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Volvo’s First Crossover Revived
Though the Volvo XC70 and V70 had worldwide introductions at the Geneva auto show, the 2007 New York auto show provided a venue for Volvo’s North American reveal of the XC70. As the XC70’s largest market is North America, it is no surprise the beefier model has been introduced here ahead of its tamer V70 wagon sibling. The XC70 will continue to offer only one powertrain in the States, but with the 2008 model year it gets the new 235HP 3.2L inline six mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

On sale in October 2007, this will be the third generation of XC70. It builds on the blend of wagon and SUV that made the first two generations the niche successes they were and substantially adds to the electronic aids intended to make being on the road safer. The XC70 stays only AWD, with basics like Volvo’s Instant Traction System and Dynamic Stability and Traction Control still standard. It is the launch product for Volvo’s version of Hill Descent Control and available with the three-setting (comfort, sport, and advanced) Four C active chassis control system.

Other electronic aids include adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Information System, a system that delays incoming phone calls or messages if it decides a given driving situation is too complex (IDIS assesses the complexity of a given driving situation through steering, throttle, brake application), the Personal Car Communicator introduced on the S80, and advanced braking functions including hydraulic brake assist, ready alert brakes, and a system for avoiding brake fade. Collision Warning with Brake Support system will warn the driver if they are getting too close, and brakes are prepared for action to help the driver stop as fast as possible when they notice the danger ahead. This particular system has three settings available, to adjust sensitivity for a particular driver’s tendencies and usual driving conditions.

The XC70’s passive-safety arsenal, between the standard and optional equipment lists, keeps the optional HID cornering headlights, updates child safety (including adjustable booster seats for the second row), and makes the second-generation WHIPS whiplash system and extended side curtain airbag standard.

First Walkaround is Promising

We’re looking forward to seeing the XC70 on the road, but our first look tells us the model is updated in all the right ways, while keeping its Volvo personality intact. On the outside, Volvo plays up tough cues even more strongly than before. The skidplates sit wider in the front and rear bumpers for a more dominant look and the narrower Volvo grille is surrounded by tougher-looking headlights and chrome-surround foglights. There’s a taller, sculpted hood that gives the front of the vehicle more visual height and weight than before. The rear takes a similar theme to the previous generations, though the shouldered taillights are more clearly defined.

Inside, the pop-up navigation screen takes a more acute downward angle, making it look as though it will be very difficult to see on the road. The XC70 adopts a version of the S40’s thinline center stack, but it’s thicker here and doesn’t come off as well. The XC70 on display in New York sported a bright white interior and press pack photos showed a beige tone to the dashboard and center stack surround, brightening the interior versus the current model. There’s a new steering wheel and the center stack itself is narrower, but the interior overall retains its Volvo charm.