Item: 2007 Volvo Mk.3 XC70
Rating: 3

Responsive 2.4-litre D5 twin-turbo diesel engine
Comfortable ride
High standard of interior fit and finish

Underwhelming dynamics and body roll when cornering
Light steering lacks precision
Driver’s seat lacks lateral support
3.2-litre petrol engine lacks low-rev torque
Thirsty 3.0-litre T6 turbo petrol engine
Oil consumption for 2007-11 Volvo XC70 3.2

Review: Volvo Mk.3-I XC70 (2007-10)

Overview

Released in December 2007, the Volvo Mk.3 XC70 was a five seat, all-wheel-drive wagon. Manufactured in Torslanda, Sweden, the XC70 range initially consisted of 3.2 and D5 variants, though a new engine was introduced in September 2009 for the latter.

Engines: 3.2, D5244T4 D5 and D5244T10 D5 TTDi

Of the engines,

The 3.2 variants were powered by 3.2-litre inline six cylinder engines that had aluminium-alloy construction, double overhead camshafts, Variable Cam Timing (VCT) and Cam Profile Switching (CPS) for inlet valves, four valves per cylinder, a Variable Intake System (VIS) with two throttle flap valves and a compression ratio of 10.8:1;
For the original D5 variants, the D5244T4 diesel engine had an aluminium cylinder block and heads, a water-cooled variable geometry turbocharger, common-rail direct injection (operating at 1600 bar), double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 17.3:1; and,
Available from November 2009, the D5 TTDi was powered by Volvo’s D5244T10 diesel engine which had a two-stage turbocharger, a new common-rail direct injection system (operating at 1800 bar), piezo-electric injectors, an improved exhaust gas recirculation system and a lower compression ratio (16.5:1).

Dimensions and body

Compared to the Volvo Mk.2 XC70 , the Mk.3 XC70 was 105 mm longer (at 4838 mm), 1 mm wider (1862 mm), 42 mm taller (1604 mm) and had a 54 mm longer wheelbase (2815 mm). The rear load area increased by 55 litres to 575 litres and, with the rear tail-lights moved from the rear pillars to the tailgate, access to the load area was also improved. Furthermore, there was a 46 litre lockable storage area under the floor, while aluminium rails – with adjustable anchorage points – were also fitted to the floor.

Volvo Mk.3-I XC70 specifications
Variant	Editions	Year	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
3.2	N/A, LE	2007-10	3192 cc B6324S petrol I6	6sp auto	175 kW at 6200 rpm	320 Nm at 3200 rpm
3.2	Ocean Race	2008	3192 cc B6324S petrol I6	6sp auto	175 kW at 6200 rpm	320 Nm at 3200 rpm
D5	N/A, LE	2007-09	2400 cc D5244T4 diesel I5	6sp auto	136 kW at 4000 rpm	400 Nm at 2000-2750 rpm
D5	Ocean Race	2008	2400 cc D5244T4 diesel I5	6sp auto	136 kW at 4000 rpm	400 Nm at 2000-2750 rpm
D5 (TTDi)	N/A, LE	2009-10	2400 cc D5244T10 two-stage turbo diesel I5	6sp auto	151 kW at 4000 rpm	420 Nm at 1500-3250 rpm

AWD system

The Volvo XC70 had a Haldex all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. In normal conditions, the system provided a 95:5 front:rear torque split. However, the system’s ‘pre-tensioned’ clutch used a non-return valve within the coupling to immediately provide up to 80 Nm of torque to the rear wheels when sensors detected that it was required, i.e. before wheel slip actually occurred; the system would also provide torque to the rear wheels under acceleration.

When the coupling’s clutch plates were engaged, up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear wheels. The traction control system could also brake a single spinning wheel to transfer power to the wheels with traction, but was disabled under four-wheel braking. The XC70 was also fitted with hill descent control.

Suspension

The Volvo Mk.3 XC70 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. As an extra-cost option, buyers could specify Volvo’s ‘Four-C’ active chassis system which used inputs from sensors to vary damping resistance according to conditions; the driver could also select from Comfort, Sport and Advanced settings.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo XC70 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints, anti-submarining seats and seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters (front and rear).

Volvo’s adaptive cruise control (ACC) and collision warning with automatic braking (CWAB) were optional.

Features

Standard Volvo XC70 features included 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3/WMA-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, dual-zone climate control air conditioning (with pollen filter), leather seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, 40/20/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, power-operated park brake, 12 volt power outlet, cargo cover, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The XC70 LE was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc in-dash CD player, front parking sensors, a power adjustable front passenger seat, front parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, power sunroof, power-operated tailgate, electrochromatic mirror and woodgrain interior trim.

An optional Technology Pack included satellite navigation, bi-xenon headlights and Bluetooth connectivity.

2008 XC70 Ocean Race

Released in November 2008, the Ocean Race was based on the standard editions but added cross-stitched leather upholstery, Ocean Race door panels and tread plate, colour-matched 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, special paint colours (Ocean Blue or Electric Silver), chrome window trim, silver painted roof rails and front and rear skid plates.

Review: Volvo Mk.3-II XC70 (2010-13)