Rediscovering the Volvo XC70

The 2005 Volvo XC70 is not much different from the XC70 that debuted some four years ago. Still, when Volvo calls to invite you to test drive this model — or any Volvo model for that matter — over the weekend, you say yes. As loud and clear as possible.

Which is what we did when the friendly folks from Viking Cars called up to ask if we’d be interested to try out Volvo’s concept of a mid-sized all-weather station wagon — that is, a fairly large 5-seat estate with a turbocharged engine driving all four wheels.

For the uninitiated, the "XC" in the XC70 model name stands for Cross Country. If you don’t believe me, check out the rear of the car where the words "CROSS COUNTRY" is spelled out in big, bold letters across the tailgate.

And cross the country it easily will. As this big Swede will haul five big passengers and as much cargo as can fit in the commodious rear cargo area with relative ease thanks to the sheer grunt from its 210-hp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder 20-valve engine, its go-anywhere all-wheel-drive system and its high ground clearance. Torque from the Light Pressure Turbo (LPT) engine is a generous 236 lbs-ft available from as low as 1800 rpm. The result of having so much twisting force at such a low engine speed is instant forward squirt from a mere tap on the accelerator. Acceleration is further abetted by the XC70’s 5-speed automatic transmission’s Geartronic system that allows manual up- and downshifts.

But this Volvo is beyond adolescent shenanigans as any tire-squealing antics are quickly tamed by the fool-proof full-time all-wheel-drive system and Volvo’s electronic array of ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Traction Control System (TRACS). Safety is this company’s middle name so big four-wheel disc brakes are standard as are dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, Volvo’s Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), Inflatable Curtain (IC) — to protect the occupants’ heads in a rollover — and Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), among many other safety features.

Volvos are also luxury cars so the XC70 comes fitted with a full-leather interior, a power driver’s seat with memory, cruise control, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, an 8-speaker 10-disc CD changer audio system with steering wheel controls, electronic climate control, a cabin dust filter, a trip computer, highly functional aircon vents on the B-pillars, rear seat folding trays, and an integrated GSM mobile phone which works when you insert your SIM card into a slot on the dashboard (which automatically activates the car’s speakers when you receive a call for hand-free conversing). Talk about your lap of luxury!

I didn’t get to test the XC70 off road although I’m sure its more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system will outperform those of most car-based compact SUVs. On paved — and not-so-paved — surfaces of our metro’s streets, the XC70 rides and handles much like any mid-sized luxury sedan, although it’s closer to the suppleness of a Mercedes than the sporty firmness of a BMW. The XC70 rides on front struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension, both with coil springs and stabilizer bars for flatter cornering and rolls on smooth-riding 215/65R-16 Pirelli Scorpions on 16" alloy wheels.

As previously mentioned, this Volvo’s cabin can easily accommodate five burly Scandinavians wrapped in thick winter clothing. Needless to say, five relatively small Filipinos in shirts and jeans will have all the room they need. A high-end feel is evident everywhere. The leather is supple and smells oh-so-good. The plastics are resilient and beautifully grained. The carpeting is plush and the headliner is soft. Aluminum inlays provide a high-tech touch and add to the overall expensive feel of the interior.

Gripes? Just one: the black mask over the front grille and headlamps has to go. And that front bumper desperately needs a coat of body color. Unpainted black bumpers simply give any vehicle an entry-level look. The black band is supposed to avoid the inevitable paint scratches when hurtling through bushes off road. But we all know that owners of these vehicles only find themselves in the rough when playing golf. So — unless Volvo will start sponsoring segments in National Geographic Channel — some body color in the all-important visage should make the XC70 much more visually appealing.

Still, we like the XC70. A lot. But if there’s one thing that makes us a bit uncomfortable with this Volvo that we can’t do much about, it’s the P3.325 million price. Sure it’s a fully equipped do-anything luxury car with a prestigious name. But it’s arguable that people shopping in this price range might want something that looks more like an expensive luxury SUV than an expensive luxury station wagon. And that’s where Volvo’s own XC90 — the European SUV of the Year — comes in. It costs just 600 grand more than the XC70 but is also much bigger and better looking. Well, as they say, "Decisions, decisions!"

THE GOOD

• Pothole-smothering luxury car ride

• Super-strong and responsive turbo engine

• Luxurious and spacious interior

• Confidence-inspiring sure-footedness, even in wet weather

• Go-anywhere capability thanks to AWD and high ground clearance

• Armored car build quality

• Tons of safety features

• Lots of comfort and convenience features

THE BAD

• Needs body-color treatment on the front bumper/fascia

• Pricey, especially relative to Volvo’s own XC90

THE VERDICT

• Easily as good or better than wagons from BMW, Mercedes or Audi. But as an SUV, Volvo’s own XC90 is an even more compelling alternative — even without taking away any of the XC70’s many, many good points.