2007 Volvo XC70 Review

The V70 is available in three different variants-2.4, 2.5T, and R. The 2.4 comes with a 168-horsepower, 2.4L in-line five-cylinder engine and either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5T upgrades to a turbocharged and intercooled 2.5L in-line five making 208 horsepower. It's matched only to a five-speed automatic with auto-stick manual shift function. Finally, the high-performance R model brings a 300-horsepower version of the 2.5L, paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

The V70 R gets a number of other high-performance upgrades, including all-wheel drive, powerful Brembo brakes, and a Four-C adaptive suspension that has three different modes, comfort, sport, and advanced. There's increased equipment inside, too, such as dual-zone climate control, brushed aluminum trim, and blue instrument faces.

The other V70 models are front-wheel drive, but the more ruggedly appointed XC70-aimed at those who want to travel dirt roads and forest trails-features an all-wheel-drive system that can deliver more power to the rear wheels as needed, without any wheel spin thanks to a so-called Instant Traction feature that maintains a torque load during normal driving so that the system is ready for a sudden loss of traction.

Other XC70 differences include a different suspension calibration with higher ground clearance, skid plates underneath, lower-body protective cladding, and aluminum roof rails.

The V70 and XC70 come completely loaded with safety features, some of which are not typically offered on rival models even as an option. They include side air bags, inflatable curtain side bags, a whiplash sensing seating system, anti-lock brakes, and the dynamic stability traction control system.

Option packages have been streamlined and simplified for 2007. The Premium Package includes a power moonroof, leather upholstery with power driver's seat (and a passenger seat on 2.5T), and wood trim. On 2.4 models it also includes automatic climate control. The Convenience Package includes stylized watch-dial gauges, roof rails, rear park assist, a 12-volt cargo outlet, tinted rear windows, and integrated child booster seats, and a Climate Package brings heated seats, headlamp washers, and rain-sensing wipers.

Active bi-xenon headlamps are optional on some models. The system automatically turns the headlight beams up to 15 degrees to the side to improve vision on dark, curvy roads.

Other notable stand-alone options include several stylish alloy wheel designs, an interior air quality sensor system, a dual-screen entertainment system, a DVD-based navigation system, and a Dolby Pro Logic II sound system with six-disc in-dash changer. On the XC70, the Four-C active chassis system is available.
The Volvo V70 wagon variants and the more rugged XC70 see only small changes for 2007, as they're due for a complete redesign for 2008. On all models, dynamic stability traction control is now standard and new side mirrors have integrated turn signals. Also, aluminum trim inserts have been added inside, a new "Tuscana" 17-inch wheel design is available on the 2.5T, puddle lights are no longer available, and option packages have been streamlined. The rear-seat entertainment system is now a standalone option.

The XC70 gets some more extensive equipment changes, too. There's a new standard 16-inch "Xenia" wheel design, a new Convenience Package is available, and there are several new stand-alone options, including active bi-xenon headlamps and 17-inch "Oreander" alloy wheels.

The third-row seat is no longer available on the V70, but on the XC70 it's still available as a retailer installed accessory. see less