If you need a car that can tackle light off-roading, with the space of a regular estate car and the extra security of four-wheel drive, a crossover maybe what you’re looking for. Two of the popular choices are Audi’s A6 Allroad and Volvo’s XC70 – so which would we choose?
Volvo XC70 (2007 on) vs Audi A6 Allroad (2006-2011)
Driving
Although the Volvo trades handling for greater comfort compared to the Audi, it remains a fine car to drive until you push its limits. A wide range of drivetrains are on offer but the 2.0-litre D5 automatic is comparable to the 3.0-litre Allroad. A turbocharged T6 petrol is available for speed freaks.
There’s hardly an undesirable engine in the Allroad’s mechanical arsenal but for a relaxed, brisk and reasonably economical choice we’d plump for the 3.0-litre TDI with an automatic gearbox, although if running costs are less of an issue the 4.2-litre V8 is a performance car in disguise.
Practicality
Volvo’s deliberately made less of an attempt to add gloss to the 4x4 makeover of the XC70 meaning larger sections of the bumpers and wheel arch extensions are left with a dark, unpainted plastic finish. Although the interior is less rugged, it doesn’t match the Audi’s levels of exquisiteness but it remains a comfortable place to be.
Both cars offer the virtues of the large estates they’re based on, meaning cargo bays which are similarly-sized with the seats up or down. The A6 Allroad is generally a nicer place to be, with a more sumptuous interior, high-grade plastics and plusher carpeting to the boot area. More of the Audi’s chunkier bodywork is painted too.
Costs
Not only are servicing costs less on the Volvo XC70 – diesels especially – it’s a cheaper car to run anyway with greater potential fuel effciency and, depending on the model chosen, Band C VED road tax costs of only £30 per year. Don’t expect a powerful performance from these versions though.
Crossovers are invariably less expensive to run than fully-blown 4x4s, but let’s not pretend that, especially with the larger engines, these were cheap cars in the first place. Servicing costs on diesel Audis will usually be cheaper than their petrol equivalents but franchised dealers are invariably dearer than Volvo ones.
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Volvo XC70 |
Audi A6 Allroad |
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Engines:
Power:
0-62mph:
Economy:
Fuel Capacity:
CO2 Emissions:
Road tax:
Insurance groups:
Boot space: |
Petrol and Diesel, 2.0 to 3.2 litres 160-299 bhp 7.2-10.5 seconds 24-62 mpg 70 litres 117-272 g/km £30-£490 29-40 575-1,600 litres |
Petrol and Diesel, 2.7 to 4.2 litres 177-345 bhp 6.1-9.0 seconds 21-39 mpg 80 litres 189-267 g/km £260-£490 31-41 565-1,660 litres |
Verdict
Volvo XC70 (2007 on) – Winner
Something about the rugged appeal of the Volvo XC70 that makes it more appealing. It lacks the Audi’s premium feel but it’s comfortable, benefits from a larger boot and is cheaper to both buy and run.
It would be surprising if you weren’t captivated by the Audi A6 Allroad. It’s a capable cruiser, with a spacious and luxurious interior available with a range of refined engines to choose from. Choose one and you’re unlikely to be disappointed – but you’ll pay for the privilege.
