Category: Executive 
Price Range: £27,995 to £39,695
Huge boot, high level of standard kit, extra ability, good tow car.
No low-range gearbox, high centre of gravity affects driving dynamics.
Although a proper off-roader will ultimately be more capable on the rough stuff, the XC70 will go a little further, but just not far enough.
Volvo's XC70 is essentially a V70 estate with attitude. Sporting a high ride height, four-wheel drive system and body cladding, it gives the XC70 driver the ability to go off the beaten track. Although it lacks a low-range gearbox and adjustable suspension, it's no match for an XC90 off road: however, it does square up against the Audi A6 Allroad as a practical all-rounder.
An all-new model for 2007, the XC70 has been developed alongside the V70 estate, and has dropped its Cross Country moniker. Inside, it's identical to the V70, except for standard leather trim and a hill descent control button to help when negotiating downhill sections.
Like the V70, the XC70 is less boxy than the previous version and is actually more practical than ever before. A load space 60 litres means that it's bigger than its predecessor, which makes it capable of carrying a washing machine in all its packaging in the boot without having to fold the seats.
Just two engines are offered, a 3.2-litre petrol and Volvo's trusted D5 diesel.
