2008 Volvo XC70 Dawsonville GA

November 3, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Content Editor



2008 Volvo XC70
DriverSide Overview
Just like the V70 wagon it’s based on, the 2008 Volvo XC70 gets a redesign for the first time since 2003. While the interior and exterior have undergone a substantial facelift, overall the XC70 experience has changed very little – it’s an extremely comfortable car that attempts to bridge the gap between wagon and SUV. While it might not be able to fulfill the ‘Sport’ aspect of the SUV acronym (not many SUVs can either), the XC70 does an excellent job of combining wagon practicality with a comfortable and easy to drive all-weather capability.








What's to Like
Aside from having seats cozy enough to trump First Class on most airlines, the XC70’s biggest selling points are its cargo space, raised ride height and all-wheel drive.

What's Not to Like
The straight-six engine returns slightly dismal fuel economy, especially in city driving. The standard car comes with all the essentials, but a long, tempting and expensive options list means the XC70’s price can rise very quickly.

DriverSide Driving Impressions
The XC70 feels like a stereotypical Volvo from behind the wheel – soft, safe and a little bit slow. Despite its raised suspension it maintains a compliant and comfortable ride. Steering is direct although slightly vague on feedback, but fits the dynamics of the XC70 perfectly. The car feels just as at home at highway speeds as it does around town and insulates occupants from the outside world amazingly well. While the XC70 might not be the off-road vehicle its raised suspension implies, it can make effortless progress through all manner of weather conditions.

Engine and Drivetrain
The XC70 is powered by a 3.2-liter inline-6 that produces 235 hp and 236 ft-lb of toque. While the engine isn’t overly powerful, it suits the XC’s “all conditions” mandate well, with plenty of low-end torque to keep the middleweight Swede accelerating at any speed. Power is put down through all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox with an optional manual shift function.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
Being a Volvo, the XC70 has an array of optional cutting-edge safety features. The Collision Warning with Brake Support system improves driver response to an impending accident by using radar to monitor the distance between the you and the car in front of you. If sudden braking is detected, red warning lights flash on the windscreen and the brakes move closer to the rotors for quicker braking response time. The same radar system is also the backbone of the Adaptive Cruise Control system, which dynamically changes the XC’s cruise control speed based on the car it’s following. A Blind Spot Information System, capable of warning drivers of vehicles sitting on the XC’s flanks, is also available.

Key Technology Evaluation
The XC70 fe...

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