XC70 poised for converts
Lake Whitefish, Montana — Out here in one of the least populous states in the union, Volvo showed off its third generation of one the company’s driving forces, the XC70.
Against the rugged backdrop of mountains, the new-gen XC could show off its capabilities as an off-roader, as well as a family five-seater on the pavement. Not that Volvo’s typical customer is the type to rip it up on the interstate, but as a sort of interesting note of trivia, Montana apparently had no speed limits on its highways until a couple of years ago.
The new XC70 (now based on the same platform as the top-of-the-line S80), grew a little for the 2008 model year, adding 105 mm to the overall length, 39 mm to the height, and stretching the wheelbase by another 52 mm.
The car (or crossover utility vehicle, if you prefer), is aimed at bringing new buyers into the Swedish manufacturer’s fold, and it certainly isn’t going to disappoint the life-long Volvo fan either.
As Anne Belec, president and CEO of Volvo North America described it, the intent with the new XC is “to retain Volvo's leadership in crossovers.” Belec describes owners of the brand as active, outdoorsy types, with the demographic of 45% male, 55% female (that changes up here in Canada, incidentally, where it skews toward more male than female buyers).
Regardless of gender, Volvo customers tend to be more do-ers than talkers, image-savvy people who like to get the most out of the vehicles they buy, rather than just treating them as status symbols or diversions.
The new XC70 is set to deliver to that group, much as it always has (the model accounts for about 25% of the company’s sales in Canada), and its latest level of refinement and practical inclusions should make the restyled ’08 even more enticing.
On the outside, the wheels have been pushed further toward the corners, and the rear glass has been lowered for greater visibility. While still recognizable, the XC70 has taken on a more imposing silhouette with the added height.
That height translates into more space inside the vehicle as well: improved shoulder, leg and hip room for passengers and an additional cubic foot of cargo area in the rear. Headroom is quite good in the car, even with a factory moonroof.
I had the chance to drive one around Big Sky country (the state was once famously described as “a lot of dirt between light bulbs," which I probably shouldn’t laugh too hard at, in case I ever want to go back there), both on and off road, and can attest to the quality ride that the XC provides.
It’s stable, but it’s also extremely smooth, even on rocks and gravel, or running over potholes on washboard backroads. The suspension kept what, in some vehicles, would have been bone-jarring thunks over the rough terrain down to barely noticeable interruptions.
The power comes from Volvo’s 3.2-litre engine (same displacement as previous generation 70s, but it has gained a cylinder, growing from a five to an inline-six), offering a capable 235 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque that moves the vehicle with enough muscle for any situation.
It won’t make you forget about Volvo’s turbo models, but the powerplant never feels inadequate either.
A new standard feature for the ’08 is a hill descent control (HDC), a push-button-activated system that, when engaged, uses the vehicle’s brakes and engine to control the XC70 as it negotiates steep downhill climbs. The HDC limits the speed of the descent to 10 km/h, and allows a driver to concentrate fully on steering in these situations. Interestingly, the HDC also functions in reverse gear — useful for backing up to a boat launch, as one Volvo exec pointed out.
I can’t disagree with that, as I am all about safe boat-launching, and HDC is one of several standard inclusions on the new generation marque. A buyer can also expect dual-zone climate controls, heated front seats, eight-speaker audio, flat-folding rear seats and the extensive array of safety features (no surprise) that is synonymous with the Swedish manufacturer.
In Canada, the 2008 XC70 will be offered as basically one model, though it can be had with many optional choices. Stand-alone options such as a unique two-stage rear booster seat for children of various age/height/weight; a blind spot warning system in the side mirrors (much like the rig used on the latest S80), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ditto S80).
Its base MSRP ($46, 495) nets a buyer a very well equipped premium crossover, and three packages (Premium, Luxury and Convenience) add varying levels of leather, chassis control, and driver-selectable speed-sensitive power steering.
The latest XC70 will be available starting in October, and is well positioned to add more converts to the “Volvo For Life” faithful, whether driving on mountains or not.
Fact File
2008 Volvo XC70
MSRP range: $46,495 - $49,995
Configuration: front engine, AWD
Engine/Transmission: 3.2-litre inline 6/6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 235 @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 236 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm
Options: Premium package, Convenience package, Luxury package, rear built-in two-stage child booster seats
Freight: $1,615
Fuel required: 70 litres, premium
EnerGuide fuel ratings (L/100km): 14.4 city, 9.2 highway
Warranty: 4 yr/80,000 powertrain, 4 yr/80,000 comprehensive
Competition: BMW 3-series Touring, Mercedes E350 wagon
Highlights: Class-leading safety, off-road capable four-wheel drive, great fit and finish
Available: October
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