March 28, 2006 - I didn’t know Volvo was making an amphibious car?
I could see why one would get that impression from the PR shots, But no, sorry, this is not an Amphicar re-do. Volvo of Canada has produced a limited edition of 100 copies of Ocean Race XC70s and 100 copies of Ocean Race XC90s.

Ocean Race? What’s that?
The Ocean Race is about as far removed from a holiday cruise as Jessica Simpson is from being an actor. According to Volvo, its “one of the world’s most extreme yacht races.” The starter’s gun went off last November in Spain. From there, competitors are visiting nine ports on five continents sailing more than 32,700 nautical miles (60,000 km) in a mere nine months. To keep speeds up, the rule makers have limited the number of crew and their provisions.  Eleven-person teams work in four-hour shifts managing only on rationed freeze-dried food as they endure conditions ranging from below freezing to 40 degrees, high winds and ten metre waves. Sounds like fun, eh?

Oh yeah, how did I miss signing up for that? Just how different from the soccer-mom friendly XC70 will these Ocean Race editions be?
For starters, you better like the exterior colour—they only come in this Ocean Blue. You also get an exclusive key fob and the customary limited edition badges with a dash-mounted plaque identifying your car’s number within the series. Beyond the aforementioned exterior colour, the blue theme is carried through to the interior with similarly hued console panels and stitching in the leather seats. Complimenting the blue are bits of brushed aluminum inside and out. Standard with the Ocean Race editions are XC70 options like a Dolby Pro-Logic II surround sound system, dynamic stability and traction control, bi-Xenon headlights, rear parking assistance and polished aluminum wheels. (The optional active chassis system available on plebian XC70s is strangely not available here.) Aesthetically, Volvo’s done a nice job with this car.

Does it drive like a yacht?
Performance-wise, its standard XC70 fare. This means a 208 horsepower, 236 pound-feet of torque 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine matched to a five-speed manuamtic. With its elevated height and quasi-SUV rubber, you won’t confuse an Ocean Race XC70 for a Lotus Elise. However, steering is light, and compared to any mid-sized SUV, the Volvo wagon’s relatively small size makes it is easy to place on the road. For 2006, all XC70s receive a new electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. During a week of snow and ice, the Swedish hauler never seemed over its head and the AWD system was transparent to the driver. Keep in mind; despite its raised suspension and standard skid plates, the Ocean Race XC70 really isn't rugged enough for serious off-roading.

Is there any value in popping for the Ocean Race package?
Where participation in the real Ocean Race itself would pile hardship upon hardship, the car version is cosseting throughout. The Ocean Race XC70s heated leather front seats provide excellent comfort, but legroom in the rear is a bit tight. With its soft, forgiving suspension, the Ocean Race XC70 provides a smooth, isolated ride on potholed streets. The turbo five engine is relatively smooth with adequate power, but its aural qualities are lacking. Value? If you optioned up an XC70 comparably, it’s about three grand less than the Ocean Race XC70’s $57,495 asking price. You can decide if those exclusive features are worth your hard earned or, better yet, spend another $5k and get the V70 R, one of our 2006 Straight-Goods Q-Ship finalists.

Why should I buy this car?
Wonderfully comfortable seats, an assortment of safety features, solid build, strong brakes, and excellent all-weather attributes, are all standard XC70 attributes. Its hard to put a value on the exclusivity of the Ocean Race editions, but at least you’ll be able to find your car easier picking up the kids from soccer.

- John LeBlanc, Publisher, www.straight-six.com