Volvo XC70 D5 AWD ES Start/Stop 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The XC70 is a car that is designed to be driven on the open road, which means that things can get a little bit bumpy when it comes to driving around town, and the imprecise steering only adds to the problem. When you are driving out of town, the body roll around the corners is kept to a minimum, and the extra ground clearance and four wheel drive means that it is better suited to those who regularly drive down farm lanes or on poorly maintained country roads. The additional height also adds to the good driving position in the V70, with plenty of visibility and a comfortable and adjustable driving seat.

Performance is excellent, with the 2.4 litre diesel engine able to get this version of the XC70 from 0-62mph in a swift 8 seconds. The top speed of 130mph is also plenty enough to handle most situations and journeys on the road.

The genetics of the XC70 do date back to the traditional Volvo estates, and although this body shape has been moulded and sculpted to add curves, the car is still fairly boxy. The plastic trim which surrounds the bottom few inches of the car isn’t to everyone’s taste, but the back end is tidy, and most people will be more interested in practicality rather than style with the XC70. Inside, Volvo has created a very practical dashboard that displays the information clearly and effectively, and the centre console is also very well designed.

Alloy wheels are one of the features that are included as standard with the ES level of trim, and there are also some practical tools such as cruise control and climate control to help keep the cabin comfortable while driving. Options such as satellite navigation, leather seats and power heated seats are all very desirable and may tempt buyers to raid the optional extras list.

Volvo is renowned for making some very reliable cars, and the rugged interior and engine of the XC70 is designed to withstand plenty of use. The wide boot door means it is good for carrying larger and bulkier items, and there is also plenty of legroom in the front and the back seats. The XC70 isn’t very good around town, but those who live in rural areas and need a 4x4 to deal with muddy country roads may find this car to be very practical.

Volvo have always made cars that have a reputation for safety, and although the XC70 is yet to submit to an Euro NCAP test, it does have a good range of safety equipment. There are plenty of airbags to look after the occupants of the car in an accident, and the driver aids and 4 wheel drive means that the car is very stable and safe on the road.

£33,015 is a fairly hefty price to pay for the XC70, which is why many people opt for the more competitively priced V70 estate. However, the desirability and exclusivity of the XC70 translates into depreciation figures that aren't too bad at all, and the resale values are high.

Considering that the XC70 is quite a big car, the fuel efficiency of the 2.4 litre diesel engine is quite good, achieving an average 50.4mpg. Group 32 insurance means that it isn’t cheap to insure, and the XC70 is supplied with the typical Volvo package of a three year warranty and a one year roadside breakdown assistance policy.