While the whole world is waiting for the release of a new version of the most high-tech and safe SUV Volvo XC90, whose competitors come one after another, its younger brother, which has gone through three stages of restyling, the Volvo XC70 model continues to delight fans of the Swedish car industry. And not only the 2013 version, but also the development models of 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2011, although the latter are mostly restyled devices.
The main characteristics of the cabin
The latest version of the Volvo XC70 SUV model we are considering is a car with the highest level of safety and economy, but at the same time it retains echoes of the archaic design of the nineties of the 20th century - this is reminiscent of the shape of the doors, the thick pile in the cabin, the shape of the dashboard. Thanks to these factors, the Swede stands out among its competitors Audi Allroad Quattro, Mitsubishi Aitrek, Subaru Outback, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volkswagen Passat Alltrack.
The austere interior trim in the fashion of the 90s and the inconveniently installed downward-facing adaptive digital screen of the multimedia system look quite ancient. There are a lot of similarities with the Volvo S60 sedan - this is a multimedia system, the same interior trim materials, the same electronic instrument panel, and the car's climate control system. At the same time, the analogy became more obvious after the last restyling of the SUV in 2013. Nevertheless, against the backdrop of these archaisms, the Volvo XC70 crossover is crammed with almost all the new options that are built into the latest car models of world brands. The quality of the Swedish SUV is also at the level, and even ahead of all its more expensive and equipped competitors. When you sit in the cabin of the Volvo XC70, there is a feeling of some monumentality and solidity, while the car is moving, there are no squeaks, “crickets” and other extraneous sounds, even when overcoming certain road irregularities. According to the Swedish company, all materials used in the car are completely anti-allergic and 85% of them can be reused.
Very comfortable crossover
SUV Volvo XC70 is considered to be one of the most comfortable cars. This is a leisurely crossover that does not have a manual transmission, it rolls quite strongly when entering even into smooth turns, it has brakes that are not sharp and not elastic, but stop the car quite confidently. The consequence of softness and comfort are regular "nosing pecks".
This behavior of the Volvo XC70, which is not typical for devices of this level, is explained by the use of the far from new “Ford” EUCD platform, bulky overhangs and long springs. It looks like an old ten-year-old imposing large station wagon or a frame SUV, since there are no rigidity, shocks, shocks when driving off a high curb - all this leads only to an insignificant buildup of the SUV body without causing any discomfort! This comfortable crossover, thanks to a wide ground clearance of 210mm, does not experience problems with geometric cross-country ability, it behaves very confidently on impassable roads. But you should not expect something supernatural from the Volvo XC70 - and it has a weak point. And this, oddly enough for an SUV, is the possibility of all-wheel drive, which is absent in the basic configuration. The all-wheel drive crossover of the premium version of the Volvo XC70 is equipped with a special proprietary system, the main feature of which is the Haldex clutch, developed by Volvo engineers.
The Haldex clutch is a "smart" self-locking differential based on a viscous coupling with electronic control and electronic components, which sets the parameters of the transmission, taking into account speed, brake operation, engine and other systems.
Thanks to this system, the car engages the rear wheels only under increased load and wheel slip, detected by the SUV system. All-wheel drive connects smoothly, involving up to 65% of torque, again, depending on the load. On a dry and level road, like most modern SUVs, the XC70 uses only front-wheel drive.
Volvo XC70 engines
The Volvo XC70 is available with three diesel engine options. Two five-cylinder engines: one turbocharged 2.0L, the other 2.4L turbodiesel. One 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with Start/Stop system that saves between 5% and 35% fuel depending on driving style and mode.
It should be noted that this engine develops 181 hp. and 400Nm of torque, and breaks up to 100 kilometers per hour in 8.8s, while the five-cylinders produce up to 163 hp. and “reach hundreds”, on average, in 10.5 s. Although, in practice, the most common Volvo XC70 in Russia with a volume of 2.4 liters will not let you get bored on the road due to sufficient power. This model is distinguished by low fuel consumption. This powerful crossover has the following modest appetites: from 4.3L per 100 in a car with a Start / Stop system, when driving on the highway, to 8.6L in the city cycle with a conventional 2.4L turbo engine in moderate driving.
