So we got a 2012 Volvo XC70 T6

So we got a 2012 Volvo XC70 T6


Apparently we’re the first local media to drive this Volvo XC70. Not the most popular of cars here, but it has been around for a few years now, on and off, in this iteration. But for 2012, there are major changes under the skin. First and foremost, this is the T6 model.

From now on, all XC70 petrol models will be T6 AWD versions. That means they all have a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 under the bonnet as standard.

It’s the same engine as the one in the speedy S60 T6, but in a heavier wagon body that is more practical and better-suited for bad weather.

The interior has been upgraded too, and it is trimmed as premium as any midsizer from BMW or Audi that cost a whole lot more.

There are still the two built-in baby seats in the back, so you don’t have to spend money on child-seats.

The boot is very long, although it doesn’t have the height that only an SUV can offer. There is even a pop-up luggage divider as well as a roll-up net back there.

We always like honest cars like this. These are the kinds of cars that defined the crossover segment, before it became all about appearing all tall and offroady. It’s a slightly-raised industrial-looking crossover that won’t suffer from paint chips on gravel tracks, can handle minor sandy situations, safely manages rainy roads, and still drives like a sporty sedan on the road. More in the full review.

What do you think?

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Comments

  1. I’ve always liked this car…hmm…

  2. Nice car, driven it also. But exceptionally expensive. 190k is just toooo much.

    • Author

      Hey, when did you drive it? They’re advertising it at Dhs 155k right now. Is the 190k for a full-options model?

    • Volvo had some really good offers (price wise) the last time I walked in their showroom!
      Nice intro. Can’t wait for the full review!!! 🙂

  3. Expect the full review, VOLVO really a honest company.

  4. why i never get better than 6.5s in my s60 T6 while you got 6s in a heavier car ??

    • Author

      What petrol do you use? Even I got only 6 seconds with the S60. Something is really off about this XC, and I mean that in a good way.

  5. i use ron 98 , im thinking that volvo here makes the software upgrades for their testers.
    There is no way to beat official times without doing any upgrade.

    • Author

      The dealer is assuring me it’s a stock car. In fact, it beat a C30 T5 in a drag-race twice, even after we switched drivers, and that C30 is supposed to be quicker. I am thinking Volvo quietly turned up the power for 2012, sort of like how the BMW 335i actually has more power than they say.

  6. Might be the traction control (DSTC) is enabled that is why its slow?

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