2013 Volvo XC70 Review: Performance and Interior Features
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2013 Volvo XC70: Performance and Interior
Volvo is a brand that tends to fly under the radar in the UAE and Gulf regions. This curiosity led us to test the 2013 Volvo XC70 and see how it fares against more marketed competitors. The results were surprisingly impressive.
Performance
First, we need to address a specific point. The exterior of the XC70 resembles a blend between an SUV and a station wagon. We believe that the design could benefit from significant updates. While the exterior does not fully represent the vehicle, Volvo faces tough competition in terms of aesthetics. In fact, they could take some cues from their Korean competitors, like Hyundai, particularly in how they designed the new Hyundai Santa Fe.
Now, let’s get back to driving performance. The XC70 delivers a robust driving experience. This vehicle is quite fast, boasting 340 horsepower and a torque of 440 Newton meters. Much of this performance stems from modifications by Polestar, which means you won’t find the same output in standard versions. The overall fuel consumption is 10.6 liters/100 kilometers, which is commendable for a family vehicle. The XC70 features a 6-cylinder engine with 6-speed transmission for its turbocharged all-wheel drive, earning it high marks for performance. This places it ahead of many other five-seat SUVs in the market.
Interior
Volvo is a distinguished European brand, and this is evident in the interior design. The cabin is high-quality, featuring comfortable seats, excellent sound insulation, and effective technology, creating a strong overall package. Notably, there are:
- 3 power outlets
- USB connection
- Bluetooth technology
- High-quality audio system
The "blind spot information" system, or what they refer to as "Plus," is very effective. Unfortunately, it lacks a sunroof, which is a common feature in most SUVs today. Additionally, there are no rear cooling vents, which is also expected in many SUVs.
However, they do boast good safety mechanisms such as automatic braking, side airbags, and alarms. In terms of safety features, this vehicle is among the best in its class.
The cargo space is larger than most five-seat SUVs, especially when the rear seats are folded down. Since the vehicle is long, there are no issues with legroom. Other notable features include:
- Roof rails
- Grocery bag holders
- Removable sections
These convenient additions make it enjoyable for long trips, such as from Dubai to Salalah or from Jeddah to Riyadh.
Conclusion
In our view, Volvo needs to find a more appealing design for the XC70 model and add some additional comfort features to the interior. We give it full marks for performance, quality, and safety mechanisms. However, this excellence comes at a price, as the full-option model is priced at 189,900 AED.
