V70: General Slightly dissappointed as a towcar

[Westyman]

It is. And Camping Club members only. But the judges are from other magazines so a public version will be out somewhere I guess.

[clivea]

The complete set of test results can be found in the current edition of Practical Caravan. Don't agree with their views on XC70 which are not consistent with what they said 2-3years ago. I will not be changing Helga!

[Westyman]

Originally Posted by clivea

The complete set of test results can be found in the current edition of Practical Caravan. Don't agree with their views on XC70 which are not consistent with what they said 2-3years ago. I will not be changing Helga!

Which is why I never take too much notice of these yearly shindigs

[dped]

I have just brought a 2010 XC70 to replace a 03 v70 which pulled are caravan fine yes a little twitchy compared with are other car Isuzu Bighorn. But engine far batter I did try a 05 plate XC70 on test drive and could not tell the difference re ride or handling but decided to go newer because of confusion about older diesels so wanted the euro5 engine. Must say there is a lot more body roll than I expected compared with the older shape but told suspension is taken from Ford. Looking at a stronger sway bar with polyurethane bushes and Monroe Reflex shocks to stiffen the suspension cutting down on body roll but don't want it to hard that you feel every matchstick in the road. This should also help the twitchy feeling when towing (I Hope)

[Clan]

Originally Posted by dped

I have just brought a 2010 XC70 to replace a 03 v70 which pulled are caravan fine yes a little twitchy compared with are other car Isuzu Bighorn. But engine far batter I did try a 05 plate XC70 on test drive and could not tell the difference re ride or handling but decided to go newer because of confusion about older diesels so wanted the euro5 engine. Must say there is a lot more body roll than I expected compared with the older shape but told suspension is taken from Ford. Looking at a stronger sway bar with polyurethane bushes and Monroe Reflex shocks to stiffen the suspension cutting down on body roll but don't want it to hard that you feel every matchstick in the road. This should also help the twitchy feeling when towing (I Hope)

The XC70 was always softer than the V70 for some reason nothing to do with ford ! You could get the police specification springs and dampers . Ideally the 4C system is best . sport is like the old V70 suspension .

[Westyman]

I see this old thread has been resurrected!!

To complete my story, in early 2013 I managed to get an XC60 with towbar on 24h test drive. Hooked the van up and towed Derby to Leicester and back. At speeds of up to a “good” 60mph, it felt very stable.

I have now had the XC60 D5 Geartronic for almost 5 years now and it’s been a good tie tug and I’m unlikely to change it.

[apersson850]

The XC70 is softer than the V70 for the simple reason that it provides better off-road capabilities. Soft suspension capable of long strokes provides maximum traction.

It's difficult on a used car, but I bought my XC70 new, so I ordered it with automatic levelling. It makes it the best towing car I've ever had.

[100K+]

I have towed a Compass 510/5 for over 20 years with V70's, a P1 TDI, a P2 T5, currently a AWD R and a P3 215ps D5. As a driver I preferred the T5, my wife as a passenger the D5 and the AWD R while VERY quick and powerful somehow does not feel as planted as the others, and probably comes last from a stability viewpoint.
The other 3 V70's were all fitted with Nivomats....

Cheers
Bob

[apersson850]

I have recently acquired a second XC70. Since I now have access to one with Nivomat and another without, I plan to compare the two with the caravan behind them later this year. I'll come back with a report.