The 2012 Volvo XC70 is a luxury station wagon that is essentially larger version of the XC60 SUV. The car offers traditional Volvo reliability and safety, which will probably appeal to those who want a solid family car with plenty of cargo space.
It comes at a lower price with many additional features as standard and matches the 2012 Volvo XC70 in many key areas.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Wagon | Base Price: $33,450.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70L) | MPG: 19 city / 25 hwy |
| Length: 190.5 in. (483.8 cm) | Wheel Base: 110 in. (279.4 cm) |
| Height: 63.1 in. (160.2 cm) | Width: 73.3 in. (186.1 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4147 lbs (1881 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.3 in. (21 cm) |
| Cargo Capacity: 33.3 cu ft w/ all seats | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 24 Valve Inline-6 DOHC | Displacement: 3.2 Liter |
| Horsepower: 240 HP | Max RPM: 6200 RPM |
| Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 3300 lbs (1497 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:T6 AWD | MSRP: $40,100; MPG: 17 city / 23 hwy |
Performance
The car is available with a 3.2-liter V6 engine that can produce 243 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque. Fuel consumption with this engine, when combined with front wheel drive only, is rated at 19 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg in highway driving. Opting for all wheel drive brings the figure down by 1 mpg.
The car can be fitted with an optional 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 engine that is capable of delivering 304 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet of torque, and will set you back an extra $6,000. The turbocharged engine is heaver on gas and will give you 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the open road.
Exterior
In appearance, the 2012 XC70 is unmistakably a Volvo when looked at from the side or the rear. Streamlining and modern design at the front of the car are less obviously Volvo, and without the company’s badge and angled line logo at the front, the car might be mistaken for a product of a traditionally more stylish manufacturer.
Interior
The interior styling is modern and fresh without being breathtaking. It is clear that function takes precedence over appearance.
Fitted as standard with the XC70 are satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control (dual zone), cruise control, and the driver’s seat is electrically powered. Unusually for a luxury car, a navigation system is not available as standard, but can be purchased as an option.
The XC70 is a 5-seater car, but in truth, three normal-sized adults in the rear would find it uncomfortable on all but the shortest journeys.
The rear seats and the front passenger seat can be folded flat to provide an exceptionally large cargo space. There is a comprehensive cargo management system that includes perfectly placed ties and bars to safely secure all types of loads.
Safety
The car is fitted as standard with a host of safety features. These include front, side and rear airbags. The car is also fitted with an electronic stability control, traction control and 4-wheel anti-lock braking system.
Optional safety extras include integrated child booster seats for the rear, blind spot monitoring, an adaptive cruise control system using radar, a lane departure alarm system, and a system that monitors the driver’s performance and produces an alert when driver fatigue is detected.
Reliability
Volvo’s warranties are among the best in the business, so it’s no surprise that top-class packages at little or no cost cover the 2012 Volvo XC70. There are 5-year protective warranties available for many aspects of the car and its components, including scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance, as well as a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Slightly lower in price, the Audi A3 Avant (MSRP $27,270; 21 city / 30 hwy), the Acura TSX Sport Wagon (MSRP $31,360; 22 city / 30 hwy), and the Saab 9-3 (MSRP $30,330; 21 city / 31 hwy) are some of the other wagons the XC70, the only inline 6, can be compared to.
Overall Rating
75 out of 100
What others say:
“Exceptional seat comfort; numerous safety features; available integrated rear booster seats; ample cargo capacity; potent turbocharged engine…Unimpressive handling; so-so fuel economy; disappointing braking distances.” Edmunds
“The 2012 Volvo XC70 crossover offers safety and wagon-based practicality; it’s a useful alternative to taller, blockier crossovers and sport-utility vehicles.”Car Connection
“Compared with SUVs, as is Volvo’s pretense, the XC70 is nimble and nearly sporty. Compared to traditional station wagons, XC70 has slightly less communicative steering and marginally more lean in corners.”Consumer Guide
“The XC70 is a wagon with a raised ride height. It features many of Volvo’s safety features, including a blind-spot warning system that works well.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“If you desire the cargo space to haul the toys of your active lifestyle and the ability to travel almost any road with them, but don’t want a big and bulky SUV, the XC70 is a premium alternative.”KBB
