Volvo XC70 D5 (April 2008)

Launched: Volvo XC70 D5

Wheels Magazine
March, 2008

When it comes to building cars, the Swedes have a reputation for marching to the beat of their own drum. That applies less to emasculated Saab these days, but the spirit of stubborn independence is still rampant at Volvo.

That much becomes obvious after a thorough sampling of the third generation Volvo XC70 crossover. Likely there's not one component common with the original V70 XC that appeared here in 1998, but there's no doubting the genealogical link. Nothing wrong with that, you might say; after all, evolution rather than revolution is a core tenet of car building.

Sure. But the disappointing thing about the XC70 is that it continues to do poorly the things Volvo has been doing poorly for years. Not even Ford of Europe's influence has enabled Volvo to present us with a car that achieves a convincing and enjoyable compromise between ride and handling. Oh, the XC70 is comfy enough, soothing away most surfaces via a combination of soft springing and pillowed seating. But the determined early slide into understeer, lack of steering connection and excessive bodyroll mean the passengers get a better deal in this car than the driver.

What makes the XC70's limp-wristed lack of dynamic nous so bloody annoying is that its underpinning EUCD architecture is used much more successfully elsewhere within the Ford empire. Most notably the new Mondeo.

A kerb weight nearing 1.9 tonnes means the new naturally-aspirated 3.2-litre in-line six is - officially - slower and thirstier than the old 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine it replaces.

That means the new turbo-diesel option, the 2.4-litre D5, should be the go. And for the most part it is, although occasional lag and a sometimes dull-witted relationship with the Aisin six-speed auto reduces its effectiveness.

Nevertheless both engines get up and get going and there's no doubting progress is more refined than that which the gruff old I5 provided. Also, the noise dampening in the cabin is truly superb and one of the XC's greatest assets.

That's right, assets. Despite our frustrations with doughy dynamics and drivelines, there's still much to like about the latest XC. The cabin is really nicely designed and built. Seats flip and fold, there are plentiful storage options and an adult-friendly amount of stretching space in the rear seat. What there isn't - in deference to the all-important XC90 SUV - is a third row of kiddy seats.

Add in the surety of Haldex all-wheel drive and standard stability control (optional on the old model) and the XC70 is actually quite a pleasant location if you're cruising through a leafy suburb, commuting along a freeway or negotiating a graded forest road.

Considering history that's no surprise. Nor delight for the driver, unfortunately.

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