Volvo V70 XC (XC)
The idea of a spacious and comfortable Volvo that can also drive safely to your holiday home away from the city center actually originated a few years ago. XC (Cross Country) markings are not new in the automotive world.
We already know this from the previous V70, and the magic formula (XC) required only a few minor tweaks. The refreshed Volvo V70, previously designated 850, featured the well-known AWD, slightly raised off the ground, slightly reinforced chassis and more durable bumpers. Sounds simple enough, but effective enough. Almost completely the same formula was retained for the beginner. Only with the difference that its basis was developed completely from scratch.
Of course, it's no secret that when developing the new Volvo V70, they also seriously thought about the largest sedan of their own, the S80. This can already be seen from the exterior lines, as the hood, headlights, and grille are very similar, and the accentuated hips at the back don't hide it.
Fans of this Scandinavian brand will also notice the similarities in the interior. This one is almost as detailed as the largest sedan in the home. Even before you enter it, it will first pleasantly surprise you with the selected color combinations. Bright materials, which are dominated by plush, leather and high-quality plastic, are ideally combined in colors, and gray accessories emphasize the monotony. So no kitsch!
The seats also reassure you that they did a great job. Excellent ergonomics and the already mentioned leather provide passengers with comfort that is found only in rare cars. The front two are also electrically adjustable. And for the measure to be complete, drivers also remember three settings.
Big! But then what did the backseat passengers get? The Scandinavians note that the new product is much shorter than competitors and even its predecessor. However, on the back bench, you will not notice this. Namely, the engineers solved this problem by moving the rear axle a few centimeters closer to the rear, thereby providing enough space for the rear passengers.
And if you could think that this is why the trunk is smaller, again I have to disappoint you. As soon as you open its doors, you find that the beautifully furnished space is not small, and a quick glance at the technical data reveals that with 485 liters, it is also 65 liters more than its predecessor. Due to its almost square shape, I can also say that it is one of the most useful, although this time it is rather shallow from the bottom due to the all-wheel drive and a spare wheel (unfortunately, only an emergency one). But don't worry!
As with many other vehicles, the Volvo V70 offers a one-third split folding rear seat. And it really is the third divisible and foldable! Namely, the new bench also allows the middle third to be lowered and folded completely separately, so that the transport of four passengers and, for example, skis inside is a little more comfortable and safer than we are used to. The engineers did not find a big revolution in this, as the bench seats, like in most other cars, still easily tilt forward, and the backrest sections fold and align with the bottom of the trunk.
That's why the Volvo V70 is once again one step ahead of its competitors. The length of the luggage compartment prepared in this way is exactly 1700 millimeters, which is enough to carry the increasingly popular carving skis, and the volume is as much as 1641 liters. The trunk is therefore larger than its predecessor, even if we increase it by exactly 61 liters. However, the new bench is not the only novelty that the newcomer has brought in the back. In an interesting way, they solved the problem of the partition, which is completely metal; when we don't need it, it is securely stored under the ceiling. Nothing convenient and useful at the same time!
Reading the last few sentences, did you find that the luggage in this Volvo is even more convenient to drive than with the driver and passengers? Well yes, but it is not. Apart from the already mentioned beautiful and color-matched interior and great seats, the list of equipment doesn't start and ends with just the electricity that moves them. Electricity also controls the outside mirrors, all four door windows and the central locking system.
The center console has a great tape recorder with CD player and dual channel automatic air conditioning, there are cruise control switches on the steering wheel, and there is a rotary switch on the left steering wheel that controls the on-board computer. But you won't be disappointed even if you look at the ceiling. There, along with many reading lights, you can also see illuminated mirrors in the awnings. Rear passengers are also provided with a useful storage compartment in the middle overhang that can be used for garbage disposal, storage boxes in the front seatbacks and an air vent in the B-pillars.
Be that as it may, the test Volvo V70 XC was very richly equipped. This is also felt when you go on a journey with him. Excellent driving position can only be hampered by a slightly too soft steering servo. But you will quickly forget about it. The turbocharged five-cylinder 2-liter engine, which has been refurbished with an additional 4 hp, runs very quietly even at higher revs.
The transmission is smooth enough for moderately fast gear changes. The chassis is mostly comfortable. And if that's exactly what you expect from the new Volvo V70 XC, you'll be very pleased. This is why I must disappoint all those who think that 147 kW / 200 hp. provide sports frenzy. The engine does not do the job as it offers excellent horsepower. The gearbox also does not work, which also starts to signal when changing gears quickly. Especially with smoothness and characteristic sounds. It's the same with the chassis, which is slightly softer due to the longer springs provided for the XC model.
So this combination proves a lot more off-roading. But by that I don't mean the field at all. The Volvo V70 XC does not have a gearbox, and its height from the ground and four-wheel drive are not suitable for off-road driving. Thus, you can safely drive it to a holiday home located somewhere in the forest, or to one of the high-mountain ski resorts.
