A V70 with a hankering for the wide-open spaces. They've jacked the cars suspension up, given it four-wheel drive and protected some of the body panels to allow the car to be taken off road. They haven't, however, given it a low-range gearbox to match.
Inside, the car is identical to the V70, but with leather as standard and a button for the hill descent system.
Just two engines are offered, a 3.2-litre petrol and Volvo's D5 diesel. The heavy weight of the car affects its economy and drives up its emissions. The diesel is the best engine of the two, returning 38.7mpg while emitting 193g/km of CO2. The 3.2-litre petrol manages just 24.8mpg and 272g/km of CO2, putting it firmly in highest tax band.
The high centre of gravity and a weight of nearly 2 tonne, means that this is not a car to be rushed around bends. It wallows and leans and the front rises disconcertingly under heavy acceleration. It is fitted with the Four-C suspension system, which helps a great deal, but you have to constantly change the settings to get the most out of it. Although better equipped than the Audi Allroad for off-road use, the XC70 shouldn't be used for anything other than muddy fields and rutted tracks.
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Volvo XC70.