[image:1859:c:l=x]
It was ten years ago that Volvo launched its first crossover wagon in America. The XC—or Cross Country as it was called then—has been quite successful, and this fall the third-generation XC70 will roll into showrooms. Continuing its reputation as a capable off-road vehicle, the new XC70 gets fresh styling as well as a higher level of luxury. The XC70 follows the latest Volvo style, with many design cues coming from the new S80. Although still built for the family as one of the safest vehicles on the road, the XC70 features a powerful stance with increased ground clearance for off-road forays. Inside, Volvo has brought the level of luxury up a notch, featuring a high-end audio system, some of the most comfortable seats in the industry, and the slim center stack, which has become a trademark of Volvo cars. Under the hood is another addition—for the first time, XC70 will be available with a 6-cylinder engine. The normally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six puts out 238 horsepower. The XC70 also features the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which tells the driver when a vehicle is in the car’s blind spot, Collision Warning with Brake Support, which can help drivers avoid potential rear-end collisions, and a number of advanced braking functions. Meanwhile Volvo’s sporty new C30 is expected in showrooms later this year. The C30 is a three-door hatchback that’s some 9 inches shorter than Volvo’s current small car in the U.S., the S40 sedan. Targeted at young and young-at-heart drivers, the C30 will be powered by a 218-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine with 236 lb-ft of torque available from 1500 to 4800 rpm. As with all Volvos, the C30 will offer plentiful safety features including curtain airbags, anti-whiplash front head restraints and an advanced body structure.
