Volvo XC70 News

Volvo has officially revealed its reborn XC70 which is now a higher-riding plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV than the lifted wagon it once was.

The new Volvo XC70 has been leaked in homologation filings submitted in China, which show the reborn model will be sold exclusively as a plug-in hybrid SUV.

Volvo is following the recent trend of carmakers reviving previous nameplates as higher-riding SUVs, and the latest is the XC70.The new Volvo XC70 has been globally revealed and is set to launch in China later this year.At this stage it’s unclear if it will launch in Australia, though the brand has said it’s exploring potential additional markets “at a later stage”.This new Volvo model slots above the XC60 as a slightly larger and more spacious mid-size SUV offering, but still sits beneath the large XC90.It’s built on Volvo’s 'Scalable Product Architecture' (SPA) platform, like the XC60, XC90, S60, and S90, among others.Volvo dubs the XC70 its first “extended-range plug-in hybrid”.While the Swedish-Chinese carmaker hasn’t fully detailed the car’s powertrain, it claims it can travel up to 200km on electric power alone, according to relatively lenient CLTC testing.Accompanying the reveal is a handful of images showing the XC70’s exterior, with Volvo noting more details will be provided in the coming months.At the front the XC70 has a shield-like closed grille similar to the brand’s electric models, and features an active grille shutter.There is also the classic 'Thor’s Hammer' headlight design which features matrix LED technology. This allows the headlights to stay on high-beam for as long as possible, as it can dip certain portions of the beam when it detects oncoming lights oncoming or tail-lights ahead.The XC70’s side profile is distinctly SUV-like, and around the back there are vertical C-shaped tail-lights integrated into the rear window.Volvo is far from the first carmaker to revive nameplates previously used on spacious wagons or people movers, and relaunch them as SUVs.Recent examples include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, among others.The Volvo XC70 nameplate originated as a high-riding and more off-road-focused version of the V70 wagon, much like the Subaru Outback.Initially called the V70 XC, the XC70 name was introduced in 2003 to align with the newly introduced XC90.It was sold in Australia all the way up to 2016 when the model was retired globally.

American automotive website Edmunds.com has named its top 10 pet-friendly cars.We're talking about inside safety here, not out. The respected website has identified 10 SUVs, minivans, hatchbacks and wagons that offer the most safety and comfort for everyone's favorite furry friends."Not only are these vehicles safe for pets, but they also offer a certain measure of convenience for pet owners," said Edmunds' Warren Clarke.Unfortunately only seven of the top 10 vehicles are available here:Dodge JourneyAvailable features include an in-dash cooler that can be used to store beverages, medicine or pet food.Price: from $38,350Engine: 3.6-litre V6, 206kW/342NmTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 10.4L/100kmSee other Dodge Journey verdictsHyundai ix35This Hyundai offers privacy glass that helps block the strong rays of the sun.Price: from $26,990Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 122kW/197NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automaticThirst: 8.5L/100kmSee other Hyundai ix35 verdictsJeep CherokeeThe Jeep brand offers specialised pet travel gear, including crates, carriers and a ramp.Price: from $28,000Engine: 3.7-litre V6, 151kW/314NmTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 12.4L/100kmSee other Jeep Cherokee verdictsKia SoulThe Soul comes standard with side curtain airbags that can keep both two-legged and four-legged passengers safe in the event of a collision.Price: from $21,490Engine: 1.6-litre 4-clylinder, 95kW/157NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automaticThirst: 6.5L/100kmSee other Kia Soul verdictsMitsubishi OutlanderThe SUV also boasts fold-flat seating and stowable third-row seats - both of which increase the amount of room available for larger pets.Price: from $28,990Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 110kW/190NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automaticThirst: 7.0L/100kmSee other Mitsubishi Outlander verdictsSubaru TribecaPet owners will appreciate the Tribeca's five-star crash test scores, steering-wheel-mounted auxiliary controls and rear back-up camera.Price: from $54,990Engine: 3.6-litre 6-cylinder, 190kW/350NmTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 11.6L/100kmSee other Subaru Tribeca verdictsVolvo XC70The XC70 is available with a Volvo-designed pet barrier, created to remain intact during a collision.Price: from $62,990Engine: 3.2-litre 6-cylinder, 179kW/320NmTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 10.6L/100kmSee other Volvo XC70 verdicts

