The rise of the urban SUV is well documented. We've tested a huge variety of such vehicles over the last few years and most manufacturers have at least one model present in the market place. Volvo is well represented in the form of its range-topping flagship, the
XC90 we've tested before and the car you see here, the XC70.
Volvo's XC70 is essentially exactly what it looks like, a slightly beefed up V70 estate with various body addenda, a transmission with Volvo's all-wheel drive system and raised suspension. Our test car was an 'Ocean Race' special edition, a model that marks Volvo's involvement in the epic sailing race. This brings with it a unique exterior colour, special alloys and interior tweaks including coloured aluminium dash inlays and blue stitching in the leather; small but noteworthy tweaks.
Our test car featured the 185bhp derivative of Volvo's D5 engine we tested last year in the
Volvo S60. The D5's headline power figure is backed up by an impressive 295lb.ft of torque available between 2000-2750rpm. Unfortunately this higher rating comes at the cost of refinement, as the engine is noticeably louder than the lesser rating and uncharacteristically harsh with it. At a cruise it quietens to a distant thrum, but under hard acceleration it is excessively vocal. This isn't helped by the transmission.
The automatic gearbox holds on to ratios for too long, somewhat negating the impressive low and mid-range torque and making progress noisier and less smooth than it should be. The 'box seems reluctant to lock and drive and acts almost like a CVT at some points, holding on to fairly high revs for no apparent gain. In all honesty it would be quieter, quicker, more frugal and more refined to shift the cogs yourself, something the 'box allows you to do via its 'Geartronic' function but this is also cumbersome and unsatisfying to use. The six-speed manual we've tried in combination with this engine in the S60 is a much happier bedfellow in every way.
However, the XC70 retains the cruising ability expected of a Volvo. The increased ride height does make it more susceptible to a strong crosswind, but for the most part it is composed, quiet, refined and comfortable. It is an easy car to accrue large quantities of miles in the comfort of the large leather chairs, excellent ventilation and air conditioning and the now ubiquitous blood-from-the-eardrums inducing stereo - itself well worth the upgrade price.
The XC70's steering is on the light side, as expected and lacks feel, but is accurate enough and makes the Volvo XC70 painless to drive, as do the rest of the effortless controls. Ultimate levels of grip are fairly high, allowing for some spirited cornering, albeit accompanied by a lot of body roll. The XC70 is actually a reasonable handling car with the all-wheel drive system helping to quell understeer, but ultimately it submits to the inevitable. The ride is also quite well sorted thanks to the relatively soft suspension and high profile tyres.
Inside the Volvo CX70 is very much as per the V70, and that's no bad thing. The ergonomics are almost perfect, although the buttons are a little on the clunky side, and everything is laid out clearly and logically. Our test car was fitted with the optional communications pack with satnav (which comes with a remote control so it can be operated by passengers as well as the driver via the steering wheel mounted controls) and integrated phone.
The instrument dials are also the epitome of clarity and ease of recognition, although the trip computer is beginning to look a little old hat and will no doubt receive some form of update in the next range of cars, such as the
new Volvo S80. The whole dash is looking a little dated, not that this impacts on its functionality, and needs a little modernisation, something no doubt on the cards looking at the dash in the
V50 and other newer Volvos.
Space is as generous as ever with bags of room in the front and rear and the boot, separated by the integrated dog guard, is huge. As per usual the rear seats can be folded flat to form a loading space akin to an aircraft carrier, ensuring the Volvo remains a favourite with antique dealers. Who else would like the XC70 isn't so clear. Off road capability is limited; the ford used in our pictures was easily traversed by Jeeps, BMWs and the Volvo's bigger brother, the XC90, but the XC70 was found lacking in the ground clearance department.
Traction isn't an issue though, as you'd expect, and the literature boasts of a near two-tonne towing capability leading me to make the logical link to the pony club set or weekend sailors. Both sets of people would be well served by the Volvo XC70, but should bear in mind that the V70 AWD offers much of the same in terms of capability and that the XC90 is probably the best Volvo currently on sale. The fact that the XC90 is priced very close to the XC70 somewhat undermines the smaller car's case. Unless size is a limiting factor I would advise spending the extra money on the slower depreciating, larger and more capable car.
Volvo XC70 UK range overview
Add £1,250 for the Geartronic gearbox on 2.5T models, £1,350 on D5 versions. Note that the Ocean Race edition is limited in number and is not part of the normal range.
- Volvo XC70 D5 AWD SE: £29,925
- Volvo XC70 2.5T AWD SE: £30,175
- Volvo XC70 D5 AWD SE Lux: £32,225
- Volvo XC70 2.5T AWD SE Lux: £32,475
