A new Volvo XC70 was unveiled today at the Geneva motorshow. The latest SUV-lite offering from the Swedish carmaker offers all-weather and all-road ability with a slightly tougher looking exterior for customers not quite willing to step up to a full-size SUV.

The design is a butcher variation of the new V70 wagon, with dark grey protective cladding along the flanks and around the wheelarches, a now characteristic trait of Volvo's XC offerings. The head and tail lamp treatments are reminiscent of the S80 and the C30 respectively, keeping the family resemblance.

Engineers and designers apparently paid particular attention to the XC70's ground clearance and wading depth as well as its ramp, approach and departure angles. The ride height is 74mm higher than the new V70 estate's, translating to a wading depth of 300mm and an effective ground clearance of 210mm.

Volvo's naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine and second-generation 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 turbodiesel engine will be the power sources for the new car. The petrol unit produces a claimed 235bhp and has a maximum torque rating of 236lb.ft, said to accomplish 0 to 60mph runs in 8.1 seconds and achieve a 134mph top speed. The D5 unit is apparently good for 182bhp and 295lb.ft of torque, and will do 0-60mph in 8.8 seconds (with the manual gearbox) on the way to a claimed 130mph maximum speed.

Volvo's six-speed Geartronic automatic (with manual gear selection capability) is the only transmission offering on the petrol variant, but the D5 is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the Geartronic self-shifter.

A new "advanced chassis architecture" has been developed for the new XC70. By employing high-strength steel in the chassis, torsional rigidity is claimed to have increased 15 per cent compared to the previous model.

The car's all-wheel drive system works in conjunction with Volvo's 'instant traction' system, using an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch to distribute torque to the wheels with the most grip. The dynamic stability and traction control systems reduce engine torque and apply braking to reduce skid risk when travelling on slippery surfaces.

Inside, the car is fitted with the usual Volvo touches and it makes good use of its larger exterior dimensions. Owners of the S80 saloon will be instantly familiar with it.

At the rear, the boot opening is larger than before and load space has also grown by 55 litres over the outgoing model (to 575 litres). The XC70's versatile 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat and foldable front passenger seat means 16 different seating combinations can be selected.

As with all Volvos, the XC70 is equipped with a raft of active and passive safety features that help the new car live up to its reputation as a safe family motor. Improved crumple zones with differing strength steels absorb energy during an impact and the whiplash protection system found in the new S80 is also featured here. Volvo's side impact protection, dual compartment side-impact airbags, and innovative dual-stage integrated rear child booster seat are also featured.

Prices of the new XC70 will be announced in early June and models will likely begin appearing on dealer forecourts in September this year.

Eric Gallina - 6 Mar 2007