The third-generation XC70 gets some interesting styling
changes, especially at the rear, where the hexagonal design is
similar to that of Volvo’s exciting C30 coupe.
However the biggest change to the XC70 occurs under the bonnet
where the previous 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine has
been replaced by the option of either six-cylinder petrol or
five-cylinder turbo-diesel power.
The new petrol engine is a 3.2-litre in-line unit that we’ve
already seen in both the latest Volvo S80 sedan and the XC90 SUV.
Despite having six cylinders its clever design has allowed it to
be kept compact enough to be installed transversely so optimising
the space inside the engine bay and also providing additional
crash safety. Maximum power of 175 kilowatts (at 6200 rpm) is
around 14 per cent higher than the outgoing five-cylinder engine
while torque is unchanged at 320 Nm at 3200 rpm. That torque
therefore achieves the magic figure of 100 Nm per litre.
The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine generates 136 kW at 4000 rpm
and 400 Newton metres between 2000 and 1750 revs.
All models come with six-speed automatic transmission with a
tiptronic style manual override function.
We had extended drives in both models during the XC70’s press
launch over a 600-plus kilometre route between Cairns and Cooktown
in far north Queensland.
There wasn’t a lot to separate the performance from the two
engines. Both provided effortless cruising on bitumen with the
larger petrol engine being more refined and smoother while the D5
turbo diesel, itself surprisingly quiet, provided extra urge in
hilly conditions.
While not designed for any serious off-road excursions XC70
coped comfortably with some moderately rough gravel roads and
creek crossings within the Daintree National Park. Ride comfort
was good on all road surfaces.
Being a Volvo, XC70 comes well-equipped with safety features
including front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes with brake
assist, stability and traction control, hill descent control,
whiplash protection system, collision warning with brake support
and emergency flashing brake light function.
Families with small children will be delighted with the two
integrated booster cushions in the rear seat. The cushions can be
set at two different heights depending upon the size of the
children while the rear seat safety belts have specially adjusted
force limiters to provide the appropriate amount of tensioning
force in a collision.
Other standard features include climate control air
conditioning, leather seats, rear park assist, puddle lights,
cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels. The higher specced LE
models add a self-opening tailgate, sunroof, front park assist,
18-inch alloys and a six-disc CD stacker.
A $6000 Technology Pack provides satellite navigation, active
bi-xenon headlights, bluetooth connection, auto-dim rear mirror
and Volvo’s BLIS blind spot monitoring system.
There’s plenty to like about the new Volvo XC70. Attractive
styling, spacious interior, good performance from its new engines
and of course safety features galore … and all at a price that
won’t break the family budget.
The complete XC70 range, with prices (excluding on-road) costs
is:
XC70 3.2-litre petrol: $58,950
XC70 D5 2.4-litre turbo diesel: $60,950
XC70 LE 3.2-litre petrol: $64,950
XC70 D5 LE 2.4-litre turbo diesel: $66,950
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Marque Publishing Company
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