Wagon’s Ho

by Joe Tralongo

“The wheels on the car go round and round, all through the town.” Recognize it? It’s the annoyingly catchy lyric accompanying Volvo’s all-wheel-drive XC70 ad campaign. It sticks in your head and refuses to leave, much like the XC70 itself. Nearly three weeks after my one day test drive through Glacier National Park, I still have warm fuzzy feelings for this car and I would definitely own one if not for the fact that I’m one of those gays who doesn’t live up to the statistics that say we can all afford luxury items and spend with abandon. Still, for the lucky few who can afford the $40-50K price tag, the new XC70 should prove one capable and comfortable ride.

Unlike the previous XC70, which was based on the S60/V70 platform, the new model shares its underpinning with the luxurious S80 sedan. The move up gives the XC70 a broader stance, stiffer chassis, a smoother ride and considerably more interior room. Talk about a win/win! The new 3.6-liter engine produces enough power to move the XC70 confidently, but the car’s 4,000-pound plus curb weight is a definite drag. (Note to self: get your big butt back on the treadmill.) Due to the added ground clearance and beefed up suspension, which is necessary for off-road adventures and traversing deep snow, the XC70’s handling is not as precise as that of the sportier V50 wagon, but it is still far better than most crossover SUVs.

The addition of standard Hill Descent Control (HDC) proves the most intriguing new feature. Press a button on the dash and the XC70 automatically holds itself to a speed no faster than 6 mph, a handy device for the off-road braggadocio who regularly bites of more than he can chew. Compensating for you manly shortcomings in the gym is one thing; doing it on a treacherous and remote incline with a car load of friends is quite another. By selectively employing the XC70’s big brakes, the HDC removes the driver from the braking equation, allowing him or her to concentrate on more important tasks at hand, like steering, text messaging or serving up a nice plate of brie and crackers.

The XC70’s appearance has matured beyond the traditional Volvo box design to become down-right sexy. Do yourself a favor and spring for the optional 18-inch wheels and tires; they really make the car. Clever features such as an optional power rear liftgate and twin-screen rear-seat DVD entertainment system separate the XC70 from more pedestrian all-wheel drive wagons, while Volvo’s renowned safety innovations are out in full force. From the side-curtain airbags to the whiplash protective seating to the heavily reinforced structural frame that includes beefed up roof bracing, the XC70 is more secure than a 18th century chastity belt with no key.
Slipping inside the XC70 is like entering a high-end Ikea store. The influence is pure Swede, with lovely light colored leathers and inlays of wood or metal. One-of-kind interior features include an open-back waterfall center console and a chrome clad human figure used to direct air flow (touch its head and air comes from the vents, touch its feet and the flow moves to the floor). I’ve always preferred Volvo’s optional navigation system, which features a separate LCD screen that rises up from the dash placing it within the driver’s line of sight. Other thoughtful options include a set of built-in rear child booster seats that elevate small children within the curtain side airbag’s protective reach, a thumping-loud 650-watt Dynaudio 12-speaker Surround Sound Stereo, a blind spot warning system and radar enhanced adaptive cruise control.
The XC70 starts around $38,000, but that’s only the bare bones model. Nicely equipped you can expect a price tag closer to $45,000, and fully loaded you’re looking at a nice round $50K.

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