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Volvo XC70

Volvo XC70 D5

For city types with a yearning for off-road freedom, mach-ines such as the Volvo XC70 and Audi's Allroad are tempting alternatives to cumbersome and expensive 4x4s. Subtly blending badge image with road presence, both are as capable of hauling your mobile holiday home as transporting you on the daily commute.

By Matt Master

June 2002

For city types with a yearning for off-road freedom, mach-ines such as the Volvo XC70 and Audi's Allroad are tempting alternatives to cumbersome and expensive 4x4s. Subtly blending badge image with road presence, both are as capable of hauling your mobile holiday home as transporting you on the daily commute.

Until now, however, the Audi Allroad has stolen a march on the XC70 thanks to the popularity of the 2.5 TDI diesel version, which outsells its petrol-engined relation by four-to-one. To raise its game against the oil-burning Audi, Volvo has now put its hi-tech, torquey D5 diesel in the XC70.

With the new company car tax regulations in force, the addition of the five-cylinder D5 is a crucial step for the Swedish firm. Volvo has already seen diesel sales double for its mid-size estates since last year, and with the additional glamour that the XC90 SUV is expected to give the brand, the XC70 could become a major thorn in the Allroad's side.

Producing 340Nm of torque at only 1,750rpm, and linked to an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive set-up, the D5-engined XC70 offers excellent grip and power ί¿½ no matter what the terrain or load. Drivers who make long journeys on motorways will be pleased to know that Volvo has also invested heavily in the D5's refinement, and the result is impressive. Once warm, the aluminium unit is hushed, even when under heavy acceleration. The 163bhp engine's lightweight construction also means that the car feels agile in bends and responsive throughout the rev range. Thanks to its variable geometry turbocharger, the big XC70 accelerates from 0-60mph in 11.5 seconds and has a top speed of 121mph.

On rough road surfaces, the forgiving suspension absorbs bigger bumps easily, while the ride height (raised by 40mm over that of the standard V70) ensures that the car's underside rarely snags the ground. The brakes prove effective, whatever the conditions, courtesy of an ABS-backed disc set-up and electronic stability control with brakeforce distribution.

Volvo has also paid close attention to pricing in its bid to grab a slice of Audi's pie. The entry-level S version, driven here with a five-speed semi-automatic, costs ί¿½28,620 compared with ί¿½29,365 for a basic Allroad.

At 224g/km, the D5's CO2 emissions are quite high, so the expected 26 per cent company car tax rating could deter some business users. But there's no need for that to put you off. The D5 is excellent and the XC70 is a sturdy, practical vehicle. Such an impressive combination could well produce furrowed brows at Audi.

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FIRST OPINION

    In an image-conscious market, the XC70 provides the best of both worlds. Volvo has given its refined urban vehicle rugged looks and genuine 4x4 ability. The introduction of the D5 diesel engine also adds to the newcomer's appeal by bringing another dimension to its on and off-road performance. For those motorists who feel that substance is every bit as important as style, the XC70 is an extremely appealing machine.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Volvo XC70 now offered with D5 common-rail diesel engine
    Hi-tech, lightweight powerplant delivers 340Nm of torque.
    Entry-level S models are priced from �28,620, while SE versions range up to �31,120
    Ride height raised by 40mm
     
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