Volvo XC70 (2007 – 2016) Review

May 2007

Volvo XC70 4WD estate car revealed

Built on the same same bigger platform as the new S80 and new V70. Significantly enhanced levels of refinement and all road capability. Powered by a 185 PS D5 diesel and a 238 PS 3.2-litre petrol. Prices announced in early June, UK showrooms in September.

Naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine and second generation 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 turbo diesel engine. D5 turbo diesel, with 185 PS and 400 Nm features double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder technology, an electronically controlled turbocharger, a maintenance-free particle filter, a more advanced multi-point injection system and an enhanced engine management system. It accelerates to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds (manual) and on to a 130 mph maximum speed. D5 is available as a 6-speed manual gearbox or Volvo’s six-speed Geartronic transmission, which gives the driver the choice of automatic or manual shifting.

Designed by Volvo in Sweden and built in Bridgend in Wales, the 3.2-litre naturally aspirated straight-six petrol engine is both powerful and compact, producing 238 PS and maximum torque of 320 Nm. The engine’s aluminium block and head are structurally optimised to balance low weight and stiffness. There are twin overhead camshafts and 24-valves (four per cylinder) to provide optimal engine breathing. Engine breathing is further improved by Volvo’s patented CPS (Cam Profile Switching) system that features two completely different intake cam profiles machined onto the same camshaft. Available with Geartronic transmission only, the 3.2-litre powers 0 to 60mph acceleration in 8.1 seconds and achieves a 134mph top speed.

4,838mm (15’ 11”) long x 1,861mm (6’ 2”) wide (with mirrors out).

June 2007

Prices announced

XC70 3.2 SE Lux (238PS) Geartronic £36,200
XC70 D5 SE Lux (185PS) manual £33,635
XC70 D5 SE Lux (185PS) Geartronic £34,985

Driver Alert Control (DAC) as well as a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system launched at Frankfurt Motor Show September 2007. Available as an option priced at £500 on the all-new Volvo V70 and XC70 and the Volvo S80 at the end of 2007.

May 2008

Enhancements to the Volvo XC70 premium estate include several new additions to the SE Lux specification including Active Bending Lights, heated washer nozzles, Load Compensating Suspension and chronograph instrument dials.

The Volvo XC70 also receives an updated RSE (Rear Seat Entertainment system) which now features larger eight-inch flat-screen monitors built into the front seat headrests. A digital TV option is also available, which enables passengers to watch Freeview channels as well as providing a cardslot that can be used for subscription services. Other RSE features include an integrated DVD player, wireless headphones and remote control. An extra socket means it is possible to connect an additional DVD player or video game so the two screens can then be used independently. The RSE system is available for £1,350 RRP and the additional digital TV option is £400 RRP.

A new Driver Support Pack is also now available which includes BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) with Distance Alert and Collision Warning with Auto Brake and LDW (Lane Departure Warning), with DAC (Driver Alert Control) and has a recommended retail price of £1,500. A Security Pack has also been introduced with a retail price of £600. The pack features PCC (Personal Car Communicator) with Heartbeat Sensor and Keyless Drive and 360o laminated windows.

Again, prices are stable, with the range starting at £31,035 OTR for the D5 SE Manual. Volvo emblem on the tailgate larger and more wide-spread; enhancing its visibility.

Power mirrors with an autofold function now standard across the Volvo model range. Mirrors can be set to fold in automatically when the car is locked, and fold out again when the car is unlocked. Communications Pack have also revised and now includes RTI Navigation System, Keyless Drive and Bluetooth Handsfree System.

A new Homelink option is available across the Volvo range for a RRP of £501 . With buttons integrated in the sun visor, Homelink allows the occupants to operate remote controlled home appliances, such as a garage door, home alarm and exterior lighting, without leaving the car.

There are new colour additions with Savile Grey being added to S80, C30, V50 and S40, while Caper Green Pearl will join the S80 and XC70.

February 2009

New Volvo XC70 2.4D from Spring 2009 down to 159g/km so under £160g/km for company write down purposes. Volvo XC70 2.4D DRIVe 175 hp/420 Nm, 159 g/km 47.1 mpg com

All DRIVe models are equipped with a conventional diesel engine and manual gearbox optimised for extra-low fuel consumption. These cars are also tailored specifically for low rolling resistance and reduced air drag.

The introduction of front-wheel drive and the new 2.4D engine to the XC60 crossover and XC70 premium estate will see CO2 figures tumble to 159 g/km. This will mean the XC60 will be the first premium SUV falling below the all-important 160 g/km Writing Down Allowance threshold for company cars, making the award-winning XC60 an attractive choice for the Fleet Manager once the threshold has been adopted on 1 April. Company car drivers will also benefit significantly from lower Benefit-in-Kind taxation bills.

