Volvo XC70 (07 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 14 July 2011
If you're after the added security and traction of four-wheel drive, but don't want a large off-roader, then the XC70 is an ideal compromise. It is essential the V70 estate, but with extra ground clearance, added body protection such as larger bumpers and (on the majority of models) an all-wheel drive system. This makes it ideal if you live in a rural area or regularly have to tow trailers or caravans. It's also very capable in snow and ice. Like the V70, it's well-built with a spacious and classy interior, while the load area is usefully large. There's a good choice of strong engines including the D5 diesel while a front-wheel drive low-emission version badged DRIVe was introduced in mid-2009.
4 out of 5

Other Volvo reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

The XC70 isn't cheap to buy new, but it is very well equipped. It will depreciate very slowly - expect diesel versions to be worth close to half of what it cost new after three years. Low-emissions DRIVe models with two-wheel drive are capable of a useful 47mpg, but only have front-wheel drive. Servicing won't be inexpensive at Volvo dealers, but it should go two years or 18,000 miles between visits to the dealer.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£2,360 - £2,557 *

Diesel

£1,257 - £1,885 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Two years/18,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£135.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
    144
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
    272

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

For those who suffer with a guilty conscience for choosing a car built for off-road work, Volvo offers a front wheel-drive version badged DRIVe, that offers much of the sure-footed on-road behaviour and the raised driving position of four-wheel drive versions. The benefit is CO2 emissions of 159g/km - remarkable for a car of this size boasting 175bhp. Emissions for other versions are more in line with what you'd expect for an estate car-based all-road vehicle.

Find the exact engine and CO2