Wilvo XC70 test drive since 2007

Double purpose

Volvo XC70. Price: Not defined. On sale: Since September 2007.
Volvo XC 70 is a hybrid. On the one hand, he is ready to work on the endless fields of the Non-Black Earth Region, and on the other, he turns into a premium car, on which it is not a shame to visit a secular rapt.
The body design of the new Volvo XC70 resembles an expensive gentleman's costume. From now on, the dark body kit of the lower part became almost invisible to the predecessor in a different way. In addition, massive panels were replaced by conventional coloring, which did not make the car less stylish. On the contrary, he became like an aristocrat, who is nothing cheap jewelry. True, to emphasize the off -road qualities, plastic panels at the corners of the body made more, highlighting relative to the bumperer air intakes. Giant wheel arches indicate serious off -road ambitions.
The front part acquired more rounded shapes, and the headlights and grille of the radiator became larger. This decision was first run in the Detroit public using the XC60 concept car. The XC70 is more dynamic than its predecessor, which is the merit of a glass door, as on the C30 model. In short, to characterize the exterior, then it is the embodiment of the Scandinavian design. Similar cars in other places do not.
When, after the old version, you immediately sit in the new XC, the difference in size is immediately felt. This is especially noticeable in the back seat. There are plenty of legs. We look into the cheat sheet and find that the space for the lower extremities was increased by 48 mm. And the distance between the knees and the back of the seat has become more than 21 mm.
It is no secret that there are a lot of tall people among the Scandinavians. Apparently, this explains the fitness of the salon for the giants who are forced to endure flour in other cars. For example, the width of the front seats at the shoulder level was also increased by 33 mm.
And also Sweden citizens are obsessed with ecology. They simply do not tolerate exhaust gases. Therefore, in the new Volvo, as an option, a clean salon is offered, which consists of electronic climate control and air quality control systems. Press the opening button on the remote control, and ventilation automatically turns on. The salon is ventilated for a minute if the temperature overboard above 10 degrees. A useful addition to people suffering from asthma and allergies.
To check the XC70 in the forest near Cologne, a serious off -road route was arranged. As planned by the organizers, we had to drive along a dry, bumpy road, overcoming dangerous descents and climbs. But, as they say, the weather made adjustments. Two days before the start of the test in Germany, heavy rain charged, which did not stop for a minute. Well, this is even for the better. Let's see what Volvo costs.
We drive up to a steep and slippery rise, but we do not storm the mountain right away, but stop at the foot. So it will be more difficult. Using a steering wheel switch, activate the electronic parking brake. We are waiting for the instructor’s command. Second, two, five start! Pressing on the gas pedal turns off the smart handbrake, and the car without the slightest slip literally rushes to the top. Here we are on the plateau. Here you can check the controllability on the ground soaked from the water. At first, it is quite scary to maneuver among the thick pines, but gradually the car seems to share confidence with the driver. At low speed, the steering wheel spin easily. But when the trees outside the window merge into a single wall, the wheel is noticeably heavy. This works the function of adjustable effort. In the parking lot or when overcoming off -road, the amplifier works at full power. With an increase in speed, the computer gives a person the opportunity to feel the way on his own. True, our brother does not trust much. During the maneuvers, there is a turn of the DSTC dynamic stabilization system and control, which is included in standard equipment. If necessary, the computer automatically reduces the craving of the motor, slowing down with one or more wheels to avoid drift.
Ahead is a steep descent. It is so cool that the driver needs to rest against the steering wheel, and the front passenger hangs on a seat belt. It seems that another moment, and the car will break into the abyss. Calmly. Press the button, and the HDC system comes into action. Cool descents are its specialization. Due to the possibilities of brakes and control over the torque, the speed of the car is held within 10 km/h. The driver can only twist the steering wheel, examining the surroundings from a bird's eye view.
It is time to transform. As they say, from the mud to the reality. On the asphalt, the dynamics is called on the paramount importance, which is designed to provide a 6 -cylinder atmospheric engine with a volume of 3.2 liters and a capacity of 238 hp. This motor was first installed on the S80 model. He, like the XC70, has a dual purpose. In normal mode, with uniform pressing on the accelerator, fuel consumption is held at the minimum level, and sufficient torque provides good dynamics. When moving to a sports regime, the system automatically holds high speeds, which allows the car to instantly respond to the driver’s commands. If you click on the gas completely, then the driver and passengers, sorry for the banality, presses into the seats. Acceleration to 100 km/h is 8.6 s. And this is with an automatic gearbox! The maximum speed is also at a solid level of 215 km/h. For calm volvadravers, who do not need to experience aircraft overload, a 2.4-liter motor with more modest indicators is more suitable.
The new Volvo XC70 retained the best features of the predecessor. The changes turned out to be restrained-conservative. This is good. A radical change in image can lead to a loss of part of potential buyers.
Driving
Three operating modes allow you to radically change the nature of the car from supercom's to sports.
Salon
Interior XC70 The embodiment of Scandinavian design. Everything is restrained, strict, practical.
Comfort
In the cabin, even people of high stature will be conveniently accommodated.
Safety
Electronic stabilization systems are responsible for the behavior of the car. A person’s mistakes are corrected by a computer. Passive safety is traditionally at a high level. Nobody will surprise anyone to get five stars on Euro NCAP tests.
Price
Not determined.
Technical characteristics Volvo XC 70
Dimensions, mm 4838x1861x1604
Gasoline engine, 3192 cm3, 238 hp/6200 min-1
Automatic transmission, 6-speed
Dynamics 0-100 km/h, from 8.6
Maximum speed, km/h 215
Competitors Audi Allroad Quattro, Subaru Outback
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Compromising solution between SUV and a city car.
- A large number of buttons requiring preliminary familiarization.
Our opinion
Volvo experts refreshed the appearance of the XC70, leaving the main concept unchanged. This approach will preserve the former fans of the car and attract new customers. The novelty is literally stuffed with electronic systems. In general, the debutant is worthy of a very good assessment. It is these cars that are suitable for Russia and in the city are good, and they are not stuck on the off -road.

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [July 2007]