Used Volvo XC70 Inspires SUV Detractors

The used Volvo XC70 is the best sports-utility vehicle for those who do not want to own a sports-utility vehicle (SUV). This type of four-wheel-drive machinery can be monstrously large, ferociously expensive, and less practical in town than a Sherman tank. The XC70 overcomes some of these shortcomings by marrying a traditional estate car with a traction loving 4x4.

The Volvo XC70 is essentially a V70 estate with a larger ego. It is distinguishable from its middle class sibling as it has higher ground clearance, vulgar body mouldings to protect the paint off-road, and is available with four-wheel-drive. This latter system generally only sends power to the front wheels, but shoots a load of extra torque to the rear wheels when conditions become slippery.

These characteristics make the XC70 surprisingly capable off-road.

Okay, it will struggle compared to a standard SUV such as the Discovery, but its abilities make it an appealing choice for negotiating slippery country lanes and boggy fields. The downside is the XC70 is not as good on-road as the standard V70. There is more body roll and the steering feels slightly disconnected.

This second generation XC70, which was introduced in 2007, is available with a range of capable engines. The 3.0-litre and 3.2-litre petrols only average 24mpg, so the economical diesels are far more popular. These include the 2.4-litre 174bhp variant which reaches 60mph in 9.3 seconds, and returns a highly respectable combined average of 47mpg. Further XC70 qualities include its excellent build quality, vast storage space, beautifully appointed interiors, and impressive gadgetry such as the hill descent control system. Motoring.co.uk's used car database reveals the used Volvo XC70 is available with 'buy safe' sellers from £26,000.

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk

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