In addition to front-wheel drive, a number of improvements all help deliver the new model's competitive fuel consumption and CO2 figures. Volvo Cars' engine experts have also succeeded in reducing friction and pump losses in the diesel engine and in cutting the pressure drop in the intake and exhaust systems.

Injection pressure has increased with the latest generation of high-pressure pumps and the injection architecture has been refined with the help of a piezo-electric system. The engine now has lower compression, more efficient combustion and the latest generation of engine management software. What is more, the turbocharger has been tuned to deliver high torque from low revs.

May 2009

2010 Model Year Changes The Volvo XC70 benefits from the two new diesel engines - 2.4D and D5 -
which join the range in SE specification and cost £27,995 and £31,495 OTR respectively. The 2.4D engine will only be available with front-wheel-drive and models with manual transmission feature CO2 emissions of just 159 g/km and will be badged DRIVe. It will also benefit from improved fuel consumption of up to 47.1 mpg.

Other changes to the XC70 range include a new front grille displaying the large iron mark and new steering wheel chrome highlights and chrome trim around the ignition area. Cars with the D5 and T6 AWD engines will
also have visible twin rear exhaust pipes as standard.

The Volvo S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 all benefit from the new and improved D5 and 2.4D diesel engines which were announced earlier this year. The new D5 engine with its twin sequential turbo charging offers a 20 PS
performance boost to provide 205 PS and 420 NM of torque. Despite this power increase, CO2 emissions have been cut to 169 g/km in the XC70 and V70, 183 g/km in the XC60, while the S80 offers 164 g/km.

The 2.4D has also been upgraded and the new engine offers a 12 percent improvement in performance to 175 PS and 420 Nm of torque whilst bringing down CO2 levels to 155 g/km in the S80 and 159 g/km in the V70.
In the XC60 and XC70 the 2.4D coincides with the introduction of front-wheel-drive and together, they reduce emissions to just 159 g/km. Crucially, this figure enables these two models to fall below the 160g/km threshold for the Capital Write Down Allowance.

May 2010

New five-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel from the all-new Volvo S60 is now available throughout Volvo Cars' model range. Six-cylinder T6 petrol engine upgraded to 304 PS and 440 Nm of torque. The new two-litre five cylinder diesel powerplant is introduced to the XC60 and XC70 models and replaces the familiar four-cylinder 136 PS unit in the V70 and

The new five-cylinder 2.0D diesel is, in principle, the same engine as the well-established 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. The injection system also has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimize fuel consumption with their exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure to promote extremely efficient combustion.

In the Volvo S80, V70, XC70 and XC60 the newly developed 2.0-litre diesel engine produces 163 PS and is badged the D3. This hierarchic naming has been introduced to allow customers to more easily understand which engine is the most powerful and which fuel it is driven by - D for diesel and historically T has been used for Volvo's petrol cars. Volvo's naming strategy also follows the principle that the higher the number the more powerful it is - a D5 engine has more power that a D3.

The D5 205 PS has seen a drop in CO2 emissions. For example, the D5 emissions in the XC60 have fallen from 183 g/km to 174 g/km. The T6 powertrain in the V70, XC70 and XC60 has been upgraded to offer a 19 PS boost to a storming 304 PS at 440 Nm thanks to a reduction in internal friction. Maximum torque is achieved between 2100 and 4200 revs. This results in rapid acceleration and smooth driving properties. Emissions have also been reduced - Volvo XC60 T6 emissions, for example, have dropped from 274 g/km to 249 g/km. The D3, D5 and T6 engines are all Euro 5 compliant.

Another facet of Volvo's 2011 Model Year update is a change in the specification hierarchy with the introduction of the ES trim level. The ES replaces the S specification and includes all the features and safety systems you would expect from Volvo.

March 2011

Launched at the Geneva Motorshow, three Volvo's models available in the UK with special 'Ocean Race' inspired specification, allowing customers to own a piece of Volvo's involvement in the world's most challenging of sailing events.

Volvo Ocean Race Editions available to order in Volvo V60, XC60 and XC70 from April 2011 with customer cars to be delivered in July 2011. Engine availability and pricing have yet to be confirmed in the UK.

Choice of two exterior colours, Volvo Ocean Blue II or Electric Silver, in conjunction with the sail-inspired leather upholstery in off-black and soft beige with embossed Volvo Ocean Race Logo on the backrest of the front seats. Other features are uniquely designed aluminium wheels, chromed detailing and the Volvo Ocean Race emblem on the front wings.