The Start/Stop system is designed to save fuel by reducing engine idling. When the car stops, the engine turns off, and when you press the clutch pedal (for mechanics) or release the brake pedal (for automatic), it quickly starts.
Security system and price Volvo XC70
Volvo cars are considered among the safest in the world. This has been achieved for over a decade. This rugged SUV features a reinforced body shell, an energy-absorbing frontal structure and Side Impact Protection System (SIPS).SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) - Volvo's proprietary side impact protection system appeared in 1991. Currently installed on all Volvo vehicles and reduces severe injuries to driver and passengers by 40%.
In addition, the Volvo XC70 crossover is equipped with many other safety systems, which, taking into account all possible factors affecting the car, contribute to the preservation of the health and life of road users. As always, Volvo's safety comes first.
The Volvo XC70 crossover is not a cheap “workhorse” on the market, and its maintenance costs a lot of money, which is clearly not suitable for economical buyers. The basic version of the Volvo XC70 is available at a price of 1,500,000 rubles. This does not include a lot of necessary options that are usually found in its competitors in this price niche - this is most of the branded equipment, suspension stiffness adjustment, anti-sleep system, lane change assistant and other options. But, despite this, the model does not cause a feeling of an obsolete morally car, it looks quite fresh thanks to new branded headlights, large rims, plastic bumper covers and arches, and continues to be in high demand and, quite possibly, along with the expected SUV, the new Volvo XC90 2015 may see another restyled version of the XC70 crossover.
Video test drive Volvo XC70 on the track and off-road
The reliability of Swedish cars has long been time-tested. Millions of car enthusiasts around the world have seen this for themselves. The Volvo XC70 is a crossover station wagon, the first generation of which was released back in 1997. From the very beginning, these cars have proven themselves well. In total, three generations of the Swedish crossover were released. The latest has been produced since 2007. The restyled version of 2014 only slightly changed the car. However, it has become more luxurious and attractive. Let's see what the Swedish automaker offers its customers in 2014.
Exterior Volvo XC70 2014
The restyled version received few external changes. Mainly Swedish designers took care of various little things in the appearance of the car. They are not easy to spot right away, but they emphasize important elements of the exterior of the Volvo XC70 2014. Looking closely at the car, you immediately understand that there is no aggressiveness and sportiness in the appearance of the Swedish crossover. In appearance, the Volvo XC70 looks more like a mid-budget family station wagon. At the same time, the car bears little resemblance to a crossover due to large body overhangs. Only a clearance of 21 centimeters gives an understanding that this car also has off-road qualities. The front of the car has a typical Volvo design. Smooth lines of headlights and hood, a large factory emblem and a calm look - not a single hint of aggressiveness. In profile, the car looks like a station wagon - the length of the car is quite impressive.
The back of the car is also made in typical Volvo style: vertically oblong headlights, between which the company name is located with a wide spacing between letters.
Volvo XC70 2014 has the following dimensions: height - 1604 mm, length is 4838 mm, and width (with mirrors) is 2119 mm. The wheelbase of the Swedish crossover is simply phenomenal - 2816 mm.
For the exterior of the restyled version of Volvo, you can put 4 out of 5. The problem is that the car does not look luxurious, although this car belongs to the elite segment for the price.
Interior Volvo XC70 2014
Once in the cabin of the updated Volvo, you understand that this is not a mid-budget family station wagon. This is a luxury car of the highest quality. Such a dissonance between the level of the exterior and interior looks a little strange. While other automakers are chasing after the looks of their cars, Volvo is betting on the insides of their cars. The interior trim is simply chic, the seats are trimmed with perforated leather, the dashboard has a lot of pure wood inserts, the build quality is on top, the plastic used is soft and pleasant to the touch. All these are elements of comfort. But the Swedish car also has separate technological solutions. The functions of heating and blowing the seats are available (it is noteworthy that they can be used simultaneously), the tailgate, its floor, as well as the nets are equipped with an electric drive and pneumatics, which greatly facilitates their use.
The rear row of seats is very spacious - there is enough space for passengers both above their heads and in front of their feet. The backrest is not adjustable, but initially it has a completely optimal slope. At the same time, the rear row is not devoid of various multimedia features, including displays in the headrests - the ideal luxury family wagon for long trips in comfort.
