For six months, the test Volvo XC70 worked reliably in our editorial office, and in the last month of its stay with us, it found a new owner. It is he who now shares fresh impressions about the strengths and weaknesses of this Swedish wagon.
I got used to the large forms of the wagon almost instantly. Our test car did not have parking sensors, but convenient aspherical mirrors and an excellent sense of dimensions made parking this "barn" easy, although turning around in a limited space in such a large car is indeed not easy.
But on the road, the large size of the XC70 turns into an advantage: drivers of smaller cars try not to get in the way and willingly give way. However, it is not just about dimensions — the Volvo emblem in Russia has always commanded respect, unlike in the West, where the brand was only recently classified as premium. At the same time, the "Swede" does not attract undue attention from traffic police inspectors or, judging by statistics, car thieves, so the standard alarm system is quite sufficient.
I was especially pleased with the unpainted plastic body cladding around the entire perimeter. Designed as an element of off-road style, this "anti-vandal" material turns out to be extremely useful in the city: you don't have to worry about minor scratches on the fenders, bumper, or doors, and you don't have to waste time on insurance companies. A significant plus is also the solid ground clearance, which allows you to safely tackle curbs, drive into broken courtyards, and traverse dirt roads to dachas rutted by tractors.
Inside, there is an incredibly spacious cabin. When we folded the rear seats and reclined the front passenger seat back, we easily loaded a roll of linoleum over three meters long. And for transporting large household appliances, you don't even need to fold anything: a gas stove or a washing machine fits easily into the trunk. The only inconvenience is carrying supermarket bags: on turns, the contents scatter across the flat floor. An elastic cargo net saves the day.
The chassis settings left a mixed impression. For its size, the car handles well, body roll in corners is minimal, but the sensitivity to road surface quality is high. Driving over large irregularities — especially transverse joints and tram tracks — is accompanied by unpleasant impacts in the suspension. And this is despite the fact that the tires are not low-profile at all.
The gasoline "six" with a 6-speed automatic provides decent acceleration, although there is no desire to race the XC70 — the car itself encourages a calm pace. But even with measured driving, the "Swede's" appetite is considerable: 17 liters in the city and 12–13 on the highway. I think if there were a 185-horsepower turbodiesel under the hood (it is also available for the XC70), the dynamics would hardly suffer much, but you would have to stop at gas stations noticeably less often.
2008 Volvo XC70
© Photo: Igor Kuznetsov, 5 Koleso
Driving
Acceleration and steering response are excellent, but the driving character encourages a leisurely manner.
Interior
Very spacious, the trunk is huge. The standard audio system sounds great, and metal inserts enliven the plastic interior.
Comfort
Minimum instruments — maximum information. The center console is not overloaded with buttons. Seats with a comfortable profile. The suspension lacks energy intensity.
Safety
The very size of the car gives a sense of security, and airbags and curtain airbags, all-wheel drive, and ABS/ESP systems only enhance confidence.
Price
Given the cost of the car, the base equipment could be richer.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ High ground clearance, spacious interior and trunk, plastic body protection.
− High fuel consumption, insufficient suspension energy intensity.
Specifications
Make and model — Volvo XC70
Dimensions — 4838x1861x1604 mm
Engine — gasoline, 3192 cm³, 238 hp/6200 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 5-speed
Dynamics — max 215 km/h; 8.6 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Subaru Outback, Audi Allroad.
July 9, 2008
Author: Maxim Fedorov
© 5 Koleso