Model Overview:
2003 Volvo XC70
Designed for families and individuals who don't want to
sacrifice driving pleasure to get the freedom of high functionality
they desire, the XC70 embodies all that has made Volvo the world-wide
leader in premium wagons and more. The XC70 combines unparalleled flexibility,
longevity, comfort and handling without compromising Volvo's long tradition
of quality, advanced safety design and durability. Previously known
as the Cross Country, the XC70 was perhaps the first true luxury crossover
vehicle. It's burly good looks and all-weather capability reinvented
the way people looked at wagons. Designed from the beginning to appeal
to the rugged individual in all of us the Volvo XC70 is a perfect fit
for those seeking the ultimate active-lifestyle vehicle.
This year the XC70 receives a wide array of performance
and luxury enhancements including a new, more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged
engine. Also found in the all-new Volvo XC90 sport-utility vehicle,
this engine produces 208 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a stout 236 lb.-ft.
of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. Teamed with this new engine is a
standard 5-speed Geartronic transmission that allows either fully automatic
or driver selectable gear changes.
Mating perfectly with the new engine for 2003 is the advanced
Haldex all-wheel-drive system, which replaces the last year's viscous
coupled all-wheel-drive unit. The electronically controlled Haldex system
reacts extremely quickly to wheel slip, routing power to the wheels
with greater traction almost instantaneously, just one-seventh of a
wheel rotation to be exact. Additionally, there is no need for the driver
to worry about engaging the system. It’s all done automatically
and seamlessly. Of course ABS braking, 4-wheel independent suspension
and responsive rack and pinion steering are all standard. This year
the Volvo XC70 gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and single disc
in-dash CD audio system as standard equipment as well.
Well-equipped option packages have always been popular
with Volvo shoppers, and 2003 will be no different. The Climate Package,
previously known as the Cold Weather Package, is standard this year
on the XC70 and features new Rainsensor windshield wipers. When activated,
a sensor detects the amount of water on the windscreen and automatically
adjusts wiper speed to effectively keep the glass free of water buildup.
Behind the wheel of the XC70 it becomes immediately evident
that, along with everything else, this is an adventure driver's car.
Large, distinct and handsome analog gauges and instruments offer quick
and easy access to information. Controls lie within a natural and comfortable
range of hands and fingers. Switches welcome contact with large recessed
surfaces and reassuringly "snick" with the gentle urging of
a finger. Seating surfaces covered in rich fabric or supple hides provide
a luxurious feel and visual appeal to Volvo's renowned body pleasing
upholstery construction. Materials of the highest quality are evident
throughout the V70 interior. The two-position, split 60/40-fold down
rear seats, fold down front passenger seat and up to 71.4 cu. ft. of
carpeted cargo area allow for maximum flexibility. Opt for the XC70's
Versatility Package and seating capacity jumps to seven with the two
rear facing seats. Should the need arise they may quickly be folded
beneath the cargo area's floor to carry large objects.
The safest wagons ever built by Volvo, both the XC70
and the V70 benefit from a comprehensive array of safety features including
standard Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and
Inflatable Curtain (IC), Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS),
seat belts with pyrotechnic pretensioners in all seating positions,
dual-stage front airbags (SRS), Volvo's safety cage construction and
the ISO-FIX attachment for rearward-facing child safety seats.
The XC70 advances the commitment of Volvo Car Corporation
to mitigate the impact of automobiles on the environment. In addition
to the PremAir™ radiator that converts up to 75 percent of the
ground level ozone it encounters into oxygen and the use of Oko-Tex
certified materials inside the car, all Volvo XC70s come with an Environmental
Product Declaration, a cradle-to-grave report on the environmental management
measures taken by the company in the design, manufacture, use and subsequent
recycling of the car.
XC70
Buyers
Primarily married (about 88 percent), with young children
and maybe with a pooch or two, XC70 buyers are quintessential Volvo
devotees. They are well educated and value family and friends. Fully
72 percent of XC70 owners earn a household income of around $100,000.
Principal driver is split 40 percent men, 60 percent women.
Competitive
Group
Volvo wagon buyers are not ones to cross-shop. They know
what to expect from their Volvo wagon and they get it. Other wagons
within the premium segment are the BMW 528, Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic,
Audi A6 Avant, Audi all-road quattro and the Saab 9-5 wagon.