Only one carmaker can claim icon status in the premium station wagon segment, and that’s Volvo. From the ubiquitous 200 series to the cutting-edge V70, these Scandinavian family haulers earned buyer loyalty by delivering top-tier safety, value and practicality – along with hard-as-nails dependability – decade after decade. Speaking of dependability, the Volvo High Mileage Club reports that a 1987 Volvo 240 station wagon has covered more than 900,000 miles, one of four Volvo wagons listed in the club’s U.S. registry to achieve that milestone. Today, the 2012 Volvo XC70 serves as the linear heir to that proud premium-wagon tradition while adding the superior ruggedness and all-road versatility of a proper crossover.
As it does with every vehicle it builds, Volvo designed the XC70 as a safety showcase, squarely aimed at keeping you and your loved ones protected, whether you’re negotiating tight city streets or wheeling along wide-open four-lane freeways. To meet the broad expectations of buyers in this segment, the 2012 Volvo XC70 augments its unsurpassed safety with premium levels of power, agility and elegance. You also get the go-anywhere qualities you demand from a crossover including available all-wheel drive, a 3,300-pound towing capacity and 72.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
The five-seat XC70 is available in two versions: The value-laden 3.2 model ($32,550) and the high-performance T6 AWD model.
Befitting its nomenclature, the XC70 3.2 features an inline six-cylinder engine displacing 3.2 liters and making 240 hp. Front-wheel drive is standard on the 3.2 model (all-wheel drive is optional), and power flows through a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with manual mode. The rock-solid XC70 3.2 is surprisingly thrifty, returning an EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway.
Buyers seeking to ride the performance edge can step up to the T6 AWD model. Power comes from a 3.0-liter six-cylinder that uses the boost of a twin-scroll turbocharger to crank out 300 hp and 325 lb/ft of torque. Those numbers may sound like the output of a larger and thirstier V8, but the turbo-six in the XC70 T6 AWD, which shares the same six-speed Geartronic automatic as the 3.2 model, rates 23 mpg highway.
The T6 AWD features the Volvo All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction system as standard equipment. The Haldex AWD system inspires driver confidence in all climates and conditions. Further confidence boosters include four-wheel antilock brakes, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control and Hill Descent Control, which activates at the push of a button and uses the brakes and engine torque control to ensure slow and safe descent on steep grades.
As accommodating as it is secure, the XC70 lets you configure its 72.1 cubic feet of cargo room (with the rear seats folded) in a variety of ways, thanks to a compartment floor outfitted with adjustable storage points, aluminum rails and anchor eyelets mounted in the side panels.
The big news for 2012 is the adoption of an all-new trim level strategy for the XC70, packaging popular options together for ease of ordering and greater value. Exclusive to the 3.2 model, the Premier level delivers such luxuries as leather seating surfaces, Classic Walnut wood inlays and a power glass moonroof.
Available on both models, the Premier Plus level overwhelms with its roster of highline features, gathering all the fineries from the Premier level and adding such items as a power-operated tailgate, front and rear park assist, electric folding rear headrests and Keyless Drive. The Platinum level delivers all the Premium Plus features and adds a rearview camera, a 650-watt, 12-speaker Dolby® Pro Logic® II Surround-Sound system and a Volvo Navigation System with Voice Recognition, a seven-inch high-definition color monitor and Real Time Traffic.
The available Climate Package brings cold weather comforts including heated front and rear seats while the Technology Package delivers leading-edge Volvo safety technology including Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Lane Departure Warning.
World-first City Safety technology – available only from Volvo – comes standard on the XC70. At vehicle speeds up to 19 mph, City Safety can apply the brakes to stop the vehicle if it determines a collision is unavoidable.
For even greater safety at any speed, you can select the Blind Spot Information System, which is part of a long list of stand-alone options that also includes integrated Dual-Stage Child Booster Seats, Power Child Locks, Active Dual Xenon Headlights and a Rear-Seat Entertainment System with two DVD players and two seven-inch LCD monitors.
Providing the best a thoroughly modern all-road, all-weather crossover has to offer, the 2012 Volvo XC70 has all the ingredients necessary to transport you, your family and your gear in complete safety and comfort for years to come. See for yourself by contacting us to schedule a test drive.
