It would be a fable to say that I adore children and dream of having a family someday; it’s just not my reality. I can’t scrounge up an inkling of a maternal instinct. Yet there was something (almost) tempting about the idea when I drove the Volvo XC70 T6 AWD — it’s the perfect car for parents.
The XC70 has always been a dedicated family vehicle, but the new 2009 model has become the ideal family crossover vehicle. Volvo is known for its safety record, but has gone the extra step with the 2009 XC70 model. Consumers now have the option to purchase the collision avoidance package for an additional $1,795.
Innovative features of this package include: Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB) and Lane Departure Warning. The CWAB involves, basically, a lot of alarms and lights, but is fantastic at keeping tailgaters in check. I found the Lane Departure feature particularly helpful because — unbeknownst to me until my test drive — I drift.
The Blind Spot Information System is an additional $750. All these nifty crash-avoidance alerts work using a camera and radar. If the camera and radar agree that impact is imminent, the system warns the driver. If no action is taken, the system will apply the brakes (up to 50 percent of full braking pressure). Note: It does not apply 100 percent; you still have to do some foot work.
Perhaps for 2010, Volvo will have eliminated the brake pedal and the XC70 will do it for you, and make you a latte while it’s at it.
In all seriousness though, for parents who get distracted by their children in the car (I can only imagine that includes every parent with a child under the age of 10), this package is worth the peace of mind; plus, the bonus of insurance savings. Even if you are not a parent (maybe just a bad driver?), this package might just improve your premium.
A few other family-friendly features are available with the Luxury Package II at MSRP $3,500. The luxury package is equipped with front and rear parking assist, (extremely helpful for narrow city parking), two-stage adaptable child booster cushions built into the rear bench, and — my personal favourite: the rain sensor. I can attest to the fact that Volvo makes the best wipers.
Conveniences for the family can be purchased at MSRP $2,100 with the aptly named Convenience Package. Some elements of this package include: speed-sensitive steering, privacy glass, sunglass holder, grocery bag holder, humidity sensor with electronic climate control, mass movement sensor, and private locking trunk. The trunk is extremely cumbersome to close without this push button; I recommend purchasing this package just for this feature.
If you cut out all the extras, the base price is $51,595. That still gives you the heart of the Volvo XC70 T6 AWD: a 6-cylinder, turbocharged engine producing a maximum of 281 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque between 1,500-4,800 rpm. The 2009 model is the first time the T6 6-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic has been introduced in North America … and she’s one powerful monster. In combination with the optional 18” alloy wheels, she’s also resourceful, particularly at handling speed bumps and gravel roads.
My tester came in yummy colours: caper green exterior and leather espresso brown interior. The lines on the exterior were sleek and sporty — much more of an SUV look than previous years’ models.
If you are a mom, dad, or just want to drive like the world’s best parent, than this is your ideal vehicle. With cargo conveniences, world-renowned safety features, and a commanding engine, the newest XC70 is much more than just a safe bet.
Angela Trimmer is the Women’s Post automotive editor.
Image courtesy Volvo
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