Volvo V70 And XC70 - They say competition is healthy but is there no stopping Volvo this year as they pull another two models out of the bag for the UK market in order to keep up with the fierce aggressive rivals, to retain the title ‘King of the Estates’.
In fairness, Volvo have done their homework by looking into the lives of previous owners of the V70 and XC70, what they do, why they need their car, so when it came to updating they listened. Just like they did back in the fifties in terms of safety, versatility in their cars, then performance was requested and duly granted in the nineties. Now the 2007 Volvo customers would like some refinement, modern luxury, with real attention to detail. That should, in theory, keep the crown in the Volvo family.
But does it? The V70 starts its life with a price tag of £26,495 for the 2.5T on a SE trim rising to £38,280 for the SE Sport on the T6 AWD geartronic engine. By comparison to other estates on the roads today, Volvo still takes the lead in terms of being one of the most expensive manufacturers, while the XC70 rather rattles the cage further as their price tags stands in at £31,035. But as the order books open ready for September’s delivery, customers have a chance to warrant the extra cost believing, rightly or wrongly, that the any Volvo is worth the extra pennies.
Now to appeal to the customers both models have been given a tad more style via modern looks. Just because this car is workhorse does not mean to say it has to look like one so Volvo have again used the new S80 as their basic design and worked outwards making the V70 slightly larger that not only accommodates a washing machine including packaging, but also gives the rear passenger more room while the XC70 gains a wider track and a greater ride height.
Standard features on both models include a unique 40/20/40 spilt folding rear seat load, adaptive rear lights, folding steel load protection grille which I thought was a dog guard, 3D cargo load system, lockable load floor, a very adaptable grocery bag holder, roof rails for the holiday and 12 volt power outlet in the cargo area to keep the little ones amused - or quite. They also boast a power tailgate with trap sensors, but gathering from my bruises, the boot does not actually stop moving, so be warned.
Having the ability to go rather successfully off -road - the XC70 features a Hill Descent Control, improved ramp angles, AWD with instant traction and a lower front cross member which effectively stops the XC70 from squashing smaller cars.
Both models come with a choice of three specification levels, SE at entry that includes full body coloured lower door and bumper moldings, 17 " alloy wheels and an 8 speaker high performance sound system. The more sportier customers will opt of the SE Sport that obviously adds sport styling and handling characteristics like speed dependant steering, rear spoiler -it has to be done- 18 inch alloys and ventilated leather upholstery - well, it might get a little sweaty in there!
The more refined customers will opt for the luxury SE LUX that includes heated and powered driver and passenger front seats with memory, bi-xenon headlamps, rear park assist and modern wood trim.
14 new exterior colours are up for grabs and 4 interior colours in addition to 4 inlays for the lovely central staking system for the V70 while the XC 70 has to be content with just 10 exterior, 3 interior but hey, you do get the famous new cross stitch seams in the leather.
Customers can personalise their cars further with optional packs such as a communications, winter or family. The latter has two built in dual stage booster seats that grow with the children and saves all that kafuffle about carrying extra seats etc. A highly sensible idea. Being estate friendly the host of accessories is also available including a rear-parking camera the children will love, rail rod systems, tow bars, 3 in 1 cargo dividers and an internal bike carrier, would you believe?
At launch in sunny Cologne, we were privy to drive the D5 geartronic and T6 AWD geartronic on the V70 SE Lux trim with the former achieving a very cost conscious 43.5-mpg on a combined cycle and the latter way back at 25.0 mpg
The engine at the heart of the XC70 SE Lux was again the D5 geartronic achieving 38,7 mpg on a combined cycle and the 3.2 litre 6 cylinders AWD geartronic with fuel consumption down at 24.8 mpg.
All models come with a choice of Comfort, Sport or Advanced chassis settings but in fairness, there did not seem to be much difference between the three. The steering was pretty responsive using traditional rack and pinion power assist while the overall ride was exceptionally smooth and very quite
Safety features, being a Volvo, are in abundance and as well as the standard airbags WHIP's etc that all Volvos have, are blind spot warning lights, extremely sensitive park assist and advanced braking system that detects if you are too close to the car in front and brakes for you. Well in this case it did not but perhaps the correct setting had not been adjusted.
Die-hard Volvo fans will probably be unaware of the understandable confusion in the Volvo camp with so many face-lifts, new models, and all-new models. But what I saw over the past few days was a vast improvement in the external looks, improved interiors, more family friendly storage solutions and accessories that enhanced versatility. Oh the ride and handling was better. Is it enough for Volvo to retain the title ’King of the Estates’? Only the sales volumes will answer this.
FemaleFirst - Jackie Violet