2006 Volvo XC70: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Volvo blends wagon styling with a few quasi-sport utility vehicle attributes in the XC70. Specifically, the all-wheel-drive XC70 2.5T features a raised suspension and SUV-style body trim. The wagon has 2 more inches of ground clearance than other Volvo wagons and, like the V70, can be set up for either five- or seven-occupant seating.

New brushed-aluminum roof rails and an eggcrate grille went on 2005 XC70s. A trip computer and rear armrest became standard. The headlights and taillamps were restyled, new front and rear skid plates were installed, and flat-blade windshield wipers promised improved visibility.

For 2006, a new all-wheel-drive system with Instant Traction is installed. Volvo says the new system “instantly delivers up to 50 percent more torque to the rear axle,” automatically and seamlessly. Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) information appears in the Driver Information Menu, if that option is included. The Convenience Package gains rear park assist, power child locks and a 40/20/40-split, folding rear seat.

Exterior
Closely related in design to Volvo’s V70 model, the midsize XC70 wagon rides a 108.8-inch wheelbase and measures 186.3 inches long overall. Rounded front corners resemble those of Volvo’s S80 sedan, but the rear half retains the straight lines and profile of a traditional wagon. Jewellike headlights flank an eggcrate grille.

Intended for only moderately rough trekking, the XC70 has large bumpers that are augmented by moldings around the wheel arches and lower body. The overfenders and lower rocker-panel cladding are offered in Stone Grey or Brown. Ground clearance measures 8.2 inches, which helps give the wagon an appearance similar to that of an authentic SUV. Alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires, and a moonroof is optional.

Interior
In basic form, the XC70 seats up to five occupants on two front buckets and a split, folding rear bench seat. An optional two-place, rear-facing third-row seat is designed to carry children. Leather seating surfaces are optional. Cargo capacity is 71.5 cubic feet when the backseat is folded and 37.5 cubic feet with all the seats up.

An in-dash cassette/CD player and a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel are standard. Rain-sensing wipers are included in an available Climate Package, and a DVD-based navigation system is optional.

Under the Hood
The XC70’s turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder delivers 208 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque. Volvo’s standard Geartronic five-speed-automatic transmission has a feature that permits manually selected gear changes.

Safety
Safety features include all-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, side-impact and side curtain-type airbags, and Volvo’s Whiplash Protection Seating System.

Driving Impressions
Serving as a thoroughly civilized, refined and tightly constructed road machine, the XC70 cruises effortlessly. A touch on the gas pedal can make this wagon practically leap ahead at times, whether it’s taking off, passing or merging. On other occasions, acceleration feels less stirring.

Steering is on the heavy side but is hardly ponderous. Volvo’s quiet-running wagons are stable on the highway and corner well, but they aren’t snappy in urban driving. The XC70’s firm suspension copes adeptly with bumps, and ride comfort is excellent on smooth roads. Even though you feel commotion on rough surfaces, little unpleasantness is transmitted to occupants.