Inside, seats and door panels feature an added level of craftsmanship. The load cover displays the Volvo Ocean Race logo in print with stitching and sheet detailing, there are textile floor mats with clew-inspired (lower corner of a sail) details in aluminium and the tread plate in aluminium is embossed with the text "Volvo Ocean Race". In addition, the Human Machine Interface start-up display shows the Volvo Ocean Race logo and text.

April 2011

Upgraded Engines with More Power and Improved Fuel Economy. The upgraded versions of the Volvo V70, XC70 and S80 are the first in the model range to feature sharpened versions of the five-cylinder D5 and D3 turbo-diesels. The V70 and S80 also join Volvo's ultra fuel-efficient DRIVe range, which means Volvo now offer seven cars producing below 120g/km.

In the D5 engine Volvo Cars' engine experts have boosted performance and torque from 205 hp/420 Nm to 215 hp/440 Nm while at the same time reducing fuel consumption by eight percent. The twin-turbo setup with two different-sized turbochargers operating in tandem provided added power across a wider rev band. The configuration gives alert response and fast, powerful acceleration high up the rev range.

This means that the fuel consumption (EU Combined) of a Volvo S80 D5 is now an impressive 57.7 mpg (129 g/km) with manual gearbox and start/stop. The corresponding figures for the automatic version are 47 mpg (158 g/km).

The figures for a Volvo V70 are 55 mpg (134 g/km) with the manual gearbox and 46 mpg with the automatic. Fuel consumption in the XC70 is 50 mpg (149 g/km) in the FWD version with manual gearbox and 42 mpg (179 g/km) with the automatic.

The medium-performance D3 with 163 hp and 400 Nm of torque was introduced in the Volvo S60 and V60 in 2010. It is in principle the same engine as the 2.4-litre version, but with a shorter stroke that reduces displacement to 2.0 litres.

The two-litre diesel engine's driveability is now further improved thanks to fine-tuning of the turbocharger. This is an excellent example of the fact that efficiency enhancement in modern combustion engines is now taking place at microscopic levels.

Its injection system has the same type of piezo-electric fuel injectors as the D5, but tailored for the smaller engine. The injectors reduce combustion with exceptionally quick and precise injection sequences under high pressure. The result is particularly effective combustion.

In order to give the car even better driving properties, it is fitted with a variable-geometry turbocharger. The corresponding figures for the D3 engine with manual gearbox are 57.7 mpg (129 g/km) in the Volvo S80, 54 mpg (137 g/km) in the V70 and 51 mpg (144 g/km) in the XC70 (DRIVe version).

The four-cylinder 1.6-litre diesel fitted to the C30, S40, V50 and most recently in the S60 and V60 is now available in the V70 and S80. It is an improvement over the previous DRIVe derivative by offering an increase from 109 hp to 115 hp whilst keeping a maximum torque of 270 Nm. The engine is available with a six-speed manual gearbox and also benefits from start/stop technology which results in fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg and emissions of only 119 g/km for both the V70 and S80.

The DRIVe features the same technology as announced on the recent S60 and V60 DRIVe specifications. Brake Energy Regeneration, low rolling resistance tyres and precise fuel management all help to achieve these impressive fuel economy and CO2figures.

Interior and Exterior Enhancements

The V70, XC70 and S80 now feature the latest user-friendly Volvo Sensus infotainment system and enhanced technology that makes driving even safer and more comfortable.

In Sensus, all information is presented on a five-inch or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre stack. The screen is positioned high up to make it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road without being distracted. All the functions can be controlled via buttons built into the steering wheel or via touch buttons located just below the colour screen.

Pressing once on the "My Car" button in the centre stack offers access to a range of settings, such as for City Safety, Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Driver Alert System, Active Cruise Control, lighting, door mirrors, climate unit, central locking and audio system.

If the customer chooses a multimedia audio system, Volvo Sensus comes upgraded with the larger seven-inch screen that also displays information and images from the navigation system, phone, reversing camera, panorama camera, DVD player, digital TV and so on.

The Bluetooth connection has been upgraded to allow not only hands-free phone conversations but also music streaming from your preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player.

Integrated navigation with voice commands is available as an option as well as an entertainment system for rear-seat passengers. This package includes among other things a DVD player, two eight-inch screens integrated into the front seat headrests, wireless headphones and remote control.

City Safety as Standard

A new feature is that City Safety is standard in all three models. This system can lessen the severity of or entirely avoid low-speed rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 30km/h.

City Safety keeps watch on vehicles in front with the help of a laser sensor built into the windscreen at the height of the rear-view mirror. The car automatically brakes if the driver does not respond in time when the car in front slows down or stops - of if the driver is driving too fast towards a stationary object.

If the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is less than 15 km/h, the collision can be entirely avoided. If the speed difference is between 15-30 km/h, the speed of impact is reduced to minimise the effects of the collision.

