8 February 2011
Thank goodness those chaps at Volvo are a bit 'out of the square' when it comes to car design.
This makes the brand's two newest estate models stand out from typical fare thanks to some distinctly Volvo cues, a stylish, contemporary cabin and some clever thinking.
The latest V70 and its cross country XC70 counterpart are completely new from the ground up and while the exterior is understated, the familiar Volvo nose, beltline and tail lamps help impart a prestige perception.
Visually, the rugged XC70 benefits most from the upgrade, displaying a much improved presence than the dated predecessor. The unpainted bumpers and sill protection blend well with the overall look, enhanced with attractive alloy-look skid plates and fog lamp surrounds.
Both wagons feature the same generous rear door aperture, the wide mouth has been enabled by incorporating the vertical stop lamps into the rear tailgate. Ingeniously, should you need to drive with the hatch open - transporting lengths of timber for instance - the outer, body mounted park lights will double as brake lights.
Interior space and design is identical between the two wagons and the solidly constructed cabin is also among the most ergonomic in the class. The dash mimics the Volvo S80 V8 of which the models share platforms with.
A personal choice, but the simplicity and modernism of the cockpit was a highlight, it's different in a very Scandinavian way but can still show up some 'proper' luxury marques.
Standard equipment on either the V70 or XC70 includes full leather upholstery, home safe and puddle illumination, cruise control, dual zone climate control, an excellent eight-speaker audio system with controls on the steering wheel and iPod connectivity, additional under floor stowage, 40/20/40 split rear seating and fantastic dual child booster seats on the two outer positions.
On top of the comfort and convenience features, renowned Volvo safety is a given.
Volvo booster seatsThe strong safety cell makes use of Volvo's trademark SIPS side impact protection and a full compliment of passive safety features such as whiplash protection, front, side and curtain airbags cushion the occupants in the event of a collision.
Accident avoidance features come by way of Volvo's electronic stability program, DSTC - dynamic stability and traction control, and a cost optional adaptive radar cruise control system that reads the speed of the vehicle in front and maintains a safe distance. Should the traffic ahead stop suddenly the system will also pre-charge the braking system and alert the driver via an audible alarm and a red flashing heads-up display on the windscreen.
Both cars receive the same 3.2 litre straight six-cylinder engine found in the Land Rover Freelander, a diesel alternative is offered in XC70 guise only.
The 175kW, 3.2 litre petrol six lacks low-down pull, delivering its peak 320Nm of torque a little late at 3200 rpm. The free-revving ability of the straight six helps make up for it though and higher in the rev range it becomes more responsive, taking the V70 from 0-100km in 7.2 seconds and the beefier XC in 8.6 seconds.
It's the XC70's five cylinder diesel engine that's the star power unit of the vehicles however, a pleasing growl fills your ears as it gains pace and develops 136kW @ 4000 rpm. Pulling well in low traction or towing situations, thanks to its 400Nm of torque from 2000 rpm, outdoorsy types are more likely to appreciate the stronger diesel grunt.
A smooth six-speed automatic transmission is mated to both petrol and diesel engines.
Handling is neither vehicle's strong point, certainly not up to speed with the likes their estranged parent company cousin, the new Mondeo. Despite a 57mm increase in ride height over the V70 the XC70 was best through the bends during the launch drive. The tenacious grip offered from the Haldex four-wheel drive system providing the advantage here.
Volvo's marketing line claims their new wagons are "just cleverer". They're not wrong, plenty of thought has gone into each model.
The V70 3.2 starts at $69,990 and the XC70 with the same motor is $79,990. But for our money the more versatile XC70 diesel - at $82,990 - exhibits the smartest buying as it carries only a minor premium over the petrol XC's price tag.