2008 Volvo XC70 Preview

Written By: MyRide.com
Reprinted under license.

A new ride for Volvo's dirty-boots set

What it Is

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.

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