The cladding-laden, high-riding Volvo XC70 outsells the standard V70 wagon on which it is based by an almost 3-to-1 margin. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that the company has kept secret its new version of the butch XC until its unveiling in Geneva, while it released news of the standard V70 months in advance of the show, hoping the model would get some attention.

It also should come as no surprise that Volvo has not strayed far from the formula that has made the XC70 a success since its introduction in 1997. Onto the 2008 model goes the familiar dark plastic cladding around the lower half of the vehicle. There is notably less cladding acreage than in the past. Compared to the fully covered nose of the current generation, the 2008 model has the pseudo-rugged stuff covering only the bottom corners, left and right. We are mercifully spared a fake skid plate, at least on the front bumper cover.

Underneath the relatively curvy body rests a version of the new S80 sedan platform, which Volvo claims will bring much improved handling to the package. As is the convention with XC70s, the ride height has been pumped up compared to its less rugged-looking brethren. Automatically adjusting dampers will be optional for 2008 models.

To pay off its off-road looks, the XC comes standard with all-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. That is essentially identical to the outgoing model.

The bigger news is the availability of the 238-horsepower 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder that is also the standard engine in the S80 sedan and the new V70 wagon, which was also unveiled at Geneva. The inline-6 has variable valve timing on the intake camshaft, a variable-volume intake manifold and delivers 30 more hp than the outgoing turbocharged inline-5. Curiously, Volvo says the XC's version of this motor makes 3 more hp than the identical engine in the V70.

Meanwhile, the automatic transmission, the only available gearbox, now houses six forward gears. Expect to see the 311-hp 4.4-liter V8 from the S80 offered as an option in the future.

An electronic stability control system is standard, as is a full complement of airbags and not-just-your-mother's-wagon feeling.

The 2008 Volvo XC70 goes on sale late this year.