Echoing the design path of the Volvo XC70, Subaru Outback and Skoda Octavia Scout, the world number two manufacturer launches its Volkswagen Passat Alltrack mid-2012 as a versatile wagon that's also a competent soft-roader.VW says Alltrack is aimed at broadening the customer base of the popular Passat wagon. It's built on the all-wheel drive platform which gives it flexibility in varying road conditions.A VW spokesman said "There's no doubt there's a market for this type of vehicle. Volkswagen sees buyer interest there and just wants a bit of the action." For us, offering it with a diesel engine and DSG auto transmission gives it an edge that some rivals can't match."Alltrack made its international debut at the recent Tokyo motor show. It is based on the same AWD platform as the existing Passat 4Motion V6-engined wagon.That includes the latest Haldex AWD system now used in the Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. The Passat 4Motion is designed for on-road applications with its drive system the best way of putting 220kW to the ground.In the Alltrack, the focus is on all-road applications. It is expected that the Alltrack will use a 2.0-litre, 125kW turbo-diesel engine. Pricing will be unveiled closer to the launch date but it will be cheaper than the $57,990 of the Passat 4Motion wagon and more than the existing front-drive $45,990 2.0-litre diesel version.Volkswagen may be keen to match it up against the Subaru Outback diesel (from $40,990 as a manual only) and its own Skoda Octavia Scout diesel auto that costs from $39,990. The Volvo XC70 diesel auto is from $63,450.

And the car industry is not immune from being saddled with these potentially damaging problems.Apart from Ford's recent problems with brake hoses and brake booster valves on E-Gas Falcons the other ‘big two’ carmakers have had their fair share of recalls.Holden has had five recalls for its VE Commodore and Statesman range since its introduction in 2006, involving things like fuel vapor lines, fuel lines and defective valves on LPG cars.ToyotaToyota had a range of recalls for its Camry, HiLux, RAV4, Yaris and LandCruiser over the past three years. Most, like a headlight dimmer switch on a Camry, have been minor. Others, like the potential fire hazard stemming from a poorly installed insulator pad on a Yaris, raised alarm bells among some customers.NissanLast week Nissan was forced to recall 11,743 Maximas and 4972 Muranos because of a vibrating air intake in the engine bay.AudiEven the luxury German brands are not immune. Last year Audi had to recall its TT for a piece of rear side trim in its cars that unless fixed, could potentially injure passengers.Mercedes-Benz This year Mercedes-Benz has recalled its M-Class off-roader for a possible glitch in its electric rear hatch. It was also forced to recall S-Class sedans fitted with active body control because of problems with the front lower ball joints on its suspension. On some high-mileage vehicles, the front suspension could fracture on rough roads. Faulty left and right windows in the Viano van also required the replacement.BMWOf the German carmakers, BMW has fared better. It has not had a official government recall since 2006.Volvo Volvo has had three recalls this year of its S80, XC70, V70 and new XC60 for engine cooling fan problems and windscreen wiper problems with the S80 and XC70.JaguarJaguar, once widely ridiculed for its poor quality cars, has come a long way over the past few years. Jaguars these days have no less, or no more, problems with recalls than some of the other luxury brands. Last year it experienced some minor problems with the XF range involving wiring and rear seatbelts.In all cases, recalls by carmakers are handled quickly and responsibly. If you want to check out whether your vehicle has had a recall, go to www.recalls.gov.au

