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By Volvo Company
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Strengths: |
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Safety features; roomy interior and cargo space; terrific ride. |
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Changes: |
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The Volvo V70 wagon and its more rugged counterpart, the XC70, have been completely redesigned for 2008. Both feature a new shape and a more contemporary appearance similar to that of the S80, and both are built on the same platform as the S80. The V70 and XC70 also get a smooth new six-cylinder engine in place of the former five-cylinder. For now, the sporty "R" version is discontinued. |
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The new 2008 Volvo V70 and XC70 stand out for their roomy interior, ride comfort, and innovative child booster-seat system, with integrated, adjustable cushions. The XC70, additionally, is for many families an ideal alternative to a large sport utility vehicle. The new incorporation of several active safety systems also reinforces Volvo's reputation for producing some of the safest vehicles on the road. |
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Overview: |
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Both the Volvo V70 and XC70 come only with a 3.2L in-line six-cylinder engine for 2008, making 235 horsepower and hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic manual selection.
On the outside the new wagons get a softer, more aerodynamic look in front, with the distinctive Volvo "eggcrate" grille, yet they maintain a roofline that doesn't significantly compromise cargo space.
The interior in these wagons has been thoroughly redesigned, with the instrument panel gaining the more contemporary look of most other Volvos, while front seats remain among the most ample and well bolstered. Both wagons come with seating for five, but the back seat is split 40/20/40 and sections fold forward for expanded cargo space. The cargo area has a sliding load floor and under-floor storage compartment. A power tailgate is now optional, and LEDs function as supplementary brake lights if the tailgate is open, for instance.
The XC70 comes with standard all-wheel drive, protective lower body cladding, and an improved ground clearance, revised trim, and a more generous list of standard interior appointments such as automatic climate control, illuminated keyless entry, and a sound system with six-disc changer.
A full roster of air bags and a whiplash protection system are standard, as might be expected for customers of the Swedish automaker. To aid with child safety, there's a new adjustable, built-in child booster-seat system.
Even more notable are several active safety systems introduced into the V70 and XC70. Driver alert control chimes and shows a coffee cup symbol when it senses that the driver might be falling asleep or be distracted, the lane departure warning system uses a camera to detect when the driver is swerving or losing concentration, and a new collision warning system uses radar sensors to signal the driver if a collision is imminent, pre-charging the brakes and actually applying them at the point where it judges that a collision is unavoidable. The system is in addition to the available adaptive cruise control system, which follows a set distance behind traffic.
Other major options include leather upholstery, a Dynaudio audio system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, automatic climate control, and a xenon high-intensity-discharge adaptive headlamp system that helps aim into corners. |
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