Volvo's XC70 mid-size crossover has evolved into a worthy mid-size player. Problem is this segment has exploded with product in the past several years and the competition is ferocious. As demand for large, heavy truck-based sport utilities drops, mid-size and larger car-based crossovers fill the void.
In 1998, Ford Motor Co. purchased Swedish Automaker Volvo. The Volvo car company was first formed in 1927. Through the years, Volvo has been an innovator in automotive safety and leverages this advantage to this day through its marketing efforts.
The XC70 is a premium, five-passenger vehicle with two rows of seating. This third-generation XC70 crossover made its world debut at the 2007 New York Auto Show and arrived in showrooms in September of 2007. It's a five-door hatchback featuring all-wheel drive standard. Drivers do not have to engage the all-wheel feature as it's active as soon as the car moves with no buttons to push or levers to pull. In four-season markets like Chicago, that's a convenience many shoppers appreciate.
Volvo currently utilizes an alpha-numeric naming scheme to describe its lineup with letters designating the body style. For example, S denotes sedan, V signifies versatility (read station wagon), C indicates coupe or convertible and XC (or Cross Country) identifies an SUV or crossover body style. In the 2008 model year, Volvo offers two XC models; the mid-size, five-passenger XC70 and larger, award-winning XC90.
The XC70 share platform underpinnings with the flagship Volvo S80 sedan redesigned last year. That's a big positive since one of the first impressions after driving the vehicle for a day in northwestern Montana was much improved, tighter handling when compared to the slightly bouncer ride of the second-generation XC70. The second-generation XC70 featured the underpinnings of the shorter-platformed S60 sedan. The 2008 XC70 is 4.4 inches longer than the previous generation with a 2-inch longer wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) improving balance and handling. The engine noise has been reduced and at speeds of 60 miles an hour on the highway, the barely audible wind noise eclipses the sounds emitting from the engine.
Volvo's XC90 is available with one engine and a base trim level with several option packages or single options for consumers to choose from. Starting price is $36,775 and extras add up in a hurry. The inline, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine from the 2007 model has been replaced with a new, more potent 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder cranking out 235 horsepower, up more than 25 horses from last year. This is a naturally-aspirated engine, not a turbo-charged powertrain formerly available in the XC70. Also new and welcome is a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic, Volvo's name for its manually-shifting (when desired) gear point selector. Drivers never have to utilize this feature if so intended, but it does provide a sense of control for those who drive with more sporty intents. Another positive for the 2008 XC70 is that regular 87-octane fuel is recommended. Many luxury SUVs require more expensive premium grade. Estimated fuel economy for this all-wheel drive vehicle is 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Keep in mind when comparison shopping, 2008 figures will be approximately two mpg less in each category than previous years because of the way the government now calculates fuel numbers. The tank holds 18.5 gallons of gasoline.
A notable stand-alone option appealing to families with small children are dual built-in, two-stage booster seats with adaptive seat belts ($495). The height-adjustable booster seats conform to the kids' growing needs. Other stand-alone options are a navigation system with DVD map data ($2,120) and dual screen rear entertainment system ($1,800).
The four option packages include a Premium Package with power moonroof, leather seating surfaces, real wood interior inlays and power passenger seat ($2,995); Convenience Package with power tailgate, front and rear park assist, and dark-tined rear windows ($1,195); Climate Package featuring heated front and back seats and rain-sensing wipers ($875) and Audio Package with six-disc CD player, enhanced sound system and Sirius Satellite Radio ($1,650).
Outside, XC90 has 8.3 inches of ground clearance and is designed for light-duty offroading through gravel pavement, not rock climbing. Front cladding which made the previous model seem more menacing than luxurious has been scaled down to the lower portion of the face. The hatch window is positioned lower, enhancing the driver's visibility.
One feature Volvo encouraged journalists to test was standard hill decent control (HDC). With a dashboard button pushed and the transmission shifted into first gear, this system automatically monitors speeds when going down hill. The brake pedal need not need to be pressed and the vehicle maintains a slow downhill speed of six miles an hour or less. The system also works in reverse limiting speeds to four miles an hour. Why reverse? If you're an outdoors person towing and launching boats on the weekend, this system makes sense. Not all hill decent control systems in the market place work in reverse, but this one does.
When starting the 2008 XC70, don't look for an ignition cylinder on the steering column. An electronic key fob gets inserted in the dashboard to the right of the steering column. A start button next to the key fob insert is then pushed to start the motor. The instrument panel incorporates two flat, round analog gauges towards the outside with digital information inside.
The dashboard design resembles a spoon resting on its side with the instrument panel area curving up, then down and straitening out towards the right (passenger side) end. A long, slender center console extends down to the transmission shifter area near the floor. Behind this center console and below the dash is a storage nook designed for a small purse or bag. The front of the console incorporates a rectangular sound system with digital display window towards the top, a series of buttons for pre-setting radio stations and unique-looking ventilation system below. The system incorporates chrome, tri-section touch plate in outline of a body (head, torso, bottom) for selecting fan direction. Dials on each side control the two-zone climate and a separate dial monitors fan speed. Two rows of buttons are below for air conditioning and defroster controls.
Dual side-by-side beverage holders are behind the transmission shifter between the front bucket seats while a medium-sized, deep square storage bin/arm rest situates towards the back. Ceiling handles are above all four side doors. The glove box is small for a mid-size vehicle. Both sun visors have built-in mirrors.
Volvo has a well-earned reputation for safety. That reputation is not lost in the 2008 XC70. Stronger side structure using high-strength steel first introduced in the S80 sedan is now part of the XC70. Four-channel anti-lock brakes, collapsible steering column, traction control, side curtain air bags and dual front air bags also come standard. For those desiring more high-tech designs, adaptive cruise control with collision warning system and a blind spot information system are optional.
With a more potent engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the five-seat 2008 Volvo XC70 is poised to battle the likes of the Mazda CX7, Chrysler Pacifica, Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Cadillac SRX just to name a few.