With images of the heaving seas and elegant, minimalist ocean-going yachts, Volvo is launching two special versions of the XC70 and XC90 models to celebrate the staging of the 2008/2009 Volvo Ocean Race. Honouring a race that will take competitors on an eight-month extreme adventure covering 37,025 nautical miles and visiting ports including Cochin in India, Galway in Ireland and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the limited edition Volvo Ocean Race XC70 and XC90 models capture the spirit with materials that echo those used in the magnificent vessels that compete in the event. The stitching on the upholstery traces its roots to sail making. The aluminium detailing on the mats resemble clews, and the design of the unique wheels has been inspired by the movement of the ocean's waves, says Lennart Stegland, president of the special vehicles division at Volvo Cars. The Volvo Ocean Race XC70 embraces 3.2 and 3.2 LE models, as well as D5 and D5 LE, while the XC90 Volvo Ocean Race includes 3.2, D5 and V8 models. Both models will be offered in a choice of two exclusive Volvo Ocean Race colours: Ocean Blue or Electric Silver. The Volvo Ocean Race XC90 model uses unique-design, six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels in Silver stone/Diamond cut with Ocean Blue body finish, or Light grey/Diamond cut with Electric Silver finish. The XC90s bright chrome outer air intake, side window trims and tailgate mouldings are compli-mented by silver-painted aluminium roof rails, while alloy-look front and rear skid plates emphasize the adventurous nature of the car. Inside, the XC90 Ocean Race model's leather seats, in Soft Beige or Off Black, utilise special cross-stitching and are complimented by unique door panels, along with brushed aluminium inlays in the glove compartment, rear tunnel and centre console. The XC70 Ocean Race features unique 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, colour-matched like the XC90 Ocean Race with Ocean Blue or Electric Silver external finish. Exterior highlights on the XC70 include bright chrome side window trims, silver painted aluminium roof rails and front and rear skid plates. The XC70 Ocean Race interior also features cross-stitched leather upholstery in Soft Beige or Off Black, unique Ocean Race door panels and tread plate, and a cross-stitched luggage area cover with a brushed-aluminium cassette bearing the VOR emblem. Both XC90 and XC70 Ocean Race models also feature special VOR badging on the front guards. Pricing XC70 3.2 VOR - $61,200 XC70 D5 VOR - $63,200 XC90 3.2 VOR - $73,200 XC90 D5 VOR - $76,200 XC90 V8 VOR - $89,200  

Within three years, production-line workers will build cars with names they can't pronounce.It's nothing new but when the Russians start pumping out Mitsubishis and Peugeots and Citroens, it is another step in the process that sees car makers move out of their backyard and onto foreign soil.The reasons are cheap.Picking a developing country with available employment, low yet aspiring standards of living and government incentives such as free land and tax breaks is the financial equivalent of a Stephanie Rice wall poster.And there's no reason to feel shy about deserting the homeland in search of reduced manufacturing costs even if Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking is scathing of the practice — though the Cayenne body is made in Slovakia — and says so in his new (only) book “Don't Follow The Crowd”.Look around.You probably know it because you're on the carsguide.com.au site, but most car owners haven't a clue where their metallic ego in the driveway was born.The Honda Accord and Jazz are from Thailand, the Volkswagen Caddy in Poland, the Suzuki APU (named after the 24-hour shop owner in The Simpsons?) van in Indonesia, the Chrysler Grand Cherokee in Austria — on the same line as the BMW X3, no less — the Volvo XC70 in Belgium and the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus hatch and BMW 3-Series four-cylinder models in South Africa.As these countries grow richer on their ability to make cars cheaper for the world, so their prices — of labour and taxes and energy — will rise.Are there any countries left that have even lower costs that car makers can exploit? While you sift through the Atlas (get a current one, some countries and borders have changed in the past decade) let me tell you about one that has it all.And only recently is word out that this could be the next big think in car manufacture.Unlike Russia or Thailand or Slovakia, this country has English as its predominant language.It has an able workforce and rising unemployment.Its needs are many because the country has high consumer goods consumption.Yet the workforce — perhaps through desperation — can be turned to receive a modest wage.There are tax breaks and land going on offer throughout the country, most close to the ocean or rivers for easy transportation of raw materials and finished product.The icing on the cake is that it has existing infrastructure to support car assembly.The country is the USA.Now the focus turns from outward looking to the manufacturing equivalent of navel gazing.Now European countries have seen a weakened USA become ripe for domestic manufacture.The US dollar is so weak that it makes importing European cars too expensive.Far better to look at camping on US soil, in the way a cuckoo camps in another nest to exploit its personal needs.While General Motors seeks manufacturing in China, Volkswagen is looking at the USA.Volkswagen is not alone, European suppliers are also sniffing out what the USA can offer.The tide has unexpectedly changed and perhaps the only hindrance will be a revival in the US economy.Preoccupied with the 'war with no end' in the Middle East, the US is poised to become the world's next big car factory.Who would have thought that possible?

