Ice Racing Anyone?

Prior to a recent drive, I had forgotten just how good Volvo's XC70 Cross Country is, what with most everyones' focus being diverted

Until a recent press event, I had forgotten just how good Volvo's XC70 Cross Country is. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

to the Swedish automaker's more recently introduced XC90, a true sport utility. The fact that the XC70 is not a true SUV, but rather a tough looking wagon cum crossover, similar in configuration to Audi's allroad quattro (lower case intended) and Subaru's Legacy-based Outback, the latter being one of the Granddaddies of the crossover segment, is a bonus in my books. While still offering considerable ground clearance for clearing rougher ground, Volvo's first "off-roader" still manages to deliver the agility of a sport sedan and comfort of a luxury car.

Yes, I'm aware that by dubbing the car with 4x4 creds I'm on rocky ground,

Volvo's first "off-roader" still manages to deliver the agility of a sport sedan and comfort of a luxury car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

especially considering the XC70 doesn't even offer a low range of gears or locking differential, two staples of anything even hoping to be deemed capable while off the beaten track. Instead, Volvo offers up a very sophisticated all-wheel drive system made by Swedish auto supplier Haldex, a company that Volvo insiders jokingly remark has so much of its equipment in its factory it is partially owned by the profitable carmaker. No doubt, with the kind of sales success Volvo has enjoyed within the last few years, 2004 being its best on record, it could easily purchase Haldex if needed.