Volvo's trunk is very roomy - as much as 585 liters.
For the interior, you can put five out of five: comfort and exclusivity - the qualities that can characterize it.
Specifications Volvo XC70 2014
There are 4 engine modifications available on the Russian market, three diesel (D4 AWD - 181 hp, D4 Drive E - 181 hp, D5 AWD - 215 hp) and one petrol (T6 AWD - 304 hp) .). All units provide good dynamics, but experts advise buying a D5 AWD diesel engine - the golden mean between insufficient and excessive power.
Despite the fact that the car has a ground clearance of 21 centimeters, the independent suspension system partially compensates for such a high center of gravity. Thus, rolls in turns are practically not felt. Of course, for that kind of money it would be possible to make an air suspension, but even so everything turns out quite well.
Price for Volvo XC70 2014
The price of the new Volvo XC70 2014 on the website of an official dealer in Russia starts from 1,469,000 rubles.
For the Christmas holidays, my family and I gathered in the outback of Russia - the Penza region. And to visit relatives and see the real winter, which in Moscow was in no hurry to advance.
Just perfect for our little XC70 trip, and here's why. The station wagon from Volvo has a spacious interior and a large trunk, in addition, it has a powerful engine and all-wheel drive, which allows you to realize traction and make driving safe. My children are just as lucky. The test car was equipped with a Premium Sound system with 12 Dynaudio speakers, a subwoofer and a 6-disc changer, and most importantly, two 7-inch monitors in the front headrests with a DVD player with AUX output, which is connected to two pairs of wireless headphones. So they didn't get bored on the road. The children enjoyed their favorite cartoons, and my wife and I enjoyed our favorite music.
Particularly useful were the rear seats equipped with additional booster pillows for children. They can be lifted up and the child secured with standard seat belts, which saved me the hassle of child seats. In cold weather, when I often had to get in and out of the car, I was pleased with the PCC electronic key, which allowed me to open and start the car without removing the key from my pocket. Also, with its help, without approaching the Volvo, you can check if the car is closed and, if not, correct the situation.
In my opinion, the new 70 looks somewhat defiant, this was evidenced by the seeing off glances not only of pedestrians, but also of the drivers of the provincial town where we stopped.
Everything in the cabin is functional and comfortable. The whole family comfortably settled in the car, and the eight hundred-kilometer journey flew by for us almost unnoticed.
On the track, driving the XC70, I felt confident, the car perfectly maintains directional stability, and the 238-horsepower engine provided confident traction during all overtaking and allowed me to do it quite quickly in a pair of 6-speed automatic transmission. The box made switching smoothly without jerks. Even in manual mode, when you jump from economical 6th gear to 3rd gear to overtake, the shifts are smooth.
During my stay in Nikolsk, the weather was frosty, at nights up to -30, and in the daytime about -20. The car started up every morning without problems and never once did it show signs of failure, we can say that the XC70 passed the test for low temperatures. However, it is worth noting one "low-temperature" drawback. The fact is that the leather interior was so frozen that it was possible to sit quietly on the seats without fear of frostbite ass, only about ten minutes after turning on the heating. I generally keep quiet about the rear seats, after half an hour of intense warming up of the cabin, they still remained cold. Apparently because of the built-in children's pillows, the rear sofa was deprived of heating. The bright interior is, of course, beautiful, subject to snow-white snow, here it remained that way, however, upon arrival in Moscow, the interior quickly began to “darken”.
They say that the old horse does not spoil the furrow, but we have spoiled, however, this time the ski track. Choosing a suitable place for photography with a beautiful landscape, I decided to go to a hill in the forest on the outskirts of the city. Despite the fact that the snow on the slope at first glance was well compacted, it was not possible to climb to the top of the hill. Having covered three-quarters of the way, the car began to fall into the snow, and the traction control system completely strangled everything, as a result, we sat down before I had time to turn it off. So it was not possible to compete with skiers. Having photographed the car, in an “interesting position”, I already began to think about where to get a tractor. However, having turned off the DSTC and skidding, we managed to get out in reverse downhill. Having descended, I decided with the DSTC turned off, to go to the "second round", but it was cold. I did not dare to test the family for adaptability to low temperatures, while waiting for the tractor.