Other New Features Inside and Out

Among the other new features in the Volvo V70, XC70 and S80 are:

• New body colours Biarritz Blue (V70 and S80) and Twilight Bronze (XC70).
• Redesigned headlamps. Active Xenon lights are optional.
• LED turn indicators integrated into the door mirrors (V70 and S80).
• Two new wheel designs for the V70, XC70 and S80.
• Inside the passenger compartment there are two new highlight colours for the upholstery: Sangiovese Red (V70 and S80) and Blond (V70, XC70 and S80).
• In addition there is a new three-spoke steering wheel, enhanced décor inlays and redesigned interior lighting.

July 2011

New Volvo D5 engine range

October 2011

XC70 D3 AWD (163hp) available from £30,615

September 2013

Volvo launched the first of its new series of DRIVe engines – two 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Volvo will sever its last engine links with Ford within the next two years with a new family of efficient, light and compact four-cylinder units.

The first of these new Drive-E engines will be available by the end of 2013. For the UK there will be a D4 twin-turbo diesel developing 181PS and 400Nm of torque, and a supercharged and turbocharged T6 petrol unit with 306PS and 400Nm.

The D4 will be available in the '60-series' family as well as the V70, XC70 and S80. The T6 will, for now, only be offered in the S60 saloon and V60 estate, but is destined to go into the all-wheel-drive XC60 crossover later. Eventually the Drive-E family will expand to eight engines, seven of which will be offered in the UK. All will be 2.0-litre direct-injection units with varying levels of turbocharging.

The diesels will deliver between 130 and 239PS, and the petrol units 140 to 306PS. They have been prepared for eventual use in hybrid drive systems. The previous range of Ford four-cylinder engines and in-house five-cylinder diesel and six-cylinder petrol units are progressively phased out.

Volvo says the new engines are up to 35% more fuel efficient than those they replace, an average of 50 kilos lighter and smaller. The S60 D4 will bringemissions down to as low as 99g/km, while even the T6 emits only 149g/km.

The Drive-E units meet all future emissions regulations up to 2017, without expensive after-treatment in the case of the diesels. Volvo now offers a new eight-speed Aisin Warner automatic transmission with the D4 and T6 as an alternative to the revised six-speed Getrag manual gearbox.

October 2013

Production version of Volvo's new D4 2.0 litre diesel with 181PS and and with manual gearbox manages an EC combined economy of 74.3mpg emits 99g/km in the EC tests. A Volvo V60 D4 with up to 17-inch tyres also breaks the 100-gram barrier according to the NEDC certification withemissions the same as the S60 saloon at 99 g/km.

The Drive-E diesels feature world-first i-ART technology with pressure feedback from each fuel injector instead of using a traditional single pressure sensor in the common rail. Each injector has an intelligent chip on top of it that monitors injection pressure. Using this information, the self-adapting i-ART system makes sure that the ideal amount of fuel is injected during each combustion cycle.

The new D4 FWD can be ordered from October 2013 and is available in the new S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80. It is also available to order with the new 8-speed automatic.

The Volvo S60 T6 FWD with 306 horsepower and the new 8-speed automatic emits only 146g/km CO2 and is the first car in the segment that delivers over two horsepower per gram of CO 2 from a combustion engine only. The car accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds. The new two-litre, four-cylinder T6 engine features both a supercharger and a turbo charger, like VAG's 1.4 'Twincharger' TSI. Using the supercharger to fill in the bottom end torque gives the petrol engine a big, naturally aspirated feel. The mechanically linked compressor starts to function immediately at low revs, while the turbocharger kicks in when the airflow builds up.

The new T6 engine is expected to be available during 2014.

January 2014

Volvo Drive-E 4 cylinder powertrains:

DIESEL

1,969cc 4cylinder single turbo: 120PS, 250Nm torque

1,969cc 4cylinder single turbo: 150PS, 320Nm torque

1,969cc 4cylinder twin turbo: 181PS, 400Nm torque

1,969cc 4cylinder twin turbo: 230PS, 480Nm torque

PETROL

1,969cc 4cylinder single turbo: 140PS, 250Nm torque + 30Nm overboost

1,969cc 4cylinder single turbo: 190PS, 300Nm torque + 30Nm overboost

1,969cc 4cylinder single turbo: 245PS, 350Nm torque + 30Nm overboost

1,969cc 4cylinder supercharger + turbo: 306PS, 400Nm torque

April 2015

Emissions reduction and improved fuel economy for Volvo XC70 D4 AWD. Increased power for D5 AWD with improved emissions and fuel economy. Magic Blue, Rich Java and Onyx Black are now available to choose and the Pollen Filter is upgraded to Air Quality System. New wheel design: 18” Leda