SAN FRANCISCO:
When AutoWire.Net asks people about luxury cars, most will name off the typical
nameplates. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, or maybe Infiniti and Acura. Some people might go on and
on about Cadillac, or even Lincoln. But few people we know talk about Volvo. And that is
truly unfortunate.
Not only does Volvo have the safest vehicles on the road, they also are affordable and
full of luxury amenities. Take the Volvo V70 XC AWD wagon. That means the Cross Country
all-wheel drive version of Volvo's hot little station wagon series. It was added to the
Volvo wagon lineup in 1998, and in the middle of 2000, the XC received a complete
makeover. It reminds us of the Subaru Outback – only more rugged and more expensive.
But if you look at the Cross Country for what it is – a tough station wagon that
acts like an SUV, but with plenty of luxury – then you see that comparing the XC to a
Subaru probably is an under statement. With the back seat down, cargo capacity expands to
a whopping 71 cubic feet. It also has 8.2 inches of ground clearance, which is more than
some sport utility vehicles that call themselves off-road trucks. Traction control plus a
specially tuned suspension supplies even more off-road capabilities for this wagon.
The Cross Country also looks different on the outside, and is outfitted with unique
body-side cladding, fog lamps, roof rails and a distinct grille and bumpers. Inside, this
XC test wagon was equipped with Volvo's navigation system. On sunny days, it's a little
hard to see the screen, which pops up from the middle of the top part of the dash. But
still is very useful when you need help in locating a destination in an area your not
familiar with.
Of course, I was way impressed with the safety features inside the Cross Country –
the whiplash protection seats, inflatable curtain, front and side airbags. It even has an
Iso-Fix child safety seat. I guess I was just a bit surprised by the price.
The test XC topped off at nearly $43,000. Now, I know there are plenty of luxury wagons
out there in the same price range, but this is a Volvo. The S40 and S60 – quality
sports sedans with plenty of amenities – are both reasonably priced. What's up with
Cross Country?
I guess when you tap into a market that cries for something different than the same old
SUV, but provides the same utility and capabilities, you can charge a premium price. And
if Volvo continues to roll out good-looking sedans like the S models and rugged wagons
like the Cross Country, Volvo might be one of the first names mentioned when AutoWire.Net
asks about luxury car lineups. And, as they say, at $43 Grand, you get what you pay for. A
super luxury Volvo XC AWD Station Wagon with all the goodies. By J. Eric Eckard © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco
Volvo Home Page
Byline: By J. Eric Eckard © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco
Column Name: A Super Luxury AWD Station Wagon
Topic: 2001 Volvo V70 XC AWD Wagon
Word Count: 555
Photo Caption: 2001 Volvo V70 XC AWD Wagon
Photo Credits: Volvo Internet Media
Series #: 2001 - 8
Download the Microsoft Word version here: 2001 Volvo V70 XC AWD Wagon
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