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Whether you call it a station wagon, crossover or sport-utility vehicle, the Volvo XC70 has it all.

Superior drivability, accommodating interior and spacious cargo room, plus off-highway capability for trundling through the outback, the XC70 brings it all to the table.

Speaking of outback, the Subaru Legacy Outback is about the only thing out there with similar characteristics, though without the panache of the Volvo. Audi has discontinued its pricey A6 Avant Allroad, leaving the XC70 as the only upscale European adventure wagon.

XC70, revamped with more style and power for 2008, is the hiking-boot version of the V70 station wagon. The most obvious differences are roughneck styling and raised suspension, while a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system lurks beneath.

Compared with the previous XC70, the wheelbase grows by almost 2 inches, the overall length by 4 inches and the engine by one cylinder. Gone is the turbocharged inline-5 in favor of a 235-horsepower V-6 that provides more power and cruising comfort, but poorer fuel mileage.

The wagon is now based on the chassis of Volvo’s big sedan, S80, rather than the midsize S60, giving it a more-solid platform as well as larger size. Volvo has lifted XC70 to make it a viable alternative to bulkier crossovers flooding the market.

Volvo has a long history of building roomy and versatile station wagons (our family clocked many miles in a chunky, reliable 240 wagon) with the 1990s Cross Country version of V70 being its first foray into adventure wagons.

Then as now, rugged body trim was part of what set these wagons apart, though the form of a solid, sensible Volvo lies under the cladding. Which might seem schizophrenic, if not somewhat over the top.

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door crossover SUV, all-wheel drive.

Engine: 3.2-liter inline-6, 235 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, 236 pound-feet torque at 3,200 rpm.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic.

Wheelbase: 110 inches.

Overall length: 190.5 inches.

Curb weight: 4,092 pounds.

EPA rating: 15 city, 22 highway.

HIGHS: Refined drivability, accommodating interior, tenacious all-wheel drive.

LOWS: Climate-control woes, uncomfortable headrests, bipolar styling.

THE LOWDOWN

PERFORMANCE: The refined V-6 furnishes a respectable 235 horsepower to motivate this 2-ton craft in normal city and highway driving. Only with strenuous acceleration or passing maneuvers does the engine seem noisy or underpowered. Gas mileage is just fair. The new V-6 loses mileage compared with last year’s turbo five-cylinder, according to the EPA.

The six-speed automatic, a new electronic design, operates flawlessly.

DRIVABILITY: Agile handling belies the heft and raised body height. The steering feels firm and responsive, and the brakes are superb, another Volvo hallmark. XC70 comes with all manner of electronic safety and drivability gear, including a lineup of brake-enhancement features for panic stops and control. There’s a blindspot warning light on the side mirrors.

All-wheel drive has abundant traction control features to take you through snow, mud and rough terrain, though XC70 is not meant for use as a boulder-climbing Jeep.

STYLING: Basically a conservative wagon with adventure-gear add-ons.

INTERIOR: A businesslike and accommodating cabin with easily manageable controls, attractive trim, comfortable seats and full luxury features. The optional 12-speaker audio system is fabulous. Two gripes: The headrests are set too far forward for comfort, at least for this tall driver. And the climate control won’t allow you to have the defroster and cabin heat on at the same time.

BOTTOM LINE: A lot of upscale versatility at a relatively reasonable price.

PRICING

Base price: $36,775.

Price as tested: $44,065.

OPTIONS

– Premium package, with glass sunroof, leather seats, wood trim and HomeLink, $2,995.

– Audio package, with premium sound system, $1,650.

– Climate and child-seat package, with two integrated booster seats, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers and adaptive seat belts, $875.

– Alloy wheels, $550.

– Metallic paint, $475.

– Shipping, $745.