XC70 Replacement cycle

- B
- Bruce
  
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posted
18 years ago

Wed, Apr 5, 2006 6:18 PM

Does anyone know when the XC-70 will be replaced. Is it based on the S60 or S80 floorplan?

I am looking for a vehicle with decent ground clearance and good towing capabilities for use towing glider trailers. Primarily on reasonable roads, but the nature of retrieves is that it will involve dirt roads and pulling 650Kg out of the muck in a farmers field occasionally.

The car will of course spend >80% of its life commuting...

The XC70 looks like a good compromise between road manners and economy, and the neccessary mass and all terrain capabilities on the other. Any opinions and information on the current / recent past models and the likelyhood of replacement valued.

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- Stephen Henning
  
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posted
18 years ago

Wed, Apr 5, 2006 9:06 PM

It had a complete redesign in 2001.

In 2003 the XC70 finally got the Haldex AWD system that was on the 2002 S60.

For 2006 the XC70 includes a newly upgraded Haldex "Instant Traction" all-wheel drive system.

While the S60 is based on the S80 platform (albeit 280 mm shorter overall and 75 mm shorter between axles) it also shares some elements with the V70. For example, front track is the same as the wagon's while rear track is as per the S80. Brakes and suspension are from the flagship sedan. To all intents and purposes, Volvo has made three cars, S60, V70 and S80, on the same platform but succeeded in giving each a clear visual identity and completely different driving feel.

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- Mike F
  
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posted
18 years ago

Thu, Apr 6, 2006 12:29 PM

The AWD system disengages at low speeds to prevent driveline windup while parking. This causes a problem when pulling a boat out of the water, as the car is only front wheel drive. Once you get the wheels spinning fast enough, then the rears switch in, and off you go! I would imagine pulling a glider out of a mucky field might cause a similar problem.