Not the most flamboyant
True, the new V70 and XC70 are not the most flamboyant cars in town. Despite being available with six-cylinder engines for the first time ever, they do not display the same athleticism as BMWs (probably because of their conservative Scandinavian heritage).
As a result, thrill-seeking drivers will find the driving to be rather neutral. The base powerplant is a very compact 3.2L inline-six -- the same that sits under the hood of the new S80. With the V70 and XC70, output is rated at 235 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.
Coupled with a new 6-speed sequential gearbox, this engine allows 0-100 kph accelerations in 8.5 seconds. Unfortunately, the noise level during these sprints is a bit high. Also, I felt that the car was somewhat heavy during takeoffs, which had me longing for more low-end torque.
While not ultra-responsive, the steering offers three assist adjustments (optional). It proves to be nicely weighted in most circumstances and, in my opinion, its personality is well matched to the vehicle's.
If you want to enjoy more engine flexibility, you'll have to wait until the T6 models are introduced (summer 2008).
The V70 T6, which will be only available with AWD, boasts a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six engine that generates 282 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque (0-100 kph in 7.2 seconds. With this beefed-up mill, accelerations on the fly are definitely more relaxed and the sequential transmission shifts more smoothly.
I should point out that only the V70 will receive the T6 treatment, not the XC70...
New hill-descent control
Volvo's AWD system needs no further presentation. The Haldex electronic differential of the third-generation wagons does not betray that reputation.
Capable of transferring up to 65 percent of the available torque to the rear axle, the system quickly makes up for the slightest wheel slippage and helps the chassis remain stable. Who said you needed an SUV to get out of the beaten paths?
True, the new V70 and XC70 are not the most flamboyant cars in town. Despite being available with six-cylinder engines for the first time ever, they do not display the same athleticism as BMWs (probably because of their conservative Scandinavian heritage).
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As a result, thrill-seeking drivers will find the driving to be rather neutral. The base powerplant is a very compact 3.2L inline-six -- the same that sits under the hood of the new S80. With the V70 and XC70, output is rated at 235 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.
Coupled with a new 6-speed sequential gearbox, this engine allows 0-100 kph accelerations in 8.5 seconds. Unfortunately, the noise level during these sprints is a bit high. Also, I felt that the car was somewhat heavy during takeoffs, which had me longing for more low-end torque.
While not ultra-responsive, the steering offers three assist adjustments (optional). It proves to be nicely weighted in most circumstances and, in my opinion, its personality is well matched to the vehicle's.
If you want to enjoy more engine flexibility, you'll have to wait until the T6 models are introduced (summer 2008).
The V70 T6, which will be only available with AWD, boasts a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six engine that generates 282 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque (0-100 kph in 7.2 seconds. With this beefed-up mill, accelerations on the fly are definitely more relaxed and the sequential transmission shifts more smoothly.
I should point out that only the V70 will receive the T6 treatment, not the XC70...
New hill-descent control
Volvo's AWD system needs no further presentation. The Haldex electronic differential of the third-generation wagons does not betray that reputation.
Capable of transferring up to 65 percent of the available torque to the rear axle, the system quickly makes up for the slightest wheel slippage and helps the chassis remain stable. Who said you needed an SUV to get out of the beaten paths?
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