Volvo XC70

Volvo hit the lucrative 4WD drive market reasonably late. It wasn’t until 1998 that the company released its V70XC onto the Australian scene and it was certainly a damn good wagon. Since then, the vehicle has morphed into the Volvo XC70. During that time it has grown, become more luxurious, and gained an excellent five-cylinder turbocharged engine.

Volvo is somewhat unique in the automotive industry – it’s a company whose nomenclature actually means something. In this case, the XC stands for cross-country. The company’s cars that are badged S are sedans, the V means versatility (read wagon), and Volvos with a C are coupes or convertibles. Makes sense really.

The latest version of the XC70 takes over from the XC70 released in 2002. Although the basic shape is the same there are some significant differences and improvements.

The latest version comes in two specification levels: SE and LE. The LE stands for Lifestyle Edition with which you get a host of goodies to enhance the vehicle and, no doubt, your lifestyle as well.

Features included in this version over and above the 2005 XC70 include the premium stereo system including an in-dash six-stacker CD, 11 speakers, and a couple of powerful amps (previously a $3250 option), a power-operated sunroof (previously a $2150 option), Xenon headlights ($2550), heated leather seats to warm you up after a day of winter fishing (previously $315), a rear skid plate (about $370 on the old model), and an automatic dimming rear-view mirror ($390). According to Volvo, all this equates to about $9000 worth of extras.

The XC70 is powered by a five-cylinder 2.5lt turbocharged engine that puts out 154kW at 5000rpm, and a hefty 320Nm of torque between a low 1500rpm and 4500rpm. What this equates to is great performance from the power figure and excellent towing ability from the big and flexible torque figures.

According to Volvo’s calculations, the XC70, driven sedately, should return fuel figures in the region of 11lt per 100kms, which is frugal by anyone’s standards.

Performance is enhanced by a fairly low kerb weight of 1655kg and the manufacturer’s recommended maximum towing weight is 1800kg.

The handling of XC70 is fantastic compared to most other 4WDs due to the vehicle’s V70 heritage. It really handles more like a luxury sedan. All this is helped by Volvo’s acronymic safety features including ABS (anti-lock brakes), TRACS (traction control), EDB (electronic brake distribution), and the optional DSTC (dynamic stability and traction control) system which, along with the FOUR-C active damper control system, is almost intuitive to driver inputs and reacts to keep the vehicle stable.

It’s all very confusing to the layman but it makes for a very safe and as close to idiot-proof vehicle as you can find.

Although the lower of the two specifications, the SE is still well appointed. Electric windows, central locking, air-conditioning, single in-dash CD, a slick five-speed auto – it’s all there. A versatile layout makes way for longer loads and there are tie-down points in the cargo area.
The LE is the pick though. I don’t know of much else you’d want in your wagon. It’ll tow well, look good, and get you there comfortably and safely.

There is a heck of a lot of technology in the XC70, plenty of luxury, and none of that comes cheap. But for about $56,950 for the SE version and $64,450 for the highly-specced LE, I think both are pretty good shopping.

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