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The 2010 Volvo XC70's safety technology, comfortable seats and large cargo hold make it a practical choice among luxury wagons. However, its lack of power and poor fuel economy are liabilities. In fact, the Orlando Sentinel describes the Volvo XC70 as "the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife: Capable of handling most any task, excelling at none, perhaps, but more than competent at all of them."
Both engines are part of Volvo's SI6 (short-inline 6) family, launched in 2006. Thanks to its unusual accessory drive layout, which mounts the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor behind the engine, the SI6 is one of the world's most compact inline sixes; its overall length is within a few millimeters of Volvo's earlier inline five. Both SI6 engines have a variable-length intake manifold, 24 valves, and dual overhead camshafts, with variable lift and timing for the intake cam.
The 2010 Volvo XC70's safety technology
The V6 engine manages to do it's job, coupled to a 6 speed engine with a short shift in the first gear to guarantee a better take off from a full stop, but some reviewers felt that this engine just didn't cut it and Car and Driver commented that "at speeds above 50 mph the engine struggles to motivate the XC90's 4786-pounds and all-wheel drive system." That's not the only problem with the smaller standard engine. Consumer Guide commented that "some testers complained of slow downshifts with the 3.2." These may seem like small and finicky complaints, but the overall driving experience depends on having an engine that will step out with plenty of horsepower. The V6 in the Volvo XC90 only puts out 235 horsepower, as compared to the 311 horsepower generated by the larger V8 option.
For 2010 there have been a few changes to the Volvo XC90. The five-passenger seating has been discontinued and is now offered as a seven-passenger only. The trims lines have been changed slightly as well, with three available models and an available R-Design package.
Volvo XC90 is known for it's safety
The XC90 is an affordable family hauler with great seating and excellent crash test scores. While other SUVs may have nice interiors and better performance, the Volvo XC90 has a very low starting price for the class.
When it comes to picking the right engine for the 2010 Volvo XC90, experts agree that the 4.4 Liter V8 engine option is the way to go. Unfortunately, the 3.2 liter inline six cylinder engine comes standard, so customers will have to ask for the better engine option and be willing to take a small hit in gas economy. We promise that the payoff in take-off power, mid-range acceleration, and driver satisfaction is well worth both the immediate price increase the extra gas.
2011 The Volvo XC90
The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche contains all the top notch safety features including anti-skid system, all side airbags, ABS, and traction control. Auto-ride load-leveling suspension of GM is conventional on LTZ trim, but not available on base version. The other options include DVD entertainment and navigation system.
The first major change to the 2010 Avalanche is the transmission. Chevrolet has opted to put a Hydra Matic 6L80 transmission in this model, which does away with the old 4L60 transmission found in previous incarnations. This new addition helps with fuel economy, because instead of having a four speed transmission, you now have a six speed. This addition also helps to reduce the amount of road noise heard by the passengers.
Talk about a change...the 2011 Kia Optima has quickly become one of our favorite vehicles around the dealership. For those who have driven it, no one can deny the amount of horse power this model pocesses. I found a review in the LA Times, and I do not know if I agree with their assessment of the seat cushions, but I wanted to share a review.
Stay tuned for next week, there will be a guest blogger who shares their experience with the 2011 Kia Optima.
2011 Kia Optima drives toward top of its class
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