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2008 Volvo XC70 Preview
Oct 16 2007 by Kristin Varela
10/16/2007
Volvo Forgets Metro in Favor of Retro Wagon
The days of pretty-boy metrosexuals are winding down, as the trend now is swinging toward retrosexual: Big, burly, manly men with full beards and chest hair, carrying around axes to chop down rogue redwood trees. The Volvo XC70's looks are much more retro — it's a big boxy station wagon, echoing Volvo's heritage — with amazing features that are high-tech and impressively metro.
Since this is Mother Proof, let's get right down to the good stuff. The most impressive feature on this car is Volvo's new dual-stage built-in booster seats. These seats (located in the two outboard seating spots) are invisible when not in use but pop up in both positions to custom fit your quickly growing children. Despite this pro, the safety-obsessed Swedes still haven't improved access to the Latch connectors. How many more times do we have to bash this before something gets done? You're Volvo, for crying out loud! You're smart enough to know better.
Other cool features coming out on the new XC70 include a lane departure warning system, Volvo's Blind Spot Information System and adaptive cruise control, which keeps a set distance between you and the car in front of you. Particularly metro is the Collision Warning System with auto brake. This system warns drivers of potential collisions before they happen, and in the event of an imminent crash it brakes the car slightly to decrease the force of the impact. Hill Descent Control keeps the XC70 at a steady 6 mph on super-steep downslopes — it even works in reverse.
I also love the system that warns drowsy drivers to stop for a break. It even flashes a cheeky, steaming coffee cup in the center dash along with an audible warning tone. I could use this system on a daily basis at home to alert my children to my state of mind. Warning! Warning! Do not approach Mommy before 6:30 a.m. MST! Supply caffeine. Now!
Based on my quick first impression, the new 2008 Volvo XC70 won't disappoint, assuming you can get over your lust for those sleek, feminine metro crossovers and step into a burly Swedish station wagon named Jorgen that's not afraid to speak its mind. Can't you just see the XC70 shouting from a mountaintop in Gothenburg, "Ya, I'm a station vagon. If you've got a problem vith zat, send your vussy crossover up za mountain for some aquavit!"
User Comments
Ya, the 2008 XC70 looks a whole lot nicer than the old version. Check out http://www.netcarshow.com/ for some great pics of the actual 2008.
Why is the picture of 2007 XC70 and not the 2008. Ugly white surrounds of front fog lights and rear lower tail lights make 08 model stand out—front of new model looks great except for these super ugly white circles. They are the ugliest front addition since Pontiac Aztek of a few years ago.