2009 Volvo XC70

For the 2008 model year, Volvo launched a fully redesigned XC70 wagon. The XC70 is, of course, an off-road-oriented variant of the new V70. Power comes from a 3.2-liter straight six-cylinder gasoline engine producing 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

The I6 model delivers a zero to 60 mph time of 8.1 seconds with a six-speed automatic.

Underpinned by new chassis architecture, the 2008 XC70 delivers sportier handling and better driving dynamics than its predecessor. The new wagon is also fitted with Volvo's DSTC (dynamic stability and traction control) to help the driver maintain control during slides and under hard cornering.

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. "It becomes both safer and more entertaining to drive."

With a ride height three inches higher than the new Volvo V70 estate, the XC70 has an impressive wading depth of one foot and an effective ground clearance of 8.2 inches. Also, with ramp angles of 19.2 degrees approach, 19.8 degrees breakover and 24 degrees departure, the new XC70 betters the outgoing model (16, 18 and 20 degrees, respectively) in all three areas.

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. Front passengers now enjoy 1 1/8th inches of additional shoulder room, while the overall distance between front and rear passengers has been extended by 3/4 of an inch.

A new extended IC (inflatable curtain) airbag, 2.3 inches longer, boosts child safety by providing superior protection for children of a wide range of heights and sizes.

The Volvo XC70 can also be equipped with a number of advanced electronic driving systems including Volvo's award-winning BLIS (blind spot information system), HBA (hydraulic brake assist), OHB (optimised hydraulic brakes), ACC (adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support), active bi-xenon headlamps, radar-controlled collision warning, emergency brake lights, all-round laminated glass and Volvo PCC (personal car communicator), which is used to lock and unlock the car as well informing the owner if the alarm has been triggered or, using a heartbeat monitor, to detect if someone is in the car.

An announcement at the 2008 New York Auto Show in March revealed a new model will join the XC70 3.2 AWD for the 2009 model year. It will be a T6 performance version, sporting a turbocharged inline-six engine under the hood as the main difference. The 3.0 liter powerplant makes 281 horsepower at 5,600 rpm along with 295 lb-ft of torque at 1,500-4,800 rpm, out-powering the naturally aspirated base engine, a 3.2 liter inline-six, by 60 horsepower and 59 lb-ft of torque.

The power boost comes courtesy of a twin-scroll turbocharger, which maximizes power production and efficiency at a flexible range of engine speeds. The turbo engine is mated to Volvo's six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission with manual control and the company's All-Wheel Drive system, which remains standard on every XC70.