Volvo XC70 Review
Published: 20th January 2009
Volvo XC70
In Car Entertainment and Satellite Navigation
As standard, the Volvo XC70 comes with the 'High Performance' audio system which is rather good, it features eight speakers and can output 160-watts. Audiophiles can opt for the top-of-the-range Dynaudio Premium Sound audio system (£1000 option). It uses an Alpine digital 5x130-watt amplifier, Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround and 12 speakers from renowned Danish speaker manufacturer Dynaudio. It's a 5.1 channel system that provides a true stereo effect. Thanks to the digital amplifier, the system automatically adjusts both volume and tone to compensate for outside noise. The amplifier has a very high damping factor, thanks to the ICE Power technology from Danish hi-fi expert Bang & Olufsen.
Our Volvo XC70 test car was fitted with Volvo's RTI Satellite Navigation System which glides out of the dashboard into the perfect line of vision. It now uses a hard disk drive to store detailed UK and European maps. You can use full postcodes to enter your destination. It is much quicker in operation than DVD based systems. The colour TFT screen gently rises up from the dashboard when in use and hides away when not in operation. You can control the system either from a remote control with the aid of a passenger or use the controls that are replicated on the back of the steering wheel. The navigation system is integrated with the RDS-TMC networks which keeps an eye on prevailing traffic conditions along your navigated route and can be automatically set to avoid road works and accidents, so that you are not delayed.
Rivals
Audi A4 allroad quattro, Jaguar X-Type Estate, Subaru Legacy Sports Tourer
What We Liked
- Overall package and driving experience
- Safety equipment
- Satellite Navigation System and telematics system
- Exterior & interior styling
- Simplicity with Sophistication
- Geartronic transmission
What We Disliked
- Noisy diesel engine
What We'd Like To See
- A quieter diesel engine or more interior sound proofing
- The handling could be a little bit more dynamic
/ 