Volvo V70
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Volvo V70 | |
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| Manufacturer | Volvo Cars |
| Parent company | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1998–present |
| Predecessor | Volvo 850 |
| Class | Mid-size 1st and 2nd generation Executive car 3rd generation |
| Body style | 4-door wagon |
| Layout | FF/AWD |
| Platform | Volvo P2 platform |
| Similar | Audi A6 Saab 9-5 |
| First generation | |
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| Production | 1998–2000 |
| Assembly | Torslanda, Sweden Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Platform | Volvo P2 platform |
| Engine | 2.4L 162 hp I5 2.4L 190 hp I5 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in |
| Length | 186.4 in |
| Width | 69.3 in |
| Height | 57.2 in |
| Fuel capacity | 17.9 US gal |
| Second generation | |
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| Production | 2000–2007 |
| Assembly | Torslanda, Sweden |
| Platform | Volvo P2 platform |
| Engine | 2.0L 180 hp I5 2.4L 140 hp I5 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 6-speed manual 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2755 mm (108.5 in) |
| Length | 4710 mm (185.4 in) |
| Width | 1804 mm (71.0 in) |
| Height | 1491 mm (57.7 in) |
| Fuel capacity | 70 litres (18.5 US gal.) |
| Third generation | |
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| Production | 2007–present |
| Assembly | Torslanda, Sweden |
| Class | Executive car |
| Platform | Volvo P24 platform |
| Engine | 2.5L 200 hp I5 3.2L 235 hp I6 |
| Designer | Thomas Alvoid |
The Volvo V70 is a mid-size station wagon. There have been two generations of the car: 1998–2000 and 2000–present. Stylised 4x4 versions of the V70 have been sold as the XC trim line and as the XC70 model.
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[edit] Overview
The current Volvo V70 (2nd generation) is a practical, yet stylish way for affluent individuals to get around town in comfort and with ease. It remains one of the most expensive station wagons on the market today due to its $36,420 price tag, which easily jumps up to around $50,000 when equipped with options and packages that are available to discerning customers. While once thought of as the stereotypical "soccer mom" car, many business professionals, doctors, executives, politicians, and the like find refuge in the cabins of their XC70s. Unparalleled safety, comfort, usability, and luxury all make the 2007 Volvo V70 a standout among other station wagons of comparable class. The "Hummer" of the V70 lineup is the XC70, which is essentially a V70 with a slight lift in ground clearance along with sturdy plastic body cladding in the front, on the sides, and in the back of the vehicle. Along with a more pronounced front fascia, the XC70 also has a more aggressive stance when compared to the base V70 model. While it was designed with off-roading in mind, few XC70 owners actually take the initiative to get down and dirty with the pricey XC70, which is more useful for running errands in the city than terraining boulders and mountains. For those looking for speed, the "Porsche" of the V70 model lineup is the V70R, which sports a supercharged 300 horsepower engine and a rear spoiler. The V70R retains a more sporty appearance than the aforementioned models. For the V70 lineup of station wagons, Volvo designers and engineers wanted to appeal to the standard customer, the adventurous, and the thrill seeking. Out came the V70, the XC70, and V70R. All of which have had phenomenal success in the United States and beyond thanks to their durability, safety, comfort, and refinement.
[edit] Background
The original V70 was a development of the Volvo 850 station wagon and sedan series. The new name reflected Volvo's new strategy of naming vehicles depending on size and body style. Thus, the 850 was deemed to be a relative size 70. The name is then appended with the type of vehicle. So the station wagon adopted V (for versatility), S (for Sedan) and C (for the new Coupé and Convertible). These cars are retrospectively known as V or S70 Classic.
[edit] First Generation (1997–2000)
There were 1,800 improved and new parts in the design from the original 850, including upgraded passive and active safety, better handling and new engines, but as a whole this was the same car.
[edit] Second Generation (2000–2007)
In 2000 (2001 for North America), Volvo released the all new V70 (together with S60 sedan variant) based on the new P2 platform that had already been employed as the Volvo S80 sedan in 1998. This new car dispensed with the boxy shape of Volvos before it to take on a curvy profile much like the 240 series, and added a new aggressive front end. The second generation of the V70 will finish production for model year 2007.
The V70 shares the same sheet metal ahead of the B-pillar with the Volvo S60, although the grilles are different and the front bumpers are mildy different. The dashboard and the majority of the interior of both cars are the same.
As was the case with all P2 platform Volvos, a minor refresh of the V70 occurred across all markets for the 2005 model year, which brought minor styling changes to the front facia, tail lamps, along with several improvements and changes to the interior fittings.
The Volvo V70 has been the best selling car in Sweden for many years.
