D R I V E N

Crossovers—before it was just a basketball term, now we relate it to anything we do or own.  There’s your mobile phone cum Palm Pilot; then came the watch that doubles as a GPS and who knows maybe we’ll get something that does your laundry and mows your lawn.  In today’s ever demanding consumer market, being exclusive to one segment means totally ignoring the majority of others.  Case in point: Ferrari.  In the 70’s, they were raw and pure but simply unusable and unreliable.  Now they can shuttle you around the daily grind while setting your wedding vegetables on fire.

The Swedes are no exception either.  They once were satisfied in making utterly boring, boxy, safe and look-alike cars.  Now, they’ve gone bonkers.  Volvo is certainly one that’s enjoying the most: its got a super sedan, an SUV, a wagon, a convertible—maybe even a moon buggy somewhere in their R&D.  However, what started it all off is the phenomenal XC70 Cross Country.

Admittedly it didn’t look promising: it looked like the bastard child of the V70 and an American SUV.  My expectations weren’t too high either as a couple of motoring industry friends found it quite a dullard.  I don’t care.  I say, if there’s one car I’d like to have for the rest of my life, it’s this one.

The raised ride height and buffed up looks don’t exactly increase the XC70’s off-road credentials.  However, what it does is that it allows this wagon to go up more pebbles while further improving the V70’s already cushy ride.  It’s certainly refined taking on any road obstacles including your occasional curbs with more dignity than Queen Elizabeth.  Puddle? Thud.  Nothing.  Pothole?  Thud.  Nothing.  Cat?  Thud.  Nothing.  I absolutely loved it, and so did my companions.

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