1999 Volvo V70 Review

With each challenge — fast-paced freeway or curvy mountain road, slippery gravel chute or pancake dirt flats — the XC behaved itself with smooth ride sensations but an uncanny agility and quick throttle response. Its lively power and lithe attitude, combined with baked-in safety features and plush interior comforts, produced a soothing sense of confidence for driver and riders.

To create the XC, designers relied heavily on the former Volvo 850, which debuted in 1991 as the first front-wheel-drive car for the Swedish automaker, and the first to exhibit an athletic, even sporty, attitude. The 70-Series models use the 850's chassis, front suspension and brakes, as well as its various five-cylinder engine options.
 
 

The XC difference

The XC wagon uses a front suspension lifted out of the front-wheel-drive 850, with anti-roll bar added to stem lateral sway. But then it departs radically from the standard format: in the rear, a multilink system borrowed from the former 960 rear-drive wagon is in place, with a viscous clutch installed in front of the rear differential to set up Volvo's all-wheel-drive system. In addition, the XC AWD sits 2.0 inches higher than a standard V70 wagon, for 6.5 inches of ground clearance.

As for engines, the 70-Series brings three five-cylinder choices, each linked to a smooth automatic four-speed shifter. The AWD V70 relies strictly on a light-pressure turbo 2.4-liter five-cylinder plant that musters 190 hp. With high torque achieved at relatively low engine speed and typical turbo lag minimized, the powertrain impressed us with its quick surges for passing and quiet demeanor. Volvo says it runs from 0-60 mph in only 8.3 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 127 mph, limited electronically.

With more aggressive styling at nose and tail, the suspension kicked up slightly in height, and stronger roof rails plus bold side moldings added, the XC also looks more off-road-ready than the rest of the V70 lineup, but you’ll never mistake it for a Humvee.
 

Rigged with active safety gear, too

As with all Volvo 70-Series cars, concealed safety assets surround the XC’s passenger compartment, including front and side airbags, steel added to side doors and reinforced B-pillars, crumple zones installed fore and aft, plus features of a lively vehicle capable of quickly maneuvering out from harm's way. Several sophisticated electronic mechanisms govern the active safety features, such as anti-lock brakes and traction and brake distribution controls.

With the latter apparatus, it’s all about grip. About 95 percent of engine torque normally channels to front wheels, but when sensors detect wheel spin, the XC’s traction control redirects power to the set of wheels with better grip. It's a seamless system which functions automatically, so the driver never must make a conscious decision to shift into the four-wheel-drive mode.
 
 

A plush Nordic track

Inside, everything's plush but efficient, from seats and instruments to wood and leather trimmings. The XC provides twin bucket seats separated by a center console and followed behind by a bench for three as well as the rear cargo compartment. Special upholstery — dubbed Arctic Canvass — marks the XC with twill canvas seat and back panels mixed with bolsters of soft leather.

The instruments, in a dash design shared with the C70, consist of easy-to-see analog gauges, while fingertip power control buttons for seats and windows and doors mount on the driver's door for easy access. Optional equipment includes a power sunroof and deluxe sound system, plus outdoor gear like load cross bars.

At $35,995 (not including a $575 destination fee), the V70 XC AWD is a niche vehicle that will appeal to a very precise group of owners. We can imagine families tired of thumping SUV rides clamoring for this vehicle, yet the true SUV fanatics shying away from its delicate on-road demeanor. No matter to Volvo — the XC is extending its brand image, making a true Volvo SUV even easier to imagine. With Ford in charge, can a Volvo-tough 4x4 be far behind?