Volvo V70

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Volvo V70
2002 Volvo V70 XC
Manufacturer Volvo Cars
Parent company Ford Motor Company
Production 1996–present
Predecessor Volvo 850
Class Mid-size car / Executive car
Body style(s) 5-door wagon
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

The Volvo V70 is a mid-size five-door station wagon / estate manufactured by Volvo Cars since 1996 — and closely related to the S70, S60 and S80 saloons as well as the more stylized four-wheel drive Cross Country (XC) and XC70.

Since it's inception, the V70 has evolved through three generations — notably, the second generation designed by Peter Horbury.[1]

Over 80% of V70s are sold in Europe, one third in Sweden. The Volvo V70 has been the best selling car in Sweden for many years.[citation needed]

Contents

[edit] First generation (1996–2000)

First generation
Volvo V70
Production 1996–2000
Assembly Torslanda, Sweden
Ghent, Belgium
Halifax, Nova Scotia,Canada ,Volvo Halifax Assembly
Engine(s) 2.4L 162 hp I5

2.4L 190 hp I5
2.5L 190 hp I5
2.3L 240 hp I5
2.3L 250 hp I5

2.4L 265 hp I5
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2649 mm (104.3 in)
Length 4722 mm (185.9 in)
Base AWD: 4729 mm (186.2 in)
GLT AWD: 4735 mm (186.4 in)
Width 1760 mm (69.3 in)
Height FWD: 1427 mm (56.2 in)
GLT AWD: 1481 mm (58.3 in)
Base AWD 1453 mm (57.2 in)
Fuel capacity 68 L (18 US gal/15 imp gal)

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 Saloon) and C (for the new Coupé); these cars are respectively known as V70, S70 and C70. 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. Gone were the 850's square edges and replaced by rounded corners to suit the late 90s style trend. Other changes included a new 'family face' for the V/S/C70 models, colour coded bumpers, clear indicator lenses, and a new dashboard fascia and materials. However on the whole, one could say the car was similar to its predecessor, but nevertheless, a successful facelift.

[edit] First generation variants

Volvo's variant badging of their cars in this period is synonymous as being complex due to the vast array of models and equipment packages on offer. This policy was adopted as Volvos were seen to be a car that would suit a wide spectrum of the public, thus a vast choice of models and packages were available to suit the most specific customer. In its most basic form, the model line up consisted of Torslanda — named after its' assembly plant, Torslandaverken — SE and CD.

Option packages included:

  • Sports - with alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and fog lamps.
  • Comfort - child seat, air conditioning or electric sunroof, and trip computer.
  • Luxury - leather upholstery with electric driver's seat, climate control and cruise control, and wood fascia trim.
  • Estate - roof rails, self-levelling rear suspension, and luggage net.
  • Winter - headlamp wash/wipe, heated front seats and traction control.
  • Design - red wood/leather steering wheel, red wood-effect trim, and leather upholstery.

[edit] First generation models

  • S70
  • S70 R (2.3 litre)
  • V70
  • V70 R (2.3 litre)
  • V70 R AWD (2.3-2.4 litre)
  • V70 XC AWD

T5 and R models are high-performance models. The T5 was equipped with a 2.3 turbocharged engine, spoiler and 'turbine' alloy wheels, whereas the GLT models had either a 2.3 turbocharged or a 2.4 turbocharged engine. The R was fