The real new generation
Bensberg, Germany - Long considered one of the most conservative automakers in the world, Volvo is delivering the all-new, third-generation of its ">V70 and XC70 wagons -- really. New platform, new engines, new transmission, new technologies... everything has been updated. Fortunately for loyal Volvo customers, the traditional Swedish roots are still firmly tied to both vehicles.
SUVs and crossovers are the hot items? Whatever. Volvo keeps developing solid family wagons. The 2008 XC70 (this fall) and V70 (next February) have been revisited, redesigned and reworked with new technology and a very business-like attitude.
Benefiting from the new S80 sedan's core values, including an advanced chassis, the V70 and XC70 definitely improve some of its other aspects. Since the midsize luxury wagon market (Audi A6 Avant, Volkswagen Passat Wagon, Subaru Legacy Wagon) is less crowded than that of the midsize luxury sedan, Volvo's offerings still have no problem meeting customer expectations and finding their niche.
In other words, whereas the S80 left me on my appetite, the new V70 and XC70 clearly seem like the real deal, the total package, the uncompromised alternative to the competition's best.
Solid as always
The biggest quality of Volvo's 70-series cars is the one that keeps defining them and attracting new customers: rigidity. On the autobahns, you get this reassuring feeling of being invincible, just like in a tank. It's no wonder: the wheelbase has been extended by 6 centimeters.
The "Four-C" Active Chassis plays a huge role in keeping the car firmly planted on the road. Unlike similar adaptive suspension systems, this one offers a distinctive ride and feel with each of its various modes: Comfort, Sport, Advanced.
For quiet drives, the first mode makes every bump and pothole disappear; it's almost as if the road surface was brand new. The ride firms up nicely when selecting the Sport mode and body roll is limited in corners. As for the Advanced mode, it provides an intimate contact with the road as well as ultra-sporty driving dynamics.
Although the Four-C option increases the price of the vehicle by more than $3,000 (also adding active bi-xenon headlights, rear heated seats and a few other gadgets), I strongly recommend it.
Bensberg, Germany - Long considered one of the most conservative automakers in the world, Volvo is delivering the all-new, third-generation of its ">V70 and XC70 wagons -- really. New platform, new engines, new transmission, new technologies... everything has been updated. Fortunately for loyal Volvo customers, the traditional Swedish roots are still firmly tied to both vehicles.
 |
SUVs and crossovers are the hot items? Whatever. Volvo keeps developing solid family wagons. The 2008 XC70 (this fall) and V70 (next February) have been revisited, redesigned and reworked with new technology and a very business-like attitude.
Benefiting from the new S80 sedan's core values, including an advanced chassis, the V70 and XC70 definitely improve some of its other aspects. Since the midsize luxury wagon market (Audi A6 Avant, Volkswagen Passat Wagon, Subaru Legacy Wagon) is less crowded than that of the midsize luxury sedan, Volvo's offerings still have no problem meeting customer expectations and finding their niche.
In other words, whereas the S80 left me on my appetite, the new V70 and XC70 clearly seem like the real deal, the total package, the uncompromised alternative to the competition's best.
Solid as always
The biggest quality of Volvo's 70-series cars is the one that keeps defining them and attracting new customers: rigidity. On the autobahns, you get this reassuring feeling of being invincible, just like in a tank. It's no wonder: the wheelbase has been extended by 6 centimeters.
The "Four-C" Active Chassis plays a huge role in keeping the car firmly planted on the road. Unlike similar adaptive suspension systems, this one offers a distinctive ride and feel with each of its various modes: Comfort, Sport, Advanced.
For quiet drives, the first mode makes every bump and pothole disappear; it's almost as if the road surface was brand new. The ride firms up nicely when selecting the Sport mode and body roll is limited in corners. As for the Advanced mode, it provides an intimate contact with the road as well as ultra-sporty driving dynamics.
Although the Four-C option increases the price of the vehicle by more than $3,000 (also adding active bi-xenon headlights, rear heated seats and a few other gadgets), I strongly recommend it.
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