Revamped soft-roader gets semi-serious

Volvo recently revealed its all-new V70 wagon, and now here's its all-road sibling, the new XC70.

The newcomer is based on the stiffer chassis of the new-age V70 (more here) and Volvo is trumpeting improved levels of refinement and capability. Of course, safety remains a strong suit nd load-carrying capability is claimed to be better than in the outgoing model.

There's also a choice of two new engines -- a 2.4-litre diesel and a 3.2-litre petrol six. The D5 turbodiesel punches out 136kW and a fat 400Nm, and delivers a claimed 0-100km/h split of 8.8sec (manual) and a v-max of 208km/h.

In Europe the D5 will be offered with a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or Volvo's six-speed Geartronic transmission, but we're likely to get only the latter.

The petrol-powered 3.2-litre six, meanwhile, puts out 175kW and 320Nm. Offered only with the six-speed Geartronic auto, this variant sprints to 100km/h in a claimed 8.1sec and achieves a 215km/h top speed.

The new XC70 comes standard with DSTC (dynamic stability and traction control), however, the big news is improved off-road capability. With a ride height (with two occupants) 74mm higher than the new V70 wagon, the XC70 offers ground clearance of 210mm and can wade through 300mm of water.

Also, with ramp angles of 19.2 degrees approach, 19.8 degrees breakover and 24 degrees departure, the new XC70 betters the outgoing model (16 degrees, 18 degrees and 20 degrees respectively) in all three areas.

A hill descent control (HDC) system reportedly makes easier work of crawling down steep gradients. This system uses the brakes to modulate the amount of torque distributed to each wheel, ensuring the Volvo maintains a steady 10km/h during its descent. The HDC system also works in reverse, which makes it ideal for tricky manoeuvres such as launching a boat on a steep ramp, says Volvo.

Luggage capacity has grown by 55 litres to a reasonably generous 575, and and according to Volvo, the XC70’s 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat and foldable front passenger seat allows you to choose from 16 different seating combinations.

Safety levels are said to benefit from improved crumple zones that use differing strength steels to absorb energy during an impact, the same advanced WHIPS (whiplash protection system) as that found in the new S80 and an energy-absorbing nose and bonnet.

In addition to front airbags, there's Volvo's SIPS side impact protection and dual compartment side-impact airbags, which feature two separate chambers for the hips and for the chest. A new extended IC (inflatable curtain) airbag, 60mm longer, boosts child safety says Volvo by providing superior protection for children of a wide range of heights and sizes.

Optional features include the BLIS (blind spot information system), HBA (hydraulic brake assist), OHB (optimised hydraulic brakes), ACC (adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support), active bi-xenon headlamps, radar-controlled collision warning, emergency brake lights, all-round laminated glass and Volvo PCC (personal car communicator), which is used to lock and unlock the car as well informing the owner if the alarm has been triggered or, using a heartbeat monitor, to detect if someone is in the car.

Visually, the new XC70 carries over the theme of its predecessor, which means it's adorned by chunky side cladding and standard roof rails, but the car obviously has a more contemporary look about it than the outgoing model.

The new XC70 goes on sale internationally later this year, which suggests we will see it in Oz by the first half of 2008. Or, given Volvo Australia's new model focus. perhaps even sooner...

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