2008 Volvo XC70 Preview

Volvo XC70 Preview – New York Auto Show: The Volvo XC70 is a sport-utilified version of the excellent V70 wagon, so it's not surprising that with the introduction of an all-new V70 comes an all-new XC70. Debuting in Geneva, the XC70 boasts many of the same rugged cues of its predecessor, along with additional capability – including the ability to ford up to a foot of water – and even more safety systems. While we'll admit that the XC70 isn't going to win many beauty contests, sharing its basic profile with the handsome V70 is no bad thing, and the interiors are nearly identical. It also lacks the bulk of many luxury SUVs, including Volvo's own XC90, making it an appealing option for those who need an all-weather capable luxury wagon.

Why it Matters

While most manufacturers have moved to more dedicated SUV or crossover platforms, the Volvo XC70 remains one of the few bridge-the-gap type vehicles out there. Along with the Subaru Outback (which is based on the Subaru Legacy), the XC70 offers an interesting – if ungainly – choice for shoppers. Experience has shown that the XC70 drives much nicer than almost any SUV or crossover you're going to find, and it offers that tremendous Volvo safety appeal, with the whole host of Volvo's safety advances crammed under the sheetmetal. It also offers the same interior as the elegant and beautiful S80 sedan, which is one of the more pleasant driving environments out there today.

What's Under the Hood

Like the V70 wagon, a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine powers the XC70. Making 235 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, it is the first six-cylinder offered in the XC70. The engine features Volvo's variable valve timing and lift mechanism, known as Cam Profile Switching (CPS). It will be connected to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control, and of course, a Haldex all-wheel drive system is standard equipment. There was no word of the V8 engine that is available in the S80, with which the XC70 shares its platform. One can only hope.

What it Looks Like

Since the XC70 has an off-road role in life, its exterior styling has been suitably butched up to compensate. The front and rear bumpers are rugged looking dark colored plastic, the ride height is 74mm higher than the V70 wagon, and other styling cues – such as the brush bar-look moldings on the front bumper – serve to indicate that Ulf likes to tromp the Gothenburg woods once in a while. It succeeds in hitting its target of making the XC70 look tough, but viewed in a different way it has the effect of putting nerd glasses and flood pants on the otherwise striking and, dare we say, beautifully styled V70 wagon. We have a feeling Volvo faithful won't mind.

What's Inside

The interior is the same sweeping dash and luxurious trim that we've seen in the S80 sedan and V70 wagon. But beyond the usual luxury baubles – including Volvo's unique slim console design – are the safety items. Volvo boasts it has the world's first integrated adjustable child booster seats, which can be ordered for both outside positions in the rear. It also features advanced crumple zones for low and high-speed collisions, improved side-impact protection with deeper curtain airbags to help protect small children, three kinds of high-strength steel and the second generation of the company's WHIPS whiplash protection system.

What Volvo Says

In its official press information, Volvo says, “The original XC exceeded Volvo's sales expectations largely based on the vehicle's appeal to consumers in the United States. For them, the XC70 served the functionality of an SUV, while providing the distinctive Volvo feel of a true premium car.” According to Fredrik Arp, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corp., "We had a winning concept from the very outset and we have continuously refined it. The all-new XC70 maintains its tough, capable attitude while at the same time growing more comfortable. Additionally, our design team has given the vehicle a more elegant, more luxurious look."

What We Think

The XC70 has a reputation as a capable vehicle, not a hard-core off roader, but certainly a more than acceptable crossover for those who still eschew the trucky look of most of those vehicles. By upping the power and the level of content, the XC70 will likely continue to do well for Volvo. Even with the funky bumpers and ride height, it still manages to look better than a lot of other crossovers out there, and you won't even notice it from the elegant interior. All in all, the new XC70 looks like a good upgrade to an already solid vehicle from where we sit.

Photos courtesy of Volvo