∙Desirable ‘Ocean Race Edition’ model
∙2.5l, 210bhp Turbo five-cylinder engine
∙Impressive off-roading ability with Active Four-C control system

Volvo’s core range has almost always included a stylish family estate, and this third-generation XC70 ticks that box perfectly. The XC is the ‘soft road’ version of the well-loved V70 estate, and adds rugged styling, raised suspension, permanent AWD, metal sump guards, and a surprising level of off-roading ability. 

For the XC70, Volvo brought together a number of different models in terms of styling, borrowing the then-new S70 front end, while retaining the V70 rear end, albeit with some minor modification. While this may sound strange, the result is a thoroughly handsome estate which still looks stylish over 13 years after it rolled off the production line. 

This particular car is one of the limited-run ‘Ocean Race Edition’ models, commissioned to celebrate the launch of the 2005 round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race which benefited from a number of upgrades over the standard SE Lux models, and were only available for the 2006 model year.

Imported by the current owner from Japan during 2020, this top-spec Ocean Race Edition XC70 has just about every creature comfort you could need in an everyday family wagon, with plenty of power to boot. 

The 2.5l five-cylinder petrol turbo engine under the bonnet supplies an impressive amount of power, giving a total of 210bhp going to all four wheels, thanks to the AWD system. This means that despite its docile looks, the XC70 is a surprisingly fun car to drive, and the plentiful low-down torque also makes it rather capable ‘off the beaten path’.

The upgrades over the standard SE Lux trim for the Volvo Ocean Race Edition cars are largely cosmetic, but turn this particular XC70 into a sure-fire ‘head turner’ for those in the know. 

Ocean Race Edition models enjoyed the following upgrades over the standard cars: Volvo Ocean Race badge on front doors, Volvo Ocean Race leather/textile upholstery with blue stitching, Volvo Ocean Race-branded aluminium tread plates, Volvo Ocean Race key ring (which is sadly missing on this example) Ocean Blue aluminium door and dash/panel inlays, Ocean Blue pearl exterior colour, Ocean Blue pearl door mirror covers, brushed roof rails, Electric Silver side door mouldings, and Luxury mats with blue piping. 

During its time in the UK, this XC70 has proven to be a reliable daily driver for the vendor, though due to the various lockdowns experienced throughout the past year, the mileage has not increased significantly since it landed on English soil at Southampton Docks.

Unfortunately, the majority of the history/paperwork from the car’s time in Japan has been misplaced during transit, leaving the car ‘light’ in terms of history. What is available, however, are a number of documents from the export/import process, registration process in the UK, recent MOT history, and even the de-registration certificate from Japan.

Inside, the car remains in largely very good condition, complete with its contrast Ocean Blue stitching, which is ‘inspired by the world of sailing’ according to Volvo. The combination leather/textile seats are in very good condition, while the headliner and sunroof also present well, with the sunroof working perfectly during our inspection. 

Minor wear is noticeable on the front A-pillars with the material starting to sag along the windscreen, as well as a few typical wear-and-tear marks on the rubberised door handles and window switches, common on all cars from this era. 

The Japanese navigation system sits pride-of-place atop the dashboard, and greets you with a cheery message upon starting the car. Sadly, we are told this system is not UK-compatible, though it is certainly a unique feature from this vehicle’s past, along with the speedo and mileage which both read in kilometres rather than miles.

Speaking of remnants from a past life, there are plenty of other Japanese stickers that build up a history of this car, including in the door jams, on the windscreen, and the Japanese text that still presents itself across the instrument display. The clocks, speedo and other instruments all appear to work as intended. However, there is an undiagnosed issue with the handbrake, which causes an engine management light to appear when the handbrake is on, but this doesn’t appear to affect its use, and quickly extinguishes when the handbrake is released. 

The boot, including the under-carpet storage areas, all present in excellent condition, with no staining or marks noted during inspection. The trays for the under-carpet storage areas are present, along with the original spare wheel, jack and Volvo-branded battery, suggesting that despite its utilitarian capabilities, this particular XC70 lead a relatively relaxed life while in Japan.

On the outside, the Ocean Blue Pearl paintwork looks absolutely fantastic in the light, and presents overall in very good condition, with the only problem being lacquer peel on both wing mirror covers, but otherwise no noticeable scratches, dings or marks appeared on the paintwork. 

The rugged black plastic bumpers and trim also appear to be in good condition, though they are in need of a thorough clean up/restoration to get them looking their best, as they are slightly sun-bleached, with a minor scratch on the front left-hand-side as seen in the photos. The window rubbers, particularly around the windscreen, are also starting to perish and could do with replacing, though there certainly seems to be no negative effects from their deterioration at the time of inspection, despite recent heavy rainfall.

The wheels are a set of aftermarket Stabile offerings, though they suit the design and proportions of the XC70 well, and their semi-polished appearance works well with the silver door mouldings. The wheels are free of any kerbing or major scratches, though there seems to be a couple of small marks which are almost undetectable unless you look really closely. 

For a car that is certainly capable of being used as an off-road or rough terrain workhorse, this example certainly doesn’t seem to have been used as such, with no marking visible on the front or rear plates underneath the car, nor any dents on the sills that we could see.

Sadly there is very little in the way of mechanical history with this car, though it did pass its last MOT in June 2020, and according to the vendor it enjoyed a main dealer service 1200 miles ago. There is a surprising number of Volvo-branded service stickers and tags on the car, suggesting that it enjoyed main-dealer servicing throughout a majority of its life. 

The engine fires up straight away into a smooth idle, and feels as if it wants to run when D or R is selected, with all 2.5l and 210bhp ready to unleash at your command. The aforementioned EML connected to the handbrake appears to have no bearing on the drive of the car whatsoever, and goes out immediately upon the handbrake being released. The gearbox is quick to switch, and can be knocked over for manual shifts should you wish. The ride over rough terrain is smooth and refined, a quality which on the road is even more noticeable, making the XC70 an ideal long-distance cruiser.

Underneath the bonnet, there are no signs of leaks, damage or any causes for concern that we could see, and all the Japanese stickers and tags are present in excellent condition, suggesting that whoever the previous owners were, they looked after this XC70 very well indeed. The overall condition of the engine bay was very good indeed, with only a little elbow grease required to bring it back to its best.

With stunning, special-edition Ocean Blue paintwork, a purposeful stance and impressive off-road capabilities, the XC70 Ocean Race Edition is a true ‘do it all’ car, capable of swallowing an impressive amount of cargo whilst transporting its occupants in wonderful levels of comfort.

This particular car also has the unusual quirks from its past life in Japan, making it an excellent talking point for any Volvo enthusiast, or simply a well-specced out everyday driver for those in the market for a good-looking, unusual and reliable practical family car.

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