Video review - 2008 Volvo XC70
We recently completed the full road test of the 2008 Volvo XC70, the latest in a well established lineage of Volvo wagons. This model was tested outside a traditional magazine group, allowing us to provide our expert insights on the XC70 now without waiting to circle the luxury wagons.
The XC70 is now based on the new S80, which results in a longer car and brings the very latest in Volvo's arsenal of safety gear. We bought a typically equipped XC70 for $42,560. While the all-wheel-drive XC70 has a raised ride height and some SUV styling details, it is essentially the same car as the V70 wagon. We found the size and versatility of this wagon appealing and refreshing in a sea of SUVs. A quieter, better finished interior, a ride that's less stiff and more responsive handling than the previous model are welcome. The driving experience, engine performance and fuel economy aren't all that exciting, especially considering the price.
Watch the video to the right, hosted by Senior Automotive Engineer Tom Mutchler.
For the full road test, performance data, and pricing on the Volvo XC70 and any other model we have tested, visit the model overview pages from the pull-down search tools or Ratings charts in the Cars section of ConsumerReports.org. To see other car review videos, visit our video hub.
Posted by: TOM SKROSKI | Mar 7, 2008 9:13:04 PM
I COULDN'T FIND ANY INFO ON THE ZENN ELECTRIC CAR THAT NOW HAS DEALERSHIPS AVAILABLE IN THE US. WILL THERE BE INFO COMING SOON?
Posted by: Jeff Bartlett | Mar 8, 2008 9:16:26 AM
This question is a bit off topic here. We maintain a New Car Preview that provides information on new and upcoming models, including a few electric cars. This can be found linked from the New Cars page (bottom left). We do have a page there on the Zenn.
http://onlocation.consumerreports.org/applications/CROSHOWS/AutoShows/New-Car-Preview/2-Model.asp?ID=524
Posted by: Meghan | Mar 9, 2008 4:00:07 PM
There is a bit of inaccurate information in this review. You do not need to insert the electronic key into the slot to turn on the car. As long as the key is anywhere in the car, you can press the start button and the car will start. I usually never even take it out of my bag, since the car doors also will unlock automatically when I open the door from the outside as long as I have the key on me somewhere. The only time that I do use the electronic key slot is if I am valet parking the car, so it's easy for the valets to find.
Posted by: Tom Mutchler | Mar 10, 2008 11:20:35 AM
Meghan, it sounds like your car has Volvo's optional "Personal Car Communicator" key. That transponder key works exactly as you said; it allows you to leave the key in your pocket/purse when you unlock the doors or start the ignition.
Thing is, the PCC key is a $495 option. (Our car didn't have it.) If you don't buy the option, you're stuck with an annoying ignition system. It's disappointing that you need to spend another $500 on top of the $43,000 that our XC70 costs to get that convenience, especially since a $19,000 Nissan Altima has a keyless start-button ignition/transponder key as standard.
Volvo isn't alone at this. BMW's and Minis also have annoying two-step ignition systems unless you pay $500 more for the "comfort access" option that gets you the transponder key.
By the way, good idea with the valet. I'm sure the advent of these keys has made their jobs a lot harder as customers walk off with the car key in their pocket, making it impossible to restart the car.
Posted by: Constance Pines | Mar 10, 2008 12:47:31 PM
Am very interested in the SmartCar...have any info?
Posted by: David | Mar 10, 2008 1:19:38 PM
The comment about having to pay $500 on Volvo and BMW to get keyless starting reminded me of a CR article on hotels. The expensive hotels usually charge for internet access, whereas internet access is usually free in moderately priced hotels. It's funny how the world works sometime.
In the car business, I feel like the more expensive the German car, the more you pay to get basics. Note I said German cars. Let me give you an example, BMW, MB, Porsche, and Audi, you have to pay (optional equipment) to get a blue or silver car. Generally, black, white, red are "free" colors. On the VW (which owns Audi), silver or blues or any colors are free of charge. I think it is back to the early 20th century "you can have any color you like, so long as it is black" by Henry Ford.