10:30 am, October 24, 2011
With new engines and improved refinement, the popular XC70 has had a makeover. JAMES BATCHELOR investigates.
WHAT IS IT?
Quite simply it’s the XC70 we all know and love, but now refined, improved and generally made a more pleasant car to live with. Out goes the ‘old’ D5 and in comes a more powerful unit.
What’s also new is an improved D3 engine, and the fact that Volvo’s collision avoidance system, ‘City Safety’, is now standard. There’s a more classy dash with infotainment, and new colours, wheels and options.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
As you’d expect these days, petrol options are pretty limited. In fact, there’s only one – the lusty, 304bhp turbocharged six-cylinder T6 AWD. For diesel, there are two options: an upgraded D3 DRIVe now with start/ stop on manual versions, and the new D5 engine with a power hike of 10bhp and less emissions. Only the T6 and D5 are all-wheel drive – the D3 is front-wheel drive.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
There are only three models for customers to get their heads around. The range starts with the XC70 ES D3 DRIVe which is priced at £28,815. For this, customers will get City Safety, electronic climate control, colour display and 16-inch alloys. The range tops out at £41,385 for the SE Lux T6 AWD Geartronic which boasts electric seats, sat-nav, bending headlamps and 18-inch alloys.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The XC70 has always been a fine cruiser, but the AWD versions have always had higher maintenance and running costs attached to them for obvious reasons. Now, though, the economical DRIVe version should sort that. Off-road is where the car really surprises, with excellent grip and ability. With off-road tyres, we reckon it could embarrass many a glitzy 4×4 or SUV.
WHAT DO THE PRESS SAY?
Autoblog UK said: ‘The slight changes to the XC70 have simply served to improve an already thoroughly impressive package,’ adding with the recent harsh winters ‘it makes a lot of sense’. Autocar said: ‘Put it this way: if you want the butch looks of an off-roader, but don’t want to feel like a social pariah, go for it. As a guilt-free school-run 4×4, the XC70 is great.’
WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT?
The XC70 is arguably the grandfather of estate cars hankering for the off-road life. But it’s not smoke and mirrors – the XC70 is a credible off- roader, and with all the practicality and style of the V70 it is just as much at home on a jaunts to the shops. Customers will incur higher running costs over the V70 but the new D5 engine is smooth and refined.
