2012 Volvo XC70 Preview

The 2012 Volvo XC70 marches on with a few tweaks aim to keep competitive. Under the hood, the base XC70 normal atmospheric 3.2-liter inline-6 is now accompanied by a partial zero-emission version that sacrifices some horsepower (230 compared to 240) for the benefit of lower emissions and the expectation of something better mileage. Meanwhile, the 300 horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six powering the T6 version is unchanged. Both engines are coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fortunately, both engines use regular-grade gas, because the XC70's fuel consumption average at best.

Visually, the XC70 not changed since 2010. There are new 18-inch wheels on the T6, but little else has changed. Inside, the XC70 has an optional 650-watt audio system, and the new Sensus infotainment system with Bluetooth capability to connect.

Although essentially a raised, all-wheel drive wagon, the XC70 could be considered one of the original players in the premium crossover segment, now with a number of attractive alternatives. As expected from Volvo, the XC70 has plenty of systems designed to be safe and stable, including Volvo's "Instant Traction" and electronic Hill Descent Control.

The XC70 remains basically unchanged from 2011 except for some minor trim updates. The T6 has new 18-inch wheels, and a new color: Twilight Dawn with an espresso brown interior.

In an era of rapidly appearing and highly stylized new crossover, the XC70 is lost in the crowd. The rugged design of the station wagon is a return to earlier Volvo cars, but that may be exactly what some are looking for.

The XC70's interior is luxuriously appointed, with an overall theme of flowing sweeps over the dashboard. The center console is marked by a version of Volvo's signature, detached, waterfall center stack, and attractive, including wood inlays available. A special mention is the ergonomic quality of controls, such as the new Sensus infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity.

At about 3985 pounds, the XC70 is not light. But the 240 hp 3.2-liter six moves the XC70 to 60 mph in about 8.4 seconds, while the 300 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter from the 4279-T6 AWD pounds are in 6.9 seconds. Not bad. Otherwise, the XC70 is designed for comfort, peace, and rough-road capability, so do not expect sports car handling.

The XC70 is all Volvo safety bells and whistles, including City Safety, a driver support system that helps to prevent low speed collisions. Depending on vehicle speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically stopping the XC70 to help avoid a collision. Other preventive safety measures aimed at preventing driver distraction with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake new (CWAB), new Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

3.2: 18-19 mpg city/24-25 mpg highway

T6 all-wheel drive: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway