Volvo Xc70 Estate 2004-2007

The Volvo XC70 4x4 is based around Volvo's V70 estate model, but it offers more practicality due to its off road capabilities. The main visual differences between the two are its raised ride height and black bumpers, wheel arches and nose. The all wheel drive system enables it to travel to places that the standard V70 wouldn't be able to travel, making it more versatile, although it well never be a full off roader. It also offer great interior build quality and kit with lots of space on offer and an excellent diesel engine that proves more fuel efficient than the Audi Allroad.

Pros and Cons:

• Better practicality than the V70

• The off road ability is restricted to dirt tracks

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Exterior and Interior

The XC70 is based on the Volvo V70 estate except it comes with extra ground clearance and is made easier to distinguish between the two by the black bumpers, wheel arches and nose. The interior is large and spacious although the space in the back seats is unexpectedly tight with little shoulder and leg room. The seats are exceedingly comfortable and offer good support making even long journeys comfortable. The drivers' seats also come with a wide range of adjustments, as does the front seat passengers, to achieve the perfect seating position. The boot is large and can be increased even further by folding forward the backseats. There is also the added option of putting two extra chairs in the boot for children. The dash and centre console are clear and easy to use with some models coming with a sat-nav that pops up out of the dash. Vehicles with the SE trim are the best choice as they come with more kit than the standard S trim and the SE Lux doesn't add that much extra.

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Engines

In the XC70 there are only two engines available including a petrol and diesel options. The petrol engine comes in the form of a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 210bhp and the diesel is a 2.4-litre producing 185bhp. Both engines come with the option of having either a six speed manual or a five speed automatic.

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Performance and Economy

The 2.4-litre diesel engine is by far the more popular engine as it is not much slower than the petrol going from 0-60mph in just over 9 seconds and has an impressive fuel efficiency of 37mpg. It also comes with lots of low down pulling power making it an excellent towing vehicle. If it's a petrol engine that you want then the 2.5-litre shouldn't let you down with its 210bhp going from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds, but it lacks low pulling power and only manages 27mpg.

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What it's like to Drive

The XC70 comes with the added bonus being able to tackle fields and dirt tracks, something that the V70 wouldn't have been able to, but this comes at a price. The on-road driving experience isn't great with the steering feeling vague, there is lots of body roll in the corners and the ride isn't particularly smooth. It's also worth bearing in mind that it's not a proper off roader and it shouldn't be given anything too demanding.

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Faults and Repairs

There have been two recalls on the XC70 over the years with the first one being in July 2004 over fears that the fuel injector pipes may not have been fitted correctly. The second came a few months later in December 2004 with concerns about potential overheating could lead to a fire in the engine bay. There have been several faults with the suspension and electrics, as well as diesel models suffering from injector problems. The good news though is that compared to its rivals Audi and Subaru the average repair bills are cheaper.

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