Designed for those who know what they want - a premium wagon with impressive performance characteristics and versatility - the Volvo XC70 is a vehicle anyone would be proud to own and drive. The XC70 combines flexibility, longevity, comfort and handling without compromising Volvo's long tradition of quality, advanced safety design and durability. Previously known as the Cross Country, the XC70 is a formidable wagon with all-weather capability. Designed from the beginning to appeal to the rugged individual in all of us the Volvo XC70 is a perfect fit for those seeking the ultimate active-lifestyle vehicle. For 2004, the XC70 adds optional Bi-Xenon gas-discharge headlamps, a flip-and-fold keyless entry remote, ZF rack and pinion steering and two new colors: Crystal Green pearl and Ice White. Last year the XC70 received a wide array of performance and luxury enhancements including a new, more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Also found in the all-new Volvo XC90 sport-utility vehicle, this engine produces 208 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a stout 236 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. Teamed with this new engine is a standard 5-speed Geartronic transmission that allows either fully automatic or driver selectable gear changes. Mating perfectly with the 2.5-liter engine is the advanced Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The electronically controlled Haldex system reacts extremely quickly to wheel slip, routing power to the wheels with greater traction almost instantaneously, just one-seventh of a wheel rotation to be exact. Additionally, there is no need for the driver to worry about engaging the system. It's all done automatically and seamlessly. My co-tester and I can certainly attest to that. While negotiating rain-slickened roads during a trip to Chicago's lakefront, our XC70 tester performed tremendously. I wanted to see how well the all-wheel drive system and the optional ($695) Dynamic Stability/Traction Control systems worked, so on several occasions, I jabbed the throttle, both while going straight and while turning a corner. I am pleased to say that these systems work very well and would make even the most inexperienced driver feel secure on slippery pavement. We can only imagine how wonderful this car would be in a snowstorm. The only negative would be if the boss knew you owned one, you wouldn't be able to claim to be snowed-in. The interior of the XC70 is comfortable and well designed. Controls are easy to reach and operate. Our tester included the Premium Package ($2,595), which adds leather seats, power glass moonroof, power passenger seat, and trip computer. Regardless of the type of material used, Volvo's seats have earned the reputation of being both comfortable and supportive. It's a reputation deserved. The three-position, split 40/20/40-fold down rear seats, fold down front passenger seat and up to 71.4 cu. ft. of carpeted cargo area allow for maximum flexibility. Opt for the XC70's Versatility Package and seating capacity jumps to seven with the two rear facing seats. Should the need arise they may quickly be folded beneath the cargo area's floor to carry large objects. The safest wagons ever built by Volvo, both the XC70 and the V70 benefit from a comprehensive array of safety features including standard Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable Curtain (IC), Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS), seat belts with pyrotechnic pretensioners in all seating positions, dual-stage front airbags (SRS), Volvo's safety cage construction and the ISO-FIX attachment for rearward-facing child safety seats. The XC70 best suits those who want the versatility and foul-weather traction of an SUV, but without the bulkiness. The Volvo XC70 is a perfect fit for those seeking the ultimate active-lifestyle vehicle.
2004 Volvo XC70 AWD Wagon
Engine: 2.5-liter (208 hp) turbocharged I5
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive Type: AWD
Fuel Economy: 19 city/24 highway
Base Price: $34,460
As Tested: $41,380 (includes $685 for destination)
Website: www.volvocars.com