New choices for XC70

Volvo's third-generation crossover station wagon moves the goal posts in engine choice, price, safety features, all-wheel-drive capabilities and styling for those who don't need a bulky SUV.

The new XC70 range, which replaces the previous XC70 and V70 range, offers a choice of an inline six-cylinder petrol engine or five-cylinder turbodiesel for the first time.

Prices start at a competitive $58,950, just $2000 more than its predecessor. It is due to go on sale in December.

Volvo Car Australia Managing Director Alan Desselss claimed that the new range would play an important role in maintaining Volvo's sales growth in Australia. Volvo sales in Australia have grown 37.1 per cent from 2005 to 2006 with a further 22.5 per cent increase in 2007.

The new XC70's projected 900 annual sales would mark a return to the sales levels of the XC70 in its best years.

"Because this represents 18 per cent of the total Volvo model mix," said Desselss, "we are looking at the XC70 to provide the growth we are looking for in 2008."

The XC70's new 3.2-litre petrol engine delivers 175kW/320Nm while the 2.4-litre turbo diesel produces 136kW/400Nm. Both engines feature the latest Aisin-Warner six-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic manual override.

Although both engines should deliver a boost in performance in different areas over the previous model, substantial weight increases have pushed weight over 1800kg despite the use of magnesium in the new XC70's stronger safety structure.

Volvo claims a zero to 100km/h time of 8.6 seconds for the petrol engine, 9.9 for the diesel. The petrol engine generates a combined fuel consumption figure of 11.4L/100km on 95-98 Premium Unleaded compared to the diesel's more frugal 8.3L/100km.

Volvo expects sales to be split evenly between diesel and petrol initially, before settling into a 60:40 split in favour of the diesel.

Following the larger XC90's contribution to Volvo's local sales volumes, the all-wheel-drive XC70 and its new engines shared with the XC90, will also replace all but one of Volvo's previous V70 passenger wagon range.

An all-new V70 T6 AWD high performance version in lowered road trim with a 210kW/400NM twin-scroll turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine will soon be the only version of the V70 available locally.

It is expected to be launched a month or two after the new XC70's December 2007 on sale date at a projected price of around $70,000 (see here).

This re-alignment of the XC70 from when it was a supplement to the front-drive V70 passenger wagon range to where it now forms the core of Volvo's mid-sized wagon range marks a major departure from over 40 years of traditional two-wheel-drive Volvo passenger wagons. The new XC70 also marks a return to the more rugged Volvo wagons of old.

According to Volvo, the new, more aggressive exterior features "a more rustic design" while the interior reflects the clean new look of Volvo latest models with a choice of contemporary and traditional cabin highlights.

It is the first Volvo XC70 to feature the third-generation Haldex "Active on Demand" AWD system after Volvo switched to an earlier Haldex system in the XC70 as a running change during 2003. Where the basic viscous coupling on previous Volvo XC70 models relied on the front wheels losing traction before extra drive was transferred to the rear, the new system preloads drive to the rear wheels before the front wheels can lose traction. It can also sense when the vehicle is cornering so it can play an active role in transferring drive to the rear wheels.

As soon as all-wheel drive is not required, the system automatically reverts to front drive only for optimum fuel economy.

In combination with the standard Hill Descent Control, improved underbody clearances, and better rampover, approach and departure angles, Volvo claims significant go-anywhere advantages over the previous model and the Audi Allroad which Volvo lists as its closest rival.

Compared to the Audi, these extra clearances also halve the import duty that normally applies to a passenger wagon which partly accounts for its significant price advantage.

Volvo also claims significant boosts in shoulder room and rear knee and leg space over the previous model.

In standard specification, even the entry XC70 is comprehensively equipped with a range of upgraded safety features including the seventh generation side impact protection system (SIPS) with curtain airbags extended by 60mm, unique twin height-adjustable child booster cushions, stability and traction control system (DSTC), brake assist, 'Ready Alert Brakes', brake fade support, hill descent control, park assist, rain sensor wipers, Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) and whiplash protection system (WHIPS).

These are supplemented by dual-zone climate control, pollen filter, high quality audio system, retractable exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory, cruise control, 17-inch alloys, a choice of cabin highlights, leather trim and water repellent side mirror glass.

The upper-level LE version adds sunroof, self-opening tailgate, front and rear park assist, luxury wood trim including steering wheel, electrically adjustable passenger's seat, Interior Air Quality System and 18-inch alloys.

A wide range of options including adjustable suspension, collision warning radar system, blind spot camera system (BLIS), adaptive cruise control, clean zone anti-asthma/allergy interior package, fan-boosted ventilated seats, Premium sound, rear DVD system, laminated security glass all round and Personal Car Communicator with heartbeat sensor are available.

A Technology Pack bundles the Volvo navigation system, active bi-xenon headlights and washers, Bluetooth, BLIS, and automatic dimming mirror with digital compass for an extra $6000.

The entry XC70 petrol model starts at $58,950 while the diesel equivalent adds only $2000 more at $60,950. The LE level adds $6000 to both models with the petrol and diesel versions costing $64,950 and $66,950 respectively.

Visit the Carsales Network again for more details in our upcoming review of the Volvo XC70.