Finally, I want to say a few words about the electronic systems present in the configuration of the car provided to us. One of the original options is adaptive cruise control (ACC). This is a cruise control that works in tandem with a radar that tracks the distance you set to the vehicle in front. In the case of a smooth deceleration of the car in front, the XC70 also smoothly reduces speed, switching to lower ones dropping to 15 km / h. If the car brakes hard in front of the car, the collision warning function is activated, accompanied by sound and light alarms, and Volvo prepares the brake system for emergency braking by increasing pressure in it. When the front car leaves the radar coverage area, the XC70 briskly picks up the speed you set. Although competitors have similar systems, they are officially not allowed in Russia, since only the Volvo radar operates at allowed frequencies.
The blind spot monitoring system (BLIS) was also installed on the test car, it is designed to monitor the dead zones of the car using the cameras built into the exterior mirrors, and when a car appears there, the light on the corresponding side lights up. But, as a rule, when this system worked, I perfectly saw the moving car in the rearview mirror.
More than others, I was pleased with the thing that is not related to electronic systems, but increases security. On the way to Moscow, in the Ryazan region, it became noticeably warmer, and dirt flew out from under the wheels, the wipers worked almost without interruption for four hours, while the side windows remained almost completely clean until Moscow itself. At first I was surprised, praising the aerodynamics to myself, but later I learned that VOLVO uses front side windows with a special water-repellent coating.
What can be said in conclusion? Of course, I was satisfied with the car, having received a comfortable and safe trip for the whole family. A fly in the ointment can only be called fuel consumption. In city mode, it was 21.5 liters per hundred, and on the highway about 14.4 liters, despite the fact that I tried to drive in economy mode. You can see that people who buy such cars do not pay much attention to consumption, however, a penny saves a ruble, and you have to refuel more often.
The cost of the XC70 with a diesel 185-horsepower engine and six-speed mechanics is 1,328,500 rubles. Prices for the wagon we tested with a 3.2-liter 238-horsepower R5 and automatic transmission start at 1,431,800 rubles.
During slippage and active acceleration, the energy of the Volvo XC70 engine is divided in half between the front and rear axles of the car. With the help of the ABS system, the torque is distributed between the wheels of one axle. On a normal road, the car becomes front-wheel drive, distributing torque as 95% in the front and 5% in the rear.
The car holds a straight line well, rolls a little when cornering. The transmission is tuned for a good ride. Smooth gear changes set up for a comfortable ride.
Engine types Volvo XC70
The test drive of the Volvo XC70 took place in two different trim levels - on a D5 diesel engine and a T6 gasoline engine. Both engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission only. The 5-cylinder diesel engine puts out 205 horsepower, while the 6-cylinder petrol turbo is larger at 285 horsepower.
The torque of the diesel engine is 420 N / m, gasoline - 400 N / m. The petrol engine accelerates to 100 km faster - in 7.6 seconds, diesel - in 8.9 seconds. The motor runs quietly, and the noise isolation is just on top.
Additional Information
Additionally, you can order the adjustment of the steering force and suspension stiffness. For a test drive of the Volvo XC70, the average consumption of a diesel engine was 10 liters in the combined cycle, 8 liters on the highway. A 3-liter gasoline engine spends 14 liters per 100 kilometers. The driver's seat at Volvo as always is convenient. Passengers are no less comfortable than the driver. The weight of the car is 1900 kilograms, however, due to the excellent driving performance, large dimensions are not felt. The trunk of the Volvo XC70 is huge with a comfortable loading height, and the seats fold down easily.
The price of Volvo XC70 with a diesel engine is 1 million 600 thousand rubles, with a gasoline engine - 1 million 800 thousand rubles. However, the test drive of the Volvo XC70 showed that the price of the car is not too high and it costs exactly as much as they ask for it.
The Volvo XC70 is a “lifted” full-size premium station wagon that optimally combines practicality, comfort, safety and good off-road potential ... The second generation car, built on the basis of the S80 sedan, made its international debut in March 2007 at the show in Geneva , and soon after this event, its sales began in the world's leading markets.
