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So after basically panning the S60s I typically rent from Hertz when I'm on business in LA I this time decided to try the AWD Volvo XC70.
First off, I don't think it's really all that AWD, but the beast is heavy enough to make one think that it wouldn't budge from its course on even hard ice. The beast-like quality of the car though makes it seem to me the perferct car for the portly Suburban person with better than average taste. And this made it kind of fun for me to drive, to imagine myself in this fat-cat, family-man kind of role. And really, why not? The exceptionally comfortable front seats are f-in' humongous, the leather as thick as a pig, the stitching strong as a football's, the intuitive and ergonomic controls laid out across a really really wide center consol to keep the driver from moving more than a few inches to touch anything. The beast had suprisingly good acceleration with 207hp, no turbo lag at all, incredible brakes, very sound proof interior, and a load of cargo space. Biggest downside was a lack of precision in the direction the wheel was pointed, sometimes very noticeable and uncomfortable feeling at speeds above 65mph. Other downside was that the car cannot in any sense be described as elegant, in either exterior or interior styling--that center console is pretty hideous, in its weight distribution--it actually felt too heavy if that is possible, nor in the precision of the car under heavy freeway driving.
And yet, it was a fun car. I liked feeling like a move-out-of-my-way low ridin' big pig kind of guy. Fun in a way much more so than I thought it would be, partly due to the suprising acceleration. I'd take this one over the several S60s I've rented any day.
In the end, it has really just made me want to try to 9-5 Aero Wagon. After always insisting on a sedan or coupe, maybe GM Exce VP Lutz (who drives a 9-5 Aero wagon) isn't all wrong.
Jon
02' 9-5
97' 900S convt
posted by 12.100.24...
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