First Impressions - Interior

High quality materials - minimal layout - gives a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Very comfortable front seats - fully moveable with memory.

Leather feels high quality.

First Impressions Outside

The first impression of the XC70 is excellent.. the stance of the car, the extra detail of the car really makes it look a completely different car to it's brother - the V70

With the additional height versus the V70 - the car doesn't give the long estate impression.. the height seems to make it look shorter.

The car needs the 18inch wheels and they certainly don't look out of place on the vehicle.

The additional sports spoiler creates an overhang at the rear..but it's not at a dangerous height... the V70 you risk banging your head on it.

With the black paint work, the additional black mouldings on the bodywork seem to blend into the car and don't give such a heavy look as it would on a lighter car.

Car Delivered

Well the XC70 arrived exactly on the day it was promised..

So big plus for Volvo in managing the supply chain for their cars.

One Week To Go

The XC70 has landed from Sweden, so now at the dealer awaiting the pre-delivery inspection and dealer options being fitted.

count down begins

XC70's

So far have not seen a single new Volvo XC70 running about..

I suspect it's going to need a few more weeks before the cars ordered after the launch are reaching the dealers.

In theory mine is arriving from Sweden next week.

So Which XC70 Are We Expecting.

Now, if everything goes according to plan, the Volvo XC70 that we will be able to review is:

XC70 D5 SE Sport in Black Metallic paint with off-black leather interior.

On top of the standard equipment, we have gone for, in no particular order:

BiXenon Headlamps (once you have had these on a car.. hard to go back)
Bluetooth (to have the benefit of handsfree)
RTI Navigation (to avoid getting lost)
Detachable Rear Towbar (maybe do some towing one day)
Sunglasses holder (I can never find a place to keep them.. should be standard)
Power Child Locks (should be standard... whatever they are)
Front and Rear Park Assist (again.. once you have had these)
Power Tailgate (gadget to play with)
iPod connector (again should be standard.. like a radio ariel )

bringing it all to a whopping £38,000.

Volvo XC70 Delivery Date

Talked to the dealer today - delivery date remains on track for end of November.

This is still much quicker than was promised from Audi UK for an A6 Allroad. So in this respect, advantage to Volvo already :)