One thing's for sure : the XC70 is never to be second-guessed in off-road challenges. In addition to a 17-mm extended ground clearance, the 2008 model is equipped with a new Hill-Descent Control system. It's the first Volvo ever to use this technology, introduced by Land Rover.
More muscular styling
Now, let's talk about styling. We are used to see Volvo execute less-than-radical changes from one generation to the next (the updates are sometimes hardly noticeable), but this time around, you don't need a magnifying glass to appreciate the more muscular lines, including the sleeker headlights and the more prominent front grille.
The new rounded hatch is possibly the most striking change; no longer straight-falling, it features a sexier, more generous slope. Also, the taillights are now aimed at the sky towards said hatch, which offers power-assisted opening and closing. Yet another feature borrowed from Land Rover...
While the V70 is always so discreetly stylish, the XC70 remains the black sheep with its traditional dark-colored lower panels and larger fog lights. You'll notice that the grille sports a brighter, dynamically-colored and shaped look. Personally, I like this more aggressive expression.
User-friendly interior
Whereas Germans offer cold-looking, techno-styled interiors, the cabin of the new Volvo wagons focuses on passenger comfort. The front seats are among the most accommodating in the industry, the materials have a pleasant feel and a solid build quality, the colors are warm and inviting (especially the Brown Espresso), the ergonomics are relaxed and the overall layout is user-friendly. In fact, this high level of user-friendliness is missing from the S80.
The fact that the vehicle is over 10 centimeters longer overall than the previous generation translates into increased rear legroom and 60 litres more of cargo room. Versatility is enhanced by a series of extremely handy accessories, particularly the sliding tray.
When closed, the rear hatch inevitably blocks the underfloor storage compartment -- a convenient safety feature which should discourage many potential thieves...
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More muscular styling
Now, let's talk about styling. We are used to see Volvo execute less-than-radical changes from one generation to the next (the updates are sometimes hardly noticeable), but this time around, you don't need a magnifying glass to appreciate the more muscular lines, including the sleeker headlights and the more prominent front grille.
The new rounded hatch is possibly the most striking change; no longer straight-falling, it features a sexier, more generous slope. Also, the taillights are now aimed at the sky towards said hatch, which offers power-assisted opening and closing. Yet another feature borrowed from Land Rover...
While the V70 is always so discreetly stylish, the XC70 remains the black sheep with its traditional dark-colored lower panels and larger fog lights. You'll notice that the grille sports a brighter, dynamically-colored and shaped look. Personally, I like this more aggressive expression.
User-friendly interior
Whereas Germans offer cold-looking, techno-styled interiors, the cabin of the new Volvo wagons focuses on passenger comfort. The front seats are among the most accommodating in the industry, the materials have a pleasant feel and a solid build quality, the colors are warm and inviting (especially the Brown Espresso), the ergonomics are relaxed and the overall layout is user-friendly. In fact, this high level of user-friendliness is missing from the S80.
The fact that the vehicle is over 10 centimeters longer overall than the previous generation translates into increased rear legroom and 60 litres more of cargo room. Versatility is enhanced by a series of extremely handy accessories, particularly the sliding tray.
When closed, the rear hatch inevitably blocks the underfloor storage compartment -- a convenient safety feature which should discourage many potential thieves...
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