Volvo

XC70

With its outstanding record for producing outstanding estates, it’s little surprise the XC70 is packed with Volvo’s V70 expertise. Capable of tackling any terrain, this muscular off-roader is loaded with features and boasts fantastic safety specifications.

 

Test Drive

Volvo XC70 D5 SE LUX

Boasting a whole host of top notch creature comforts and all the versatility and space you could wish for the Volvo XC70 is a vehicle that’s multi-purpose and ready to take on the world.

With a much lower roofline than its big brother – the mighty XC90 – this model offers more efficient aerodynamics and streamlining and that results in improved driving dynamics all round.

In fact, despite its size and sheer presence, the XC70 is deceptively nimble and very easy to manoeuvre into tight spaces, although parking sensors and cameras are always a bonus.

There is something very reassuring when you take your seat behind the wheel of a Volvo and the XC70 is certainly no exception to that rule. It is a case of strength and beauty all rolled into one.

The solid frame and heavy doors, along with brilliant 4×4 capabilities give the XC70 all the essentials to cope with any unexpected interventions from Mother Nature.

But the more subtle luxuries such as heated or cooled seats with ventilated leather, the premium sound system and easy-to-operate sat nav and the sheer space means all occupants are treated to excellent levels of comfort.

Admittedly, such luxury doesn’t come cheap. The test model started at £37,665 although the optional extras raked the price up to £45,515, but when the heavens open and there’s an abundance of road surface water those extra pounds seem very worthwhile.

The XC70 handles beautifully. In busy traffic, it cruises along effortlessly and the excellent all-round vision is another bonus.

Then, out on the faster roads, the 2.4-litre, diesel-powered engine bursts into life.

This car can sprint from 0-60mph in just 7.8 seconds as it works its way through the six-speed automatic transmission. That gives an idea of the power at your disposal.

The cabin noise is very low and the ride incredibly smooth even on bumpier road surfaces.

Rear seat passengers are treated to plenty of leg, head and elbow space and there will never be any restriction on luggage thanks to the very generously-sized boot that is opened and closed at the press of a button.

As one would expect, Volvo has piled every imaginable safety specification into this car to keep occupants and pedestrians safe and any unwanted attention from intruders at bay.

All in all, the XC70 is a great all-rounder for any driver who enjoys a touch of class, likes a few of life’s little luxuries, enjoys driving and has their family’s safety as a pivotal buying point.

Test Drive

Volvo XC70 D5

Most drivers these days with a few exceptions are blissfully unaware of just how well their vehicle will perform if really put to the test.

That’s because very few all-wheel-drive vehicles are taken from the safety of the Tarmac, and the thought of driving off track through muddy woodlands littered with rocks and loose rubble would send a shudder down most owner’s spines.

So, it’s really beneficial every once in a while to get a small reminder of just how capable our vehicles are and how accomplished their performance is on less familiar ground.

That opportunity came courtesy of Volvo with an off-road course in Sweden through muddy woodlands that had suffered weeks of torrential downpours. The result – a slippery, unstable and somewhat unpredictable surface. Just perfect for off-roading then,

So, enter the new Volvo XC70 D5 2.4-litre diesel-powered model.

It boasts all the latest refinements that Volvo is introducing in many of its 2012 models.

This includes a very user-friendly infotainment system, technologies that make driving safer and more comfortable, refined drivelines which deliver better performance whilst offering lower fuel consumption and a mobile connectivity feature that keeps the driver connected to their vehicle at all times.

Although these new enhancements are being fitted across much of the Volvo range, it was the XC70’s off-the-beaten-track performance that was to be put to the test.

Our instructor informed us that the constant rainfall had made the course more slippery and therefore more fun… and he wasn’t kidding.

The course closely resembled a muddy bog with trees lining the route that offered just enough room for the four-door XC70 to squeeze through – no room for errors of judgement or unexpected skidding then.

And thankfully the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive was more than up to the challenge. Despite occasional slides and the odd grinding of larger rocks on the undercarriage, the automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive coped with ease as it weaved up and down the slippery slopes.

And there was even the opportunity to test out the hill descent function. After switching to manual mode and taking a foot from the brake or accelerator, the XC70 did everything but steer as the speed remained constant down a steep slope.

As we returned to base with vehicles caked in thick mud it was easy to forgive those owners who prefer to stick to more predictable terrain but it would be great if they could venture forth into an off-road environment just once, if only to get a little insight into how good their car is.

Another feature new to the XC70 (which thankfully wasn’t tested out on this occasion) is Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake. This system uses radar and a camera to monitor pedestrians in front of the car. Initially, the driver is alerted to the danger so they can brake or steer clear of the pedestrian. If the driver does not respond, the car automatically brakes with full force moments before the collision becomes unavoidable.

This is another step that reinforces Volvo’s reputation as one of the safest car manufacturers of our times.

Test Drive

Volvo XC70 D5 SE

If versatility, safety, performance and state-of-the-art technology top your wish list, then look no further than the all-wheel-drive Volvo XC70.

For this four-door model really does offer the complete package.

It has room for all the family to travel in comfort and its massive boot means they can take along bikes, surfboards or whatever takes their fancy.

There are creature comforts at every turn and it even delivers a great drive too.

Boasting rugged looks with ready-for-action lines and the rough and tough Cross Country styling, the XC70 immediately grabs your attention with its 17-inch alloys, twin aluminium tailpipes and roof rails.

And that quality is ever-present once you take your seat behind the multi-function leather steering wheel.

The SE model featured dual zone climate control, cruise control, supportive leather seats that can be heated, automatic rain sensor, an outstanding sound system with CD player, MP3 and iPod compatibility along with eight speakers, steering wheel integrated controls, rear parking assist and a power operated tailgate, plus a whole lot more.

Additional extras included a very effective sat nav system, geartronic transmission and a number of other options that raised the asking price by more than £6k to £40,745.

If I had to find fault, then I would say that for £40k-plus I would have expected electrically-adjustable front seats. But that small criticism aside, the XC70 is quite a vehicle. Comfort levels are exceptionally high and the ride is very smooth with cabin noise virtually non-existent.

The automatic transmission was very effective and the 2.4-litre diesel-driven engine provided ample power and acceleration.

The driver benefits from excellent unobstructed all-round visibility which is vital when driving through busy city centres in a vehicle of its size.

But it’s out on the faster roads where the XC70 really comes alive. The ride is incredibly smooth even on rougher surfaces and I arrived completely refreshed after a 250-mile round journey.

As one would expect, Volvo has crammed every safety device you could imagine into the XC70. The more recognisable safety specifications such as anti-lock brakes, hill descent control and numerous airbags are further complimented by a rich list of additional features including collision warning with full auto brake and pedestrian detection, driver alert control, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and blind spot information system.

All in all, the Volvo XC70 is the ideal vehicle for any family that loves to lead an active lifestyle, but wants to maintain a certain element of luxury along the way.