Revealed: Volvo's all-new XC70 - On the road

The new XC70 is offered with two engines. The first is a 3.2-litre six-cylinder in-line engine developing 235bhp and 236lb ft of pull; the other is a 182bhp 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel, with 295lb ft of pull.

Of these, only the D5 has a choice of gearbox; you can order a six-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox. Petrol buyers can only have the Geartronic item.

The petrol model can manage the 0-60mph dash in 8.1sec and a top speed of 134mph, while the D5 manages the same thing in 8.8sec and a top speed of 130mph.

Keeping the car safely planted on the road is a completely new chassis - extensive use of high-strength steel makes the new XC70 15% stiffer than the old car.

Dynamic stability and traction control also improves the car's cornering ability and reduces the risk of a skid by reducing pulling power from the engine and applying a carefully measured amount of braking power.

Off-road, the XC70 has a ride height 74mm higher than the old car, giving it a wading depth of 300mm and a ground clearance of 210mm. It's also got improved approach, breakover and departure angles than the older car, so it should be able to attack more steeply rising terrain as well as get over it and down it.

To assist the XC70 on off-road duties, you'll also find hill descent control, which keeps the car at a steady 6mph going down steep slopes, and Volvo's all-wheel-drive system, which distributes pulling power to all wheels to optimise grip.