Automotive
The first generation of the Volvo XC70 Cross Country was a major success for the Swedish carmaker, prompting Volvo to develop a worthy successor. The second generation XC70 debuted in 2000, offering strong competition to rivals like the Audi A6 Allroad. While it wasn’t as large or luxurious as the Audi, the XC70 delivered comparable performance, excellent comfort, and - importantly - a more accessible price point. Remaining true to its premium roots, Volvo equipped the XC70 with bold styling and practical features.
Built on the same platform as the V70 station wagon, the XC70 featured increased ground clearance and robust black plastic bumpers. The side moldings were designed to be scratch-resistant, proving durable against bushes, trolley carts, and even dog bites. Although the plastic trim didn’t fare perfectly under intense sun exposure, it held up well overall. The vehicle came standard with roof rails and a slightly raked tailgate protected at the bottom by a thick plastic bumper.
In response to the 2005 European emission standards, Volvo updated the engine lineup by dropping the old 2.4-liter unit and upgrading the 2.5-liter engine. This updated powerplant came in two versions: one producing 163 hp and a more powerful version with 180 hp. Safety-wise, the XC70 had already met the new EU regulations, so no major changes were necessary. The facelifted version also introduced bi-xenon headlights as an optional feature and featured a revised steering system, improving both visibility and driving dynamics.
When Volvo introduced the third generation of the XC70, it was still under Ford ownership and followed the American parent company’s strategy for platform sharing. Built on the P3 platform - which other Ford brands also used - the XC70 could support all-wheel-drive systems and various wheelbase configurations.
Chief designer Stefan Jansson envisioned the XC70 with a rally-car aesthetic, aiming to blend toughness with versatility. The car featured broader underbody protection on both front and rear, while the black bumpers gained chromed accents around the fog lights and rear reflectors for a refined yet rugged look. Black moldings on the fenders and side sills cleverly concealed the larger gap between the wheel arches and tires due to the XC70’s raised ground clearance compared to the regular V70 wagon.
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