Exactly six years later, all in the same Switzerland, a restyled cross-country “barn” debuted - it was noticeably corrected in appearance, ennobled the interior and “filled in” new modern “gadgets”, but did not touch the technical component. In this form, the five-door existed until May 2016, when it left the "automotive scene".
Outside, the second-generation Volvo XC70 shows an attractive, strict, solid and harmonious outline. Despite the fact that the moderately square body of the car is devoid of design frills, it is pleasing to the eye from all angles - a nice front end with neat headlights and a mesh radiator grille, a monumental silhouette with expressive sidewalls and large wheel arches, a "sheer" feed with elegant lamps and two " trunks" of the exhaust system. The solidity of the classic appearance of the station wagon is added by massive plastic protection around the perimeter and crossover ground clearance.
The length of the all-terrain "barn" reaches 4838 mm, the distance between the axles it extends to 2815 mm, and the height and width are 1604 mm and 1870 mm, respectively. In the "combat" state, the car weighs from 1743 to 1893 kg, depending on the modification, and its ground clearance in this form is 210 mm.
The interior of the "second" Volvo XC70 is the height of conciseness: its appearance resembles a solid Scandinavian dwelling, which "flaunts" a rather simple but stylish design, impeccable ergonomics and the highest quality finishes. At the driver’s workplace there is a multifunctional “steering wheel” with a three-spoke rim and a large diameter and a “drawn” instrument cluster (in the “base” there are analog dials). The front panel is headed by a 7-inch multimedia complex screen, and below it is a “floating in the air” center console with an abundance of buttons and knobs of various calibers that control secondary functions.
The station wagon has a lot of free space both in front and behind. In the first case, perfectly profiled seats with unobtrusive lateral support, heating and a solid set of adjustments are installed, and in the second, a comfortable sofa with integrated children's stands that allow you to transport children without a special chair.
"Konek" Volvo XC70 - excellent cargo capabilities. Even with five passengers on board, there is a huge compartment for luggage with a volume of 944 liters (when loaded at the glass level - more than 500 liters) with even walls and floor. The folded "gallery" increases the capacity to 1580 liters and forms an even "rookery" almost two meters long.
Specifications. A large number of modifications have been announced for the Swedish cross-country barn:
- Gasoline engines are in-line “five” and a V-shaped “six” with a volume of 2.0-3.0 liters with direct injection, variable valve timing and turbocharging, the potential of which is 245-304 horsepower and 360-440 Nm of torque.
- The diesel part combines turbocharged five-cylinder engines of 2.0-2.4 liters, equipped with battery fuel injection and a 20-valve timing and issuing 163-220 "stallions" and 400-440 Nm of available traction.
The motors work in partnership with a 6-speed “mechanics” or 6- or 8-band “automatic” and an all-wheel drive system with a Haldex center clutch, which sends 95% of the power to the front wheels under normal conditions, but if necessary, transfers up to 50% of the moment to rear axle.
The second "release" of the Volvo XC70 goes to conquer the second "hundred" after 6.8-10.8 seconds, and reaches a maximum of 195-215 km/h.
Gasoline modifications of the five-door “destroy” 6.7-10.6 liters of fuel in mixed mode, and diesel ones - 5.2-6.8 liters of diesel fuel.
The station wagon is based on the Volvo P3 platform, and its body structure contains a large number of high-strength steel grades. All wheels of the car are suspended using independent suspensions: the front is the classic MacPherson strut, and the rear is a multi-link architecture. In the "top" versions, he "flaunts" adaptive, electronically controlled shock absorbers.
The steering system of the five-door consists of a rack and pinion mechanism and a hydraulic power steering. The “Swede” slows down by means of disc brakes “in a circle” (ventilated on the front axle) with a whole set of modern “bells and whistles”.
Options and prices. In Russia (in the used car market), the second-generation Volvo XC70 in 2017 is offered at a price of ~ 1,200,000 rubles (although, if you wish, you can find more affordable options, but their condition is “depressing”).
Regardless of the configuration, the station wagon boasts: six airbags, ESP, ABS, hill start assist, dual-zone climate control, 16-inch rollers, heated front seats, a light sensor, fog lights, an audio system, power windows for all doors and a huge number of other "chips".
