Normally a company puts together a ''limited edition'' version of a particular model that gives consumers more for the money when that model's losing favor with the public.
But that's not the case with the Volvo XC70 from the Swedish arm of Ford Motor Company, since sales of the all-wheel-drive station wagon are actually up slightly, while cumulative sales of the S60, V70 and S80 are off by nearly 50 percent for 2005.
Apparently the Canadian branch of the firm wants tokeep momentum going with the XC70 and that's why it's bringing out the BlackSapphire Edition and the Titanium Edition, for $54,520 each.
That'sthe figure you get when you take the $50,620 MSRP (Manufacturer's SuggestedRetail price) of the XC70 with sunroof and leather seats and add the $3,900premium for either of those limited editions. Volvo Canada likes to call this price ''compelling,'' but as always the key word for the consumer is ''suggested,'' since you only have to pay what you can get the dealer to accept.
Notwithstanding that, it's worth noting that the MSRP for either of the limited edition XC70 models is about $3,100 less than the retail prices of the various features if you chose them separately as options.
The first thing you notice about the two models are what Volvo calls ''their dramatic paint schemes,'' which are pretty much explained by their names -- Black Sapphire and Titanium.
Other features in both packages include rear parking assistance, Bi-Xenon headlights, power driver and passenger seats in leather, integrated child booster seats with 40/20/40-split rear seat back, and the Volvo premium surround sound system equipped with Dolby Pro-Logic II.
The Titanium model gets the 16-inch "Xenia" alloy wheels inside 215/65/16 (A/S) Pirelli Scorpion STR tires that are optional on the base XC70, and the Black Sapphire gets 16-inch Tellus alloy wheels that are unique to the model line.
Neither of the limited edition models get unique interiors, but they do get unique optional fittings -- Leather Graphite for the Titanium and Leather Light Sand for the Black Sapphire.
Even at $50,000 there are still a few options on these limited edition models, include the navigation system, the spoiler and the water-repellent treatment for the side windows.
The first version of the wagon that would morph into the XC70 in later life was introduced in 1997 as the replacement for the 850 which replaced the 760 in 1993 and so on.
It now runs on a 2.5-litre turbo-charged inline-five that creates 208 hp at 5,000 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, the latter of which is much more important to daily driving in this country.
The transmission is the five-speed automatic and for the most part it sends the power to the front wheels of the XC70, only shifting to the rear wheels if the traction situation (or lack of same) demands it. Indeed, the ''instant that the front wheels begin to lose traction and spin, up to 95 per cent of engine power is introduced to the rear. The operation is completely automatic and offers optimum traction without changing the handling dynamics of the vehicle.''
These two limited edition models also benefit from serious upgrades to the basic XC70 package for the 2005 model year, which included new headlights and tail-lights, larger skidplates and door mirrors, an ''egg-crate'' grille, flat blade wipers, new headlight washer jets, and better front seats with a multi-functional armrest.
For many people, the big deal for the 2005 XC70 is the addition of Four-C system, which ''actively adjusts shock absorber damping in relation to driver and vehicle input, delivering a controlled ride, enhanced vehicle stability and a sporty feel.''
According to Volvo, the Four-C system helps to reduce the vehicle's tendency to kneel, squat and roll during braking, acceleration and cornering, respectively. Modified specifically for the XC70, the Four-C system is said to deliver ''increased steering feel and enhanced road feedback, providing a more controlled, comfortable car on both good and poor road surfaces.''
photo:Volvo Canada
But that's not the case with the Volvo XC70 from the Swedish arm of Ford Motor Company, since sales of the all-wheel-drive station wagon are actually up slightly, while cumulative sales of the S60, V70 and S80 are off by nearly 50 percent for 2005.
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| XC70 Black Sapphire Limited Edition (photo : Volvo Canad |
That'sthe figure you get when you take the $50,620 MSRP (Manufacturer's SuggestedRetail price) of the XC70 with sunroof and leather seats and add the $3,900premium for either of those limited editions. Volvo Canada likes to call this price ''compelling,'' but as always the key word for the consumer is ''suggested,'' since you only have to pay what you can get the dealer to accept.
Notwithstanding that, it's worth noting that the MSRP for either of the limited edition XC70 models is about $3,100 less than the retail prices of the various features if you chose them separately as options.
The first thing you notice about the two models are what Volvo calls ''their dramatic paint schemes,'' which are pretty much explained by their names -- Black Sapphire and Titanium.
Other features in both packages include rear parking assistance, Bi-Xenon headlights, power driver and passenger seats in leather, integrated child booster seats with 40/20/40-split rear seat back, and the Volvo premium surround sound system equipped with Dolby Pro-Logic II.
The Titanium model gets the 16-inch "Xenia" alloy wheels inside 215/65/16 (A/S) Pirelli Scorpion STR tires that are optional on the base XC70, and the Black Sapphire gets 16-inch Tellus alloy wheels that are unique to the model line.
Neither of the limited edition models get unique interiors, but they do get unique optional fittings -- Leather Graphite for the Titanium and Leather Light Sand for the Black Sapphire.
Even at $50,000 there are still a few options on these limited edition models, include the navigation system, the spoiler and the water-repellent treatment for the side windows.
The first version of the wagon that would morph into the XC70 in later life was introduced in 1997 as the replacement for the 850 which replaced the 760 in 1993 and so on.
It now runs on a 2.5-litre turbo-charged inline-five that creates 208 hp at 5,000 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, the latter of which is much more important to daily driving in this country.
The transmission is the five-speed automatic and for the most part it sends the power to the front wheels of the XC70, only shifting to the rear wheels if the traction situation (or lack of same) demands it. Indeed, the ''instant that the front wheels begin to lose traction and spin, up to 95 per cent of engine power is introduced to the rear. The operation is completely automatic and offers optimum traction without changing the handling dynamics of the vehicle.''
These two limited edition models also benefit from serious upgrades to the basic XC70 package for the 2005 model year, which included new headlights and tail-lights, larger skidplates and door mirrors, an ''egg-crate'' grille, flat blade wipers, new headlight washer jets, and better front seats with a multi-functional armrest.
For many people, the big deal for the 2005 XC70 is the addition of Four-C system, which ''actively adjusts shock absorber damping in relation to driver and vehicle input, delivering a controlled ride, enhanced vehicle stability and a sporty feel.''
According to Volvo, the Four-C system helps to reduce the vehicle's tendency to kneel, squat and roll during braking, acceleration and cornering, respectively. Modified specifically for the XC70, the Four-C system is said to deliver ''increased steering feel and enhanced road feedback, providing a more controlled, comfortable car on both good and poor road surfaces.''
photo:Volvo Canada
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