[edit] Third Generation (2007 - )
The third model to bear the V70 moniker was officially unveiled by Volvo on 2 February 2007. Unlike the previous two generations the latest model is an estate version of Volvo's current executive-class car, the second generation S80, and shares the same sheet metal ahead of the b-pillar as its brother, though, as in current Volvo tradition with its different bodystyles, the grille and front bumper are of a different design. The dashboard and the majority of the interior of both cars are the same. Normally the V70 wagon was slated as the wagon for the S60 sedan but it has now been clearly stated that the third generation V70 is the wagon derivative for the second generation S80 sedan. All of the aforementioned give Volvo enthusiasts reason to believe Volvo is planning both a new large sedan and large station wagon for the future.Volvo already owned up to the fact that it was building a new wagon/ estate car that would compete a the most luxurious end of the premium estate segment. Volvo stated that this future wagon would directly take on the Merecedes R Class, but it will not build a minivan because no premium automaker makes minvans. As far as Volvo goes the new wagon would be called the V90 and a sedan will also be produced alongside this estate as the new premium.flagship.
[edit] Technical
The V70 is available as front or all-wheel drive (AWD) with manual, automatic or Geartronic, semi-automatic gearboxes. As before, there is an AWD only variant with raised suspension, plastic body cladding and an interior grab handle. This version was known as V70 XC (Cross Country) for the older cars, but was renamed XC70 for the new models.
Also following on from the previous generation was the use of 5 cylinder, 20 valve inline transversely mounted engines. All but the bottom range 2.4 employ turbochargers with either low or high pressure depending on the model. The most powerful vehicle in the regular range is the T5 (popular with UK police forces). This same engine is used in a variety of Volvo and other vehicles, and the level of power and performance produced is limited strongly by the computer systems. The V70 T5 can be chipped to deliver around 260bhp, however the vehicle is popular as a high speed vehicle with the police forces, who reprogram it to deliver up to 315bhp[citation needed]. The V70R, using the same engine, offers 300bhp as standard for the demanding driver. The V70R also comes with Volvo's 4C multi-mode suspension, developed in conjunction with Öhlins, to allow the driver to vary the cars handling depending on driving style and conditions.
[edit] Comfort and Luxury
The Volvo V70 lineup has a comfortable and luxurious interior arrangement that is not uncommon for cars of this class. The front seats and the rear bench are of orthopedic design to provide maximum comfort and support for all occupants. The V70 also features a superb standard audio system that is both rich in bass and unrivaled in refinement. Dolby Pro Logic systems and sub-woofers are also available as upgrades to the standard audio system.
Buyers may select from a vast array of convenience and comfort options including DVD navigation with map data and remote control, a rear seat DVD entertainment system with two headrest monitors, headlamp washers, integrated child booster seats, an integrated home link remote control garage door opener, rear-door child-safety locks, rear park assist, power-adjustable passenger seats with 3-position memory and lumbar support, heated front seats, an integrated grocery bag holder, a rear view mirror compass, an integrated sunglass holder, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power glass moonroof, 12 volt power outlets, leather seating surfaces, rear tinted windows, and a rain sensor.
Leg room for rear seat passengers is satisfactory. Overall, the cabin is quite roomy with plenty of creature comforts and luxury features. Anti-submarining seats and overhead-mounted seat belt reminder lights come standard. Other standard features for 2007 include Volvo on call roadside assistance for four years, rear window deactivation, safe approach and home safe lighting, a security system, engine immobilizer with encrypted ignition key, key integrated remote control with central power door locks, an outside temperature gauge, a tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, a trip computer, driver information display, a power-adjustable driver seat with 3-position memory and lumbar support, ergonomically designed seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, flat-folding front passenger seats, aluminum integrated handle bar for front passenger, illuminated vanity mirrors in driver/front passenger sun visors, four reading lamps, cargo security cover, front center armrest, rear seat ventilation outlets on B-pillar, dual-zone electronic climate control, power windows with driver and passenger auto up/down with anti-trap feature, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with illuminated controls, remote audio controls in steering wheel, and much more.
[edit] Safety
As standard, the vehicle is equipped with driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags. Also featured is the WHIPS whiplash prevention system on the front seats. The S60 (sedan version) scored 4 stars in the EuroNCAP safety testing, gaining particular praise in the side-impact tests. The V70 scored 5 stars in the NHTSA safety testing.
Later cars have the option of the BLIS blind-spot sensor system, that can detect vehicles otherwise hidden from view of the driver due to being just off to one side of the car.
As is typical for Volvos, all models feature daytime running lights to improve driver visibility and safety throughout the day. If an XC70 owner desires to have their daytime running lights turned off, they may do so at any authorized Volvo dealership.
Latest revision of the XC70 includes DSTC (standard on all models) - Dynamic Stability and Traction control, that combines the functions otherwise known as Electronic Stability Program and traction control.
[edit] External links
| Volvo Cars, a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company since 1998, road car timeline, 1960s-present | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Small family car | 544 | 66 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| S40 / V40 | S40 / V50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact executive car | Amazon / 120 / 130 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 140 | 240 | 850 | S70 / V70 | S60 / V70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duett | 740 | 940 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive car | 164 | 760 | 960 | S/V90 | S80 | S80 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 260 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | P1800 | 1800S | 1800E | 1800ES | 242 GT | 240 Turbo | 850 R | S/V70 R | S60/V70 T5 | S60/V70 R | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | 262C | 780 | C70 | C70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover | XC90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
