For immediate release
The Volvo XC70, the vehicle that delivered Volvo Car Corporation to the heart of the market for rugged, go-anywhere wagons with fine urban manners, gets subtle refinements and enhancements to its winning formula for 2004.
Rugged good looks and all-road/all-weather capability matched with urban sophistication and ultimate versatility, the Volvo XC70 has been an exceptional sales success for Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd. The second generation XC70 has bridged the gap between the traction and carrying capacity of an SUV, and the ride, handling and comfort of a fine European wagon for drivers who want the best of both worlds.
The responsive driving character that makes XC70 so capable in all conditions comes from the new 2.5T engine and remarkable electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system used in the XC90. The 2.5-litre in-line 5-cylinder engine uses a proven low-pressure turbocharger with intercooler and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to generate 208 hp at 5000 rpm and a mighty 236 ft.-lbs. of torque at a very usable 1500 rpm. The combination of the engine with the 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Geartronic sequential shifting creates extremely responsive performance with excellent city and highway credentials.
The all-wheel drive system is the perfect complement to the engine, with its rapid initiation and 'smart' management of power to the drive wheels. The AWD operates completely automatically, independent of the driver. The advantage of the system is the speed and sophistication with which it operates.
In normal driving situations, the XC70 primarily powers the front wheels. It is only when the system detects that the front wheels have lost traction and have begun to spin that it delivers power to the rear wheels.
The system, created by Haldex of Sweden, uses a mechanical pump and 'wet' multi-plate clutch to distribute the power to the rear wheels. The difference in rotational speed between the slipping front wheels and the rear wheels causes the pump (located at the rear differential) to force oil to the wet clutch plates in the rear differential, pushing the plates together to transfer power to the rear wheels. A small electrical pump is used to "pre-pressurize" the system so that power transfer can occur almost instantly.
The extremely fast speed of engagement and disengagement and the variable power transfer to suit the driving conditions are factors in the safety and security the system provides in the XC70.
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The Volvo Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) is a standard feature of all Volvo XC70s. IAQS includes a high-efficiency air filtration system that improves the environment inside the car.
A pollen and particle filter blocks airborne contaminants before they can enter the passenger space, and an available active carbon filter reduces gasses such as oxides of nitrogen, ground-level ozone and hydrocarbons, sparing passengers from the worst effects of vehicle exhaust and oil, gasoline and other fumes. A gas sensor monitors incoming air and automatically shuts off the air intake before contaminants reach unhealthy levels.
The successful marriage of Volvo's benchmark station wagon market leadership with the "go anywhere" appeal of SUV traction and versatility helped the 2003 XC70 become the best selling Volvo wagon in Canada.
Based on the acclaimed Volvo S80 platform, the XC70 has a distinct visual appeal, with generous ground clearance (208 mm total) and a taller stance from 215/65x16 tires on unique XC70 rims. Fender flares and body accents in contrasting colours blend sophisticated and rugged design elements to give a purposeful definition to the exterior. New this year is one new colour that is sure to turn heads: Ice white, guarded by accenting body cladding and fender flares.
The flexible interior design acknowledges the XC70's dual role as city car and country wagon. Features such as an innovative rear seat design with two-position, 40/20/40 split backrest for enhanced load-carrying capacity in the rear cargo area, a fold-away shopping bag holder, available rearward-facing third seat, clever storage bins and pockets, and the ability to add a rear seat table, plug-in cooler or clip-in storage bag give the XC70 unparalleled interior versatility among automobiles.
Of course, luxury does not take a back seat to versatility: fine interior trim with elegant materials and state-of-the-art sound systems make the inside of the XC70 a comfortable and sophisticated driving environment.
It is no surprise that occupant safety is a high priority in the XC70. Taking an holistic approach, Volvo Cars engineers integrated the impact management characteristics of the Volvo large car platform with innovations like dual-stage front airbags, side airbags (part of SIPS, the Volvo Side Impact Protection System), the Inflatable Curtain (IC) side-impact technology for head and upper body protection, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) seats for rear-impact protection, five three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and other safety features.
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The PremAir™ catalytic radiator technology that eliminates smog-producing ground-level ozone, state-of-the-art exhaust emission controls that help qualify XC70 for Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) status in the U.S., and the use of Öko-Tex certified materials on the interior ensure that the XC70 is clean inside and out. A comprehensive Environmental Product Declaration certifies that the design, manufacture, operation and eventual recycling of the car meet stringent environmental control guidelines.
The 2004 Volvo XC70 has a suggested retail price of $49,495. The Volvo XC70 is available through authorized Volvo retailers in major markets across Canada, and is protected by a comprehensive 48-month, 80,000-kilometre overall warranty and the standard Volvo On Call 48-month roadside assistance program.
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Information:
Doug Mepham
MacDonald & Co.
1-877-975-1572
mdoug.mepham@bellnet.ca
Media website:
www.volvocars-pr.ca
05/03
