Practicality & Prowess

AUGUST 2010

LAST issue we bought you Volvo’s cracking new AWD the XC 90.

This month the kind folk at Sunshine Volvo have insisted we get behind the wheel of its baby brother, the XC 70.

More compact and agile, yet still suited to weekends of the beaten track, the AWD XC 70 is a touring machine with oodles of appeal. It was Volvo’s original cross country offering back in the late 1990s and it has not just stood the test of time, but adapted to technology like a true chameleon.

Sharper looking than other competitors in its class, the all wheel drive station wagon has a new-look grille, along with interior changes that add to its slick presentation. With loads of space for surfboards, golf clubs, the kids and even the dog, the practical aspects impress but don’t scream SUV.

Equally at home on dusty roads, the XC 70 craves getaways into the Hinterland and beyond. The car seems right at home traversing undulating dirt roads and navigating a few bumps along the way.

The diesel version yearns to stretch its legs on long trips and offers adequate torque of 420Nm and a high 151kW power output produced from its all-new 2.4-litre D5 five-cylinder turbo diesel.

The new D5 engine was developed in house by Volvo and meets Euro 5 emission standards while upping the performance, lowering emissions and improving fuel economy compared to the previous D5.

It is also available in the petrol naturally aspirated 3.2-litre transverse six-cylinder engine producing 175kW and 320Nm of torque. Both petrol and diesel engines drive all four wheels through Volvo’s adaptive six-speed geartronic automatic transmission.

Volvo Car Australia managing director Alan Desselss, commented at the start of the year that the brand was poised to increase its presence in the prestige and luxury sectors and his comments have resonated with consumers.

Sales manager at Sunshine Volvo Manny Cachia, attributes the catch to a clever blend of authenticity and practicality.

“It’s the combination of a few things, but in particular the XC 70 keeps Volvo’s core clients and introduces a new buyer that is looking for practicality, safety and that European mark,” he says.

“Not everyone can afford to jump into the top end of the European market, but they’re still looking for a jump up from Japanese cars. That’s the niche appeal of this car and the reason it continues to be such a steady seller.”