Volvo XC70 D3 SE Lux Start/Stop Geartronic 5dr Car Review - March 2012

Inside the cabin of the XC70 the dash is well designed and incorporates Volvo’s trademark floating centre console which contains most of the controls and functions. The satellite navigation screen pops up from the top of the dash and fingertip controls are mounted behind the steering wheel. Visibility is good all round and the driving position is excellent thanks to the ample range of adjustments available on the driver’s seat and steering wheel.

This XC70 is powered by Volvo’s 2.0-litre 160bhp 5 cylinder 20 valve diesel engine which produces a healthy 295lb-ft of low to midrange torque which is ideal for pulling the large 4X4. With a top speed of 124mph and capable of 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds, it delivers good performance and reasonably average fuel economy of 44.1mpg for a car this size. Power is transmitted through the six-speed Geartronic auto gearbox which works smoothly providing nice positive gear-changes.

Its low-slung design gives it an advantage over some other more traditional 4X4s on the road, as it sits lower and feels more nimble. Body roll is well controlled and there’s plenty of grip available when cornering. The steering could benefit from providing a bit more feedback to the driver, but overall it’s a very composed and refined ride. Off-road it has true ability, unlike some similar cars. The all-wheel drive system delivers power to the front wheels normally, but when it detects lack of traction it also engages drive through the rear wheels.

The suspension does a good job over most surfaces and noise is well controlled inside the cabin making it a nice and refined ride overall. With its comfortable seats and good level of refinement it makes those long distance journeys very relaxing.

The exterior of the XC70 gives some clues as to its off-road capability, with larger bumpers and some body protection evident, however, the overall design is sleek and classy and this is matched by the distinctive and well appointed cabin interior.

The XC70 SE Lux comes extremely well equipped, as you’d expect, with power steering, central locking, DSTC stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, rear parking sensor, leather seats, alarm, immobiliser, CD with MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and satellite navigation as well as electrically adjustable and heated front seats, auto-dim rear view mirror with compass, front passenger seat which folds forward and with

Volvo’s active damping suspension system.

A range of optional extras is available including an electric tailgate option, Volvo’s 'Clean Zone Interior Package' and many safety features such as Volvo’s ‘Blindspot Information System’.

The XC70 is as practical as a large 4X4 estate gets. The luggage space of 575-litres is well designed and can be boosted to 1,600-litres for carrying larger loads, with the rear split 40/20/40 seat adding even more flexibility. The tailgate is almost vertical making it easier to carry boxy items and the boot floor is fitted out with rails and anchor points to make securing any load a quick and easy task.

Passengers are treated to generous space both in the front and rear with good leg and head room all round. The five seats are superbly comfortable and make long distance journeys relaxing and pleasurable.

As always Volvo put a lot of emphasis on safety and the XC70 is no exception. EuroNCAP awarded the XC70 the maximum five-stars for safety in its crash-tests and the XC70 includes many Volvo safety features such as head restraints that minimize the risk of whiplash injuries, ultra-high strength steel side impact bars, adaptive cruise control which includes collision warning and braking assistance and all round laminated glass as well as the normal six airbags and stability control systems.

Volvo’s are some of the most reliable cars available and Volvo rates in the top ten companies for quality and reliability as scored by owners in recent customer satisfaction surveys. Many of the mechanicals and engines used in the XC70 have been proven in other models so you shouldn’t have to worry about reliability issues.

The XC70 comes covered by Volvo’s three-year 60,000 mile warranty, with regular service intervals every 18,000 miles.

The XC70 is great value for money, the £35,450 list price gets you a supremely practical, well equipped car with bags of refinement and safety features in a very stylish package. Running costs are typical for a car in this class and the 2.0L diesel engine provides a good balance of performance and economy with reasonable emissions of 169g/km which put it in VED band H for Road Tax.

Residual values are not as good as some of its German rivals, but the XC70 D3 SE Lux costs less to buy and makes a lot of sense.

Selling it on in the future should be no problem as diesel versions with SE Lux levels of equipment which include satellite navigation will be much sought after.