It was ten years ago that Volvo launched its first crossover wagon in America. The XC has been quite successful and this fall the third-generation XC70 will hit the showrooms. Still capable of continuing on when the road ends, this new XC70 gets new styling as well as a higher level of luxury.

The 2008 XC70 made its world debut in Geneva last month alongside the V70 wagon, however the V70 won’t be coming to America just yet.

"We had a winning concept from the very outset and we have continuously refined it," says Fredrik Arp, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corp. "The all-new XC70 maintains its tough, capable attitude while at the same time growing more comfortable. Additionally, our design team has given the vehicle a more elegant, more luxurious look."

Exterior Look

The XC70 takes on the latest Volvo style, with many design cues coming from the new S80. While it is still built for the family as one of the safest vehicles on the road, the XC70 features a powerful stance with the appearance of being ready to head off the pavement with its increased ground clearance and protective cladding round the lower regions of the car.

At the rear, the taillights seem to stretch to the outside edges, giving the new wagon a wide stance. In a styling cue taken from the XC60 concept car shown at the Detroit show, the Volvo brand on the tailgate is more pronounced with large letters widely spaced across the rear.

Interior and Engines

Inside, Volvo has brought the level of luxury up a notch, featuring a high-end audio system, some of the most comfortable seats in the industry, and the slim center stack, which has become a trademark of Volvo cars. 

Under the hood there has also been an addition—XC70 will be available for the first time with a 6-cylinder engine. The normally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six puts out 238 horsepower.

While the XC70 boasts increased luxury and capabilities, it hasn’t lost the utility typically associated with a wagon. Cargo space has been increased over the current generation, and the rear seat easily folds, with a 40/20/40 split. An innovative hook and track system in the cargo area along with a flexible cargo net provide an easy way to secure loads. 

Of course, you can't talk about a new Volvo without mentioning safety innovations, and this new wagon has plenty. Some examples include integrated booster seats in the outward rear seats; Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which tells the driver if there is a vehicle in his or her blind spot; Collision Warning with Brake Support which can help drivers to avoid potential rear-end collisions; and a number of advanced braking functions.

Meanwhile, Volvo announced pricing for the upcoming C30. The sporty hatchback will start at a retail price of $23,395 (including destination charge) for the 1.0 and $26,395 for the better-equipped 2.0. Both versions will sport Volvo’s 227-horsepower turbocharged 5-cylinder engine when it goes on sale later this year.