Volvo's stylish all-wheel-drive (AWD) XC70 wagon has been going to the gym. The addition of a turbocharger to its transversely mounted inline-six elevates this outdoorsy Swede to a whole new level of performance.
Turbocharged engine alters perception
Those believing that the XC70 is a sedate Swede will have that perception quickly altered once behind the wheel of a T6 version of Volvo's highly practical SUV wannabe. The 3.0-litre DOHC mill is cast from aluminum, and features continuously-variable-valve-timing technology (CVVT) to maximize the turbo's potential.
The extra hardware nets an impressive output of 281 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. Barely off idle, this fortified powerplant delivers its full load of torque, keeping the grunt front-and-centre throughout the majority of its power band. That's real-world useable power production, which doesn't require frenetic revving to attain.
Think of it as letting the Genie out of the bottle the moment the tachometer departs its idle position. As the engine smoothly winds itself up to redline, there is no discernible flat spot in output or reluctance to embrace 6,000+ rpm. With so much thrust on-tap so early, the claw-like traction of Volvo's AWD system pays much-appreciated dividends.
Wheelspin is negligible as all four corners dig deep to fling the mid-size wagon forward without any hint of torque-steer or other maladies. Once under way, impressive passing power makes quick work of slower vehicles. And of course, the abundance of torque flattens even the steepest inclines.
Automatic gearbox sweetens performance
Bolted to the business end of the refined XC70 T6 mill is a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The availability of six cogs provides the engine with plenty of performance maximizing flexibility however fuel economy doesn't seem to benefit greatly.
Volvo literature ascribes a fuel economy rating of 9.0 and 13.7 litres of fuel per 100K of city and highway driving respectively. That's about average for a vehicle of this sort, although when contrasted against engine output, the figures become more palatable.
Turbocharged engine alters perception
Those believing that the XC70 is a sedate Swede will have that perception quickly altered once behind the wheel of a T6 version of Volvo's highly practical SUV wannabe. The 3.0-litre DOHC mill is cast from aluminum, and features continuously-variable-valve-timing technology (CVVT) to maximize the turbo's potential.
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| To my eye the XC70 T6 is a nicely proportioned, aesthetically pleasing wagon. |
The extra hardware nets an impressive output of 281 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. Barely off idle, this fortified powerplant delivers its full load of torque, keeping the grunt front-and-centre throughout the majority of its power band. That's real-world useable power production, which doesn't require frenetic revving to attain.
Think of it as letting the Genie out of the bottle the moment the tachometer departs its idle position. As the engine smoothly winds itself up to redline, there is no discernible flat spot in output or reluctance to embrace 6,000+ rpm. With so much thrust on-tap so early, the claw-like traction of Volvo's AWD system pays much-appreciated dividends.
Wheelspin is negligible as all four corners dig deep to fling the mid-size wagon forward without any hint of torque-steer or other maladies. Once under way, impressive passing power makes quick work of slower vehicles. And of course, the abundance of torque flattens even the steepest inclines.
Automatic gearbox sweetens performance
Bolted to the business end of the refined XC70 T6 mill is a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The availability of six cogs provides the engine with plenty of performance maximizing flexibility however fuel economy doesn't seem to benefit greatly.
Volvo literature ascribes a fuel economy rating of 9.0 and 13.7 litres of fuel per 100K of city and highway driving respectively. That's about average for a vehicle of this sort, although when contrasted against engine output, the figures become more palatable.
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| The extra hardware nets an impressive output of 281 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm. |