From Towcar Awards 2008

THINK OF THE XC70 as the V70 AWD on stilts and you won’t be far wrong. Extra ride height helps make the XC more capable off-road. Whether it helps when towing is debatable. It will come into its own if towing over bumpy ground, but at higher speeds the long-travel suspension feels a bit floaty over dips and crests.

Through the lane-change test there was a little more roll than with the V70, but otherwise the XC70 performed well, generating no more than 0.75G, according to the van’s ATC unit.

Against the stopwatch the XC70 went from 30-60mph in a brisk 15.8 seconds. The braking distance of 12.53 metres is a little disappointing, however.

Impressive practicality

The practicality testers were impressed. All the luggage went in the boot, extension mirrors were easy to fit and the self-levelling suspension helped keep the car on an even keel even when loaded.

Compared with the Audi A6 Allroad, the XC70 is reasonably priced. Fuel economy is better than most conventional 4×4 rivals.

We say
Towing: 4/5
Solo: 3/5
Practicality: 5/5
Buying & owning: 4/5

Verdict: 4/5 – A bit ponderous to drive solo, but a practical four-season towcar.

List price when tested: £31,035
Target price: £29,050
Kerbweight: 1943kg
85% Match: 1652kg
Max towing weight: 2100kg
Towball limit: 75kg
Braking 30-0mph 12.53m

Find out more about this car at www.whatcar.com