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March. 

The car company with safety tattooed on every model it makes is changing direction.Volvo has been focused on passive safety systems — the seat belts, airbags, crumple zones and other technologies that protect you — as a core belief since it produced its first laminated windscreen.Now it is looking at ways to prevent crashes.The Swedish company is increasingly turning its attention to active safety systems, looking at big-brother electronics that will help you avoid hitting other cars and pedestrians.They will steer you back into your lane if you wander, warn you if your driving is becoming erratic and let you know of dangers still out of sight.“Though Volvo is world-renowned for its passive safety systems, we're still constantly developing the safety of our vehicles, particularly in active safety,” Volvo Cars Australia public affairs manager Laurissa Mirabelli says.“Though manufacturers have been working on active safety systems for a number of years, active safety hasn't really been on the public agenda until recently. The traditional focus was on passive safety such as airbags, seat belts, stronger passenger cells — all the things that protect you if you crash.“But with the active safety systems we have in development, we can move another step towards the ultimate goal: preventing avoidable crashes.”Volvo is not alone. Companies including Mercedes-Benz, which is probably the world's safest brand, and a group of others are all making a greater effort on passive safety.Renault has stability control on everything it makes, and a growing number of carmakers, including Mitsubishi with its latest Lancer, are making this lifesaving system standard.But Volvo is going further and now has a system called Collision Warning with Auto Brake that detects vehicle-to-vehicle crash risks, already seen here in the XC70 soft-roader.It is being further developed to identify pedestrians with wide-angle radar that sweeps the area to the front and around the car.Like a car-to-car collision-avoidance system, which is intended to prevent rear-end crashes, the pedestrian-sensing technology will give audible and visual alerts, pre-charge the brakes and then start to apply them, increasing the hydraulic pressure as needed to assist panic braking.If the driver doesn't start braking and collision is imminent, the car's brakes are activated automatically.The automatic braking can reduce the car's speed by about 30km/h, which means that in certain situations a collision won't be completely avoided.Another technology being developed is Volvo's Lane Departure Warning system, which sounds an alarm if you stray across the lane markers without having used your indicators.Volvo is working on a more advanced version called Collision Avoidance by Auto Steering.It will use cameras and increased radar capability to automatically pilot you back into your lane.The company is conducting tests to determine the appropriate amounts of steering intervention and speed range the system will be able to operate within.Volvo's radar-based City Safe system is designed to avoid low-speed collisions, such as rear-enders at roundabouts, when the car in front fails to move with the traffic.At speeds of up to 30km/h, the technology senses speed differences of up to 15km/h between your car and the one in front and applies the brakes to slow you or bring you to a stop.Meanwhile, Driver Alert Control uses cameras to monitor your vehicle's movement between lane markings, sounding an alarm and flashing a “cuppa” symbol on the instrument display if your driving pattern becomes erratic.And, like Mercedes-Benz and other companies, Volvo is also researching car-to-car communication that warns drivers of dangers well ahead of them.For example, your car could pick up the information that another car around the next corner has just slammed on the brakes, allowing you more time to slow down and prepare to brake if necessary.Volvo has several test vehicles already communicating with each other, but says a global system would need a standard language so all vehicles — no matter what make or model — can talk to each other.But while the inter-car communication could take up to a decade to develop, the other technologies will be here within the next few years, Mirabelli says.“The city-safe, pedestrian-avoidance and driver-alert systems will be here in the next couple of years, with the lane-correcting auto-steering not far behind,” she says.“As for the car communication system, it depends on how soon all the car manufacturers can get together with a single communication platform. It will depend on finding that common language, so we are unlikely to see the technology on cars before 2015. It's just a matter of finding common ground.”