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So, what is it that the new Volvo V70 XC Cross Countr y has that
makes it far more than just a semi off-road estate car?Let us look
at this new gadget loaded, space efficient, multi-purpose, thought
of everything hunk of engineering from Sweden, but without even leaving
the forecourt. Let us sit in one of the three options of leather
interior and have the sales guy rattle off a few details.
To start with, the Cross Countr y has some very versatile loading
capacity. The back seat folds down three ways. There is the normal
trendy ski-trap through the centre armrest and the standard full
f lat deck or one third/two third split. However, Volvo has capped
the normal storage tricks with a foldable front passenger seat that
gives a front to back inside loading length of 3. 09 metres. Long
enough for that surfboard that annoyingly takes off on a roof rack,
to fall on the bonnet when you stop.
As well as keeping yuppies who are headed for the beach happy, mums
are also given a thought with an integral shopping bag holder. This
comes up from the floor of the boot, as do two rearward facing kiddie
seats that will allow little Stefen and Johanson to play quietly
in the back. For buyers who are closer to the average 2. 5 children
and a dog, or have gone beyond the offspring stage, a metal frame
option fits above the rear seats to keep Rover from joining you
in the front during emergency braking.
With a one car for everyone philosophy, the list of accessories
and nooks and crannies extends for those of us who live in our cars,
such as sales reps. For these people there are a multitude of extras
such as integrated the passenger seat so that you can send off those
urgent emails and memos on the fly. Also in the front is the essential
coffee cup holder, notepad and coin holders, each with an ergo dynamic
fingertip position.
A coat hook on the driver's headrest means the driver's
jacket is still pressed when he arrives, without obscuring the rear
view. Finally, a computer console takes on the arduous task of interpreting
all those gauges and trip metres and figuring things out in a variety
of useful ways. For example it tells you how many more kilometres
of fuel you have left, to save you that embarrassing walk with the
gas can.
Yet, Volvos are for the tweedy set are they not; those countr y
folk with shotguns and golden retrievers? Of course they are, which
is why you can order your four-wheeler with an integral foldaway
picnic table that stows under the luggage compartment. A perfect
accessor y for a day at the races or after a gruelling bout of pheasant
shooting.
The mechanics and electronics of this exclusive chameleon of vehicles
are unsurprisingly top of the range. Rear view mirrors that automatically
dull under strong following headlights, an electronic climate control
system that automatically adjusts to maintain a constant environment, an
active carbon foul-air sniffing filter-system, a reversing sensor
and even electrically adjustable seats with setting memories. All
of these can be found on other cars. What sets the Volvo V70 XC Cross
Countr y apart, at least while still on the forecourt, is the way
it fits together to cater for everyone. Over engineered or cunningly
engineered, the choice is yours.
Volvo has an official dealership in Phuket
on Thepkassatri Road. They open daily except Sundays and can be
contacted at Tel. (+6676)218 838/43.
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