The extra plastic fenders and distinctive bumper on the XC will also be effective enough to ensure the car doesn't pick up visible abrasions, unless the path is too narrow and rocky. Therefore, you should be a little more careful when you need to start on a steep slope several times in a row.
The only engine available in the XC, a turbocharged 2-liter five-cylinder, requires slightly more throttle power and more clutch release when going uphill, which quickly tires the latter and portends it with a distinctive scent. The engineers could quickly and efficiently fix this error with a slightly different calculated drivetrain, but they didn't seem to pay much attention to it, as the drivetrain is the same as the most powerful Volvo V4, numbered T70. Sorry.
The new Volvo V70 XC can impress. And not only safety, which has become an almost notorious characteristic of the cars of this Scandinavian brand in the automotive world, but also comfort, spaciousness and, above all, ease of use. The XC even has a little more of this than its less off-road sibling. And if you know how to enjoy nature, then just think about it. Of course, if this is not a very serious financial problem.
Matevž Koroshec
PHOTO: Uro П Potoкnik
Volvo V70 XC (XC)
Basic data
| Sales: | Volvo Car Austria |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 32.367,48 € |
| Test model cost: | 37.058,44 € |
| Power: | 147kW (200 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 8,6 with |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 10,5l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | 1 year general warranty |
Costs (per year)
Technical information
| engine: | 5-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - gasoline - transverse front mounted - bore and stroke 83,0 × 90,0 mm - displacement 2435 cm3 - compression 9,0:1 - maximum power 147 kW (200 hp .) at 6000 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 18,0 m / s - specific power 60,4 kW / l (82,1 hp / l) - maximum torque 285 Nm at 1800-5000 rpm - crankshaft in 6 bearings - 2 camshafts in the head (toothed belt) - 4 valves per cylinder - light metal block and head - electronic multipoint injection and electronic ignition - exhaust gas turbocharger, charge air overpressure 0,60 bar - aftercooler (intercooler) - liquid cooling 8,8 l - engine oil 5,8 l - battery 12 V, 65 Ah - alternator 120 A - variable catalyst |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine drives all four wheels - single dry clutch - 5-speed synchronized transmission - gear ratio I. 3,385; II. 1,905 hours; III. 1,194 hours; IV. 0,868; V. 0,700; reverse 3,298 - differential 4,250 - wheels 7,5J × 16 - tires 215/65 R 16 H (Pirelli Scorpion S / TM + S), rolling range 2,07 m - speed in 1000th gear at 41,7 rpm min 135 km/h – spare wheel T 90/17 R 80 M (Pirelli Spare Tire), speed limit XNUMX km/h |
| Capacity: | top speed 210 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 8,6 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 13,7 / 8,6 / 10,5 l / 100 km (unleaded gasoline, elementary school 95) |
| Transportation and suspension: | off-road van - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - Cx = 0,34 - front single suspension, spring struts, triangular cross rails, stabilizer - rear single suspension, cross rails, longitudinal rails, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, shock absorbers, stabilizer - double-sided brakes, front disc (forced cooling), rear disc, power steering, ABS, EBD, mechanical parking brake on the rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 2,8 turns between the extreme dots |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1630 kg - permissible total weight 2220 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake 1800 kg, without brake 500 kg - permissible roof load 100 kg |
| External dimensions: | length 4730 mm - width 1860 mm - height 1560 mm - wheelbase 2760 mm - front track 1610 mm - rear 1550 mm - minimum ground clearance 200 mm - driving radius 11,9 m |
| Inner dimensions: | length (dashboard to rear seatback) 1650 mm - width (at the knees) front 1510 mm, rear 1510 mm - height above the seat front 920-970 mm, rear 910 mm - longitudinal front seat 900-1160 mm, rear seat 890 -640 mm - front seat length 520 mm, rear seat 480 mm - steering wheel diameter 380 mm - fuel tank 70 l |
| Box: | normally 485-1641 liters |
Our measurements
| T = 22 °C - p = 1019 mbar - rel. ow. = 39% | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 9,5s |
|---|---|
| 1000m from the city: | 31,0 years ( 171 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 210km / h (V.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 11,9l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 16,0l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 13,6 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 43,7m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 50dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 55dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 54dB |
| Test errors: | the alarm is triggered for no reason |
evaluation
I must admit that the Swedes did a very good job this time as well. The new Volvo V70 is a completely new car that retains all the positive qualities of its predecessor. Sweden's tranquil exterior and interior, safety, comfort and usability are by far the features we most expect from this car brand, and this newcomer is no doubt proud to showcase them. And if you add the XC mark to it, then the new V70 can come in handy even where the road has turned into a path.
We praise and reproach
characteristic yet interesting design for Volvo
color-matched and calm interior
built-in safety and comfort
ease of use (luggage compartment, split rear seat)
front seats
four-wheel drive vehicle
loud chassis
average engine performance
gearbox mismatch when shifting quickly
combination of engine and gear ratios in the field
overheating of the plastic around the air conditioner switches
installation of a rotary knob to adjust the lumbar support
