If you want a good looking crossover which costs around $40,000 then the Volvo XC70 might be on top of your list. Remarkably, paying that amount of money gets you much more than and that’s even from such a famous car manufacturer such as the Swedish Volvo.

Anyway, the Volvo XC70 looks sedate, but underneath there’s enough power to beat the much of competition. Compared with the previous XC70 which was based on the S60, the new model is based on the S80 and it’s larger and offers more space and capabilities as a result. The XC70 is perfect on road, but when you buy a crossover you expect some off-road abilities as well.

And that’s where the XC70 really shines. HIDSTORES BLOGS reports on handling.

The new six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission allows for do-it-yourselfers to grind through twists and turns, where the XC70 exhibits respectable handling despite the fact that it has a feeling of being mile-high. Chalk that up to McPherson struts with asymmetrical coil springs and hydraulic shocks in front, and a multilink rear suspension with coils, hydraulic shocks, and stabilizer bar at the rear.

One of the advantages of the Volvo XC70 is that it makes you feel as safe on ice and snow as on the roads. That’s not because of Volvo’s attitude towards safety, but more about the way it handles. Fifth Gear took the car for test drive to find out and the video below illustrates how well it performs.

Photo: © joseluisrds

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