I have always found SUVs on the big side YET with a dissapointing lack of room inside for the most part. Unless, of course, you can justify a truly big rig (like an Expedition, which I owned, but couldn't justify).
So my mind has turned to SUV / car hybrids. I want utlility and sensible size. But (no offense), I HATE the Subaru offerings.
Then I saw a new Volvo Cross Country en route to Whistler the other day. VERY nice! Surprisingly big!
I read that the new V70XC is larger in and out than ever before(obvious to the observer), AND, has more ground clearance than an Explorer!
A truly common sense sport utility vehicle? Anyone here own one?
I've been a fan of Volvos for awhile. My dad has an '86 240, still solid and running strong. Those engines are supposed to go for a long long time, excess of 200k is not unusual when maintained properly.
Anyways, I'm a bigger fan of the previous S and V class, but nonetheless I like the current models. The T-5 models are most powerful in the lineup (247hp I think), but the XC comes with a light turbo, good for around 197hp. There are issues about making sure the tires wear evenly, otherwise it can lead to trouble with the awd system. This was the case in the S/V70, but am not sure about the current. There was a short run of V70R AWD's (261hp I think) that are pretty nice, but they're hard to come by. Rumours say an S60R is in the making, so we'll see. If that comes out, perhaps we'll see a V70 variant. I visited http://brickboard.com/ a lot before becoming addicted to this site. Plenty of information about all Volvos.
Originally posted by alpywhite [url]Then I saw a new Volvo Cross Country en route to Whistler the other day. VERY nice! Surprisingly big!
Wow not bad... Volvo's are amazingly long lasting... the engine that is not the plastic inside hehehe... we have a 89 volvo and it runs great... but the plastic stuff inside just doesnt hold out as long as the engine does...
En route to Whistler?? Is there snow there already??
Oh and you are not trading in the BEAST for the V70XC are u? :p (If you read the 993TT post U know what I mean)
I actually drive the new V70XC sometimes. My uncle owns one. It's very big looking indeed. You can carry pretty much stuff with it also. Seats are very comfortable, maybe slightly soft. I presume it's safe (if Volvo wants to prove its reputation it better is ).
The AWD system is doing its job good, it's fully automatic. You will notice when more torque is supplied to the rear when losing traction at the front, but it's not irritating. I also drove an S60 2.4T (same engine) and i think thatone has too much power on the front wheels. I didn't drive the S80 T6 or S60 T5, but i think that cars have the same problem (and even more power than the 2.4t!). The 2.4t engine (197 hp) by the way is the only engine available in the V70XC. In my opinion it has enough power to give the car satisfying performance (0-100km/h = 0-62mph in 9 secs I believe)
If you want more power and AWD you have to wait till Volvo comes with the normal (not XC) AWD or R models that Cielo mentioned. The suspension of Volvos is not that stiff as German cars (offcourse). The V70XC has much ground clearance which makes it even more 'hovering'.
Personally I dislike the plastic body panels and the very ugly grey plastic Volvo used for the dashboard. But that's matter of taste.
I've seen that video months ago. It looks as if the awd system is not engaged. If it is fully automatic (just checked, it is), then there seems to be a problem.
Man in the video says that it is engaged. If I have understood right, Volvos 4Wd works only when front wheels spins "too much". But I haven't driven this car yet, so I don't say who is right and who is wrong.
After looking on Volvo's site, it seems as if there is a an issue with the awd system in that specific car. Their site states with a bigger load, more power will be sent to the rear wheels, unless you press the brake pedal. This does not seem to be the case. Perhaps I'll search on brickboard.
Take a look at Subaru Forester Turbo-S... It has the same 2.0 turbo-loaded engine as the Impreza. It does 177 bhp and I think it takes pretty good advantage of those 177 too. but do not think it looks very nice though... Just a thought.
Well I have heard very good things about the Cross Country. Although I must say that that shocked me. I just emailed Volvo Canada about that (sent link) and the type R as well.
Hopefully they can come up with some good explanation.
I have seen Cross Country's in snow before and they actually look very strong. They are always blasting around in the middle of snowstorms here it seems. Maybe the problem is just climbing muddy hills?
I must agree that the side paneling can look ugly, but with the right color combination I think it can look fairly good.
OT: New Volvo Cross Country?
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