Volvo boosts XC70 engine line-up

VOLVO has expanded its venerable XC70 crossover wagon range with the addition of a punchy new six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, along with minor standard specification upgrades and more optional technology.

The 224kW/440Nm T6 engine creates a new flagship variant priced from $64,990 plus on-road costs, rising to $69,990 for the higher-specified Teknik version.

Pricing for other variants remains static at $62,990 for the entry-level 3.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol ($67,990 for the Teknic) and $63,990 for the D5 turbo-diesel (Teknik: $68,990).

Volvo Australia’s decision to add a powerful new petrol engine to its XC70 comes at a time when the local wagon-based crossover market is receiving new diesel-powered entrants in the shape of the Audi A4 and A6 Allroad plus the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack.

The Passat Alltrack undercuts the cheapest XC70 at $47,790, the A4 Allroad’s price matches the XC70 T6 Teknik at $69,900 and the A6 Allroad costs a hefty $117,900.



In addition to revised model badging, an illuminated gear selector knob and grocery bag holder, the XC70 has received an upgrade to the standard City Safety autonomous braking feature, enabling it to function at speeds of up to 50km/h.

The system has been deemed so effective that Insurance Australia Group car insurers – including NRMA insurance – offer a 20 per cent discount on premiums for cars so equipped.

Customers specifying the optional driver alert or adaptive cruise control systems now have road sign recognition thrown in, which reminds the driver of the current speed limit plus other information from signs, such as no overtaking zones.

The driver alert system also gains an automatic high beam function, while the rain sensor option now adds automatic headlights with tunnel detection.

Australian XC70 sales have slipped 4.4 per cent year-to-date, with 197 units sold – but this has not stopped Volvo registering a healthy 10.5 per cent sales increase on the back of booming XC60 and XC90 SUV sales – respectively up 52.6 per cent and 15.3 per cent.

The sales climb should continue apace next year with the arrival of Volvo’s crucial small hatchback, the V40.

Volvo XC70 pricing*

3.2	$62,990
3.2 Teknik	$67,990
D5	$63,990
D5 Teknik	$68,990
T6	$64,990
T6 Teknik	$69,990
*Plus on-road costs