Volvo XC70 D5 SE Sport

	The XC70 doesn’t have the imposing look of some full-size SUVs, but the robust plastic cladding and tall stance give it a tough edge

As you would expect, Volvo claims the third-generation XC70 is even more adaptable than its predecessors, but in terms of styling, it follows a similar vein. From the front it shares much with the S80, yet the beefed-up bumpers, raised ride height and accentuated foglights give it a unique appearance. Dark grey cladding on the flanks and silver underbody protectors at both ends add to the effect. In our opinion, its chunkier profile means it’s better looking than the standard V70 estate.

Most importantly, it’s unmistakably a Volvo, and the same can be said of the interior. There’s a genuine sense of style, thanks to its neat design, which is dominated by the floating centre console that flows seamlessly into the transmission tunnel.

The controls are all well placed and easy to navigate, particularly the smart chrome ventilation buttons which glow green at night. Overall, the minimalist design is much easier on the eye than the Audi’s, and the ergonomics are better, too. It’s not perfect, though. The electric handbrake is hidden away by the driver’s right knee, and the ignition key slots in above the air vents, so the fob knocks against the metal trim. The driving position is higher than the Allroad’s, too, and the seats, while supple and comfortable, don’t offer the same support – it feels as though you’re perched on them rather than sitting in them.

However, the soft leather is good, and the Volvo is more cosseting on long journeys. This is especially true for rear passengers, although there’s slightly less legroom than in the Audi. The boot’s maximum capacity is smaller, too, but the Volvo does benefit from a lower bumper lip and longer load space, while the rear seats fold completely flat.

Owners of the previous XC70 will be impressed by the new interior layout, but will they also be taken by the driving dynamics? Well, the new model has a stiffer chassis and improved handling, while the soft suspension means the ride is very comfortable – the extra spring travel deals with uneven surfaces better than the standard V70.

One thing that is carried over from the regular estate is the unsettled damping – the XC70 never feels as composed as the Audi. The steering is rather vague, too, and suffers a little from kickback through rough corners. The overall driving experience comes across as a touch spongy, and you’re more aware of the increased ride height than you are in the Allroad.

Venture off the tarmac, though, and the Volvo is the better choice. Providing 210mm of ground clearance – compared to the Audi’s 185mm – it instils more confidence when tackling rock-strewn tracks and rutted paths. With 182bhp and 400Nm, the XC70’s engine is stronger, although it gave fractionally slower performance from 0-60mph in our hands, taking 9.3 seconds. But the real story lies with the in-gear figures. The Volvo was quicker all-round, despite its extra weight and squarer shape.

The five-cylinder engine delivers good mid-range punch, although it doesn’t feel as urgent as the larger Audi unit at lower revs. The six-speed auto isn’t quite as slick, either, and you need more throttle to force it to kick down. Perhaps surprisingly, the Volvo costs more than the Audi, albeit by only £465. Unlike the Allroad, the auto box is an option that adds £1,350 to the price. But overall, the XC70 has a kit advantage, with heated and ventilated leather seats, folding mirrors and hill descent control as standard.