New engine
Powering the new XC70 is a 3.2L inline six-cylinder engine, the same that's found under the hood of the S80. Replacing the 5-cylinder turbocharged unit of the old model, it generates 235 horsepower (+27) through a 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The latter operates seamlessly.
This engine delivers good accelerations. Barely eight seconds are required to go from 0 to 100 kph. What's more, the XC70 has a total towing capacity of 1,361 kg (with a brake-equipped trailer), which adds to the versatility of this permanent AWD wagon.
The suspension offers generous travel, which is great for such an "all-terrain" car. I found it firm, obviously, yet not dry at all.
As one could expect from a Volvo-branded vehicle, the XC70 includes a wide array of active and passive safety features: ABS, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), pyrotechnic pretensioners on all five seating positions as well as a full arsenal of front- and side-impact airbags. Nothing's missing.
Like a Land Rover
For 2008, the queen of trail fighters comes with Hill Descent Control (HDC). This system has been used by Land Rovers for several years. It allows the driver to maintain directional stability when descending a sloped trail by preventing the car from moving faster than 10 kph. It also works in reverse. The off-road functionality of this technology is undeniable.
Because of the car's "reasonable" dimensions, not to mention the flat beltline and the generous greenhouse with a large rear window, the XC70 provides the driver with excellent all-around visibility.
Big heated mirrors and active bi-xenon headlights also make maneuvers easier. The latter might irritate incoming drivers, but for your own sake, they swivel 15 degrees for improved lighting in corners. This option comes in quite handy... for those who can afford it, of course.
Powering the new XC70 is a 3.2L inline six-cylinder engine, the same that's found under the hood of the S80. Replacing the 5-cylinder turbocharged unit of the old model, it generates 235 horsepower (+27) through a 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The latter operates seamlessly.
This engine delivers good accelerations. Barely eight seconds are required to go from 0 to 100 kph. What's more, the XC70 has a total towing capacity of 1,361 kg (with a brake-equipped trailer), which adds to the versatility of this permanent AWD wagon.
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| Nothing spectacular; still, performance meets expectations. |
The suspension offers generous travel, which is great for such an "all-terrain" car. I found it firm, obviously, yet not dry at all.
As one could expect from a Volvo-branded vehicle, the XC70 includes a wide array of active and passive safety features: ABS, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), pyrotechnic pretensioners on all five seating positions as well as a full arsenal of front- and side-impact airbags. Nothing's missing.
Like a Land Rover
For 2008, the queen of trail fighters comes with Hill Descent Control (HDC). This system has been used by Land Rovers for several years. It allows the driver to maintain directional stability when descending a sloped trail by preventing the car from moving faster than 10 kph. It also works in reverse. The off-road functionality of this technology is undeniable.
Because of the car's "reasonable" dimensions, not to mention the flat beltline and the generous greenhouse with a large rear window, the XC70 provides the driver with excellent all-around visibility.
Big heated mirrors and active bi-xenon headlights also make maneuvers easier. The latter might irritate incoming drivers, but for your own sake, they swivel 15 degrees for improved lighting in corners. This option comes in quite handy... for those who can afford it, of course.
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| The XC70 is more aggressively styled than the V70. |