2011 Volvo XC70 Reviews
For the latest generation year, Volvo launched a fully redesigned XC70 wagon.
Four-C, Volvo’s advanced active chassis technology with electronically controlled damper adjustment, is also available. "With an active chassis, the car’s driving properties improve in all situations," says Volvo Cars XC70 Project Director, Tomas Ahlborg. An increase in interior cabin space has resulted in a 1.9-inch increase in rear legroom and a 3/4-inch increase in rear knee clearance.
For 2011, the Volvo XC70 gets more horsepower, an available front-wheel-drive version and a minor shuffling of standard and optional features. Introduced more than a decade ago, the Volvo XC ("Cross Country") is essentially a Volvo V70 wagon with increased ground clearance, all-wheel drive and rugged SUV-like styling cues.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Volvo XC70 is a five-passenger wagon available in 3.2 FWD and T6 AWD trim levels.The T6 AWD adds the content of the Premium package along with a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels and upgraded gauges.
Heated rear seats are also included in this package unless the optional integrated booster seats are ordered. The Convenience package includes front and rear parking sensors, a power tailgate, rear privacy glass, power-folding rear headrests, a cargo cover and a trunk grocery bag holder. The Technology package ups the ante with adaptive cruise control, a collision warning system, a distance alert system, driver inattention alert system and a lane-departure warning system. The Multimedia package adds a navigation system, a rearview camera and a 12-speaker Dynaudio surround-sound stereo with rear seat headphone jacks and controls.
Stand-alone options include adaptive xenon headlights, integrated rear booster seats, a blind-spot warning system and keyless ignition/entry.Both front-wheel-drive and optional all-wheel-drive versions of the 2011 Volvo XC70 3.2 come with a 3.2-liter inline-6 that produces 240 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque.Volvo claims the XC70 3.2 AWD will sprint to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds -- about the same as full-size crossover SUVs.
Safety
2011 Volvo XC70 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, hill descent control, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and anti-whiplash front head restraints. Integrated rear booster seats are optional on both models.
Additional available safety features include a blind-spot monitor and Volvo's Personal Car Communicator (offers keyless lock/entry/ignition). The available matte wood and leather trim really dresses up the XC70's otherwise austere cabin. A 40/20/40-split-folding seatback enhances the XC70's versatility, as do the available integrated booster seats. With the seats folded flat, the XC70 can hold 72 cubic feet of cargo.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 Volvo XC70 has a smooth and refined ride befitting its premium status.
With the V70 deleted from the Swedish automaker's lineup, the Volvo XC70 crossover wagon is the mid-size standard bearer, slotted between the smaller Volvo XC60 and the larger Volvo XC90.
Standard goodies on the 2010 V70 include Bluetooth connectivity, fog lamps, heated side mirrors, a power driver's seat, keyless entry, cruise control, and dual-zone climate control. Optional extras include front and rear parking assist, heated front and rear seats, heated wiper nozzles, headlamp cleaners, active bi-xenon headlamps, a dual-screen rear DVD system, adaptive cruise control, and a 650-watt Dynaudio surround-sound system.
