Volvo V70 and XC70 review
by David Morgan (22 June 2007)
There are few large cars that make all-round sense, but Volvo's V70 estate comes close. The current model is a carry-all icon, an understated estate that is dependable and undemanding to drive. But there's growing anticipation of something special on the way as Volvo prepares to launch the all-new V70 in September – a dynamic and handsome replacement with style, strength, increased capacity and versatility.
That excitement is well-placed. I've just driven the new car, and its four-wheel drive XC70 sister, at the international launch in Germany, and I predict Volvo will easily hit UK product manager Dean Shaw's 2008 sales target of 7000 V70s and 2500 XC70s. It was a perfect demonstration of how a car as good as the current V70 family can be bettered – an evolution in quality, safety and practicality mixed with a new-found dynamic drive, innovation and a substantial increase in size.
Priced from £26,495 for a 198bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol V70 (badged 2.5T SE), it is set to be a thorn in the side of the BMW 5-Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant. It is big, drives beautifully, handles well and has a feeling of solidity.
It is a more athletic car than the one it replaces and delivers a world first child seat safety system. Other imaginative design features bring extra cargo space with clever cargo handling features and new levels of driver satisfaction thanks to dramatic chassis developments.
The new V70 is an uncompromising advance in estate car design. The styling is undeniably Scandinavian with the chunky good looks that singled out its predecessors – but it is sleeker with a bold grille, steeply-raked windscreen, deep flanks and a wide tailgate framed by large rear light clusters similar to those on the stylish C30 coupé.
Built on the same platform as the latest S80 saloon, it is 113mm longer than its S60-based predecessor. It boasts a wheelbase 61mm longer, stands 59mm taller and is 57mm wider. That equates to anything from 575 to 1600 litres of cargo room and significantly more space for rear passengers who now enjoy an increase of 21mm in knee clearance from the back of the front seat and more legroom. In practice these numbers add up to a much roomier feel to the new V70 family.
Big Volvos have never been great drivers' vehicles. Comfortable yes, spacious undoubtedly, and very safe. But exciting? I don't think so. But that's all changed. I really enjoyed this chunky arrival – so much so that I was stopped for speeding by German Traffikpolizei while piloting a rapid all-wheel drive V70 T6.
They let me off with a severe dressing-down – but it said as much about the high-technology 2953cc six-cylinder 284bhp twin-scroll turbocharged T6's uncanny ability to eat the miles as it did for my lack of attention to roadside radar traps.
Other petrol engines are a normally-aspirated six-cylinder 3.2-litre with 235bhp, the five-cylinder 2.5T with 198bhp and a Bio-fuel version promising outstanding emission levels and 143bhp. Diesel is covered by a pair of newly-uprated 2.4 litre D5 five-cylinder turbo diesels with 161bhp or 183bhp. Both will be fitted with particulate filters to scrub emissions clean. Next year the range will be joined by smaller four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
All V70s can be fitted with Geartronic transmission – Volvo's six-speed sequential automatic. The diesels and the high-performance T6 are also available with six-speed manuals.
Volvo claims this will be the safest car in its segment. In addition to excellent front, side and curtain airbag cover, electronic chassis control, advanced ABS, whiplash protection and Volvo's acclaimed SIPS side impact protection, the V70 is the first car to be offered with a dual-stage child booster seat. This clever innovation will appeal to the traditional family-orientated estate buyer offering a pair of optional rear seats that can be raised to two different heights and accommodate young members of the family. No booster seat design has been so adjustable.
Available in 15 forms with SE, SE Lux and SE Sport trim from £26,495 (2.5T SE) to £38,280 as a T6 AWD Geartronic SE Sport, the 1.7-tonne V70 is impeccably constructed and ticks the boxes as a satisfying executive car and a rapid and practical cargo ship.
I was less convinced about the jacked-up XC70. It has better statistics than its predecessor – greater ride height, 300mm wade depth, 210mm ground clearance, steeper obstruction approach and departure angles and standard Hill Descent Control, all-wheel drive with instant traction to maximise grip off the road.
It's all very impressive, and translated into excellent performance on a demanding off-road track. But on tarmac the near 1.9-tonne XC70 felt uneasy – not as tight and assured as the V70. Its urban off-roader body additions, alloy skid plates and body armour make it look fussy alongside the attractively sober V70, and with performance down and fuel consumption up from the 235bhp 3.2 petrol or 183bhp D5 turbo diesel, I wonder about the sense of investing from £31,035 (D5 SE) to £36,200 (3.2 SE) when the standard V70s are so good.
Then again the XC70 does have more road presence, can cope with challenging rough terrain and has that same top quality feel. It depends on your estate needs.
The V70, though, is a good-looking premium sector cargo ship is an impressive arrival that buyers will lust after. It trounces the competition on price – and gives nothing away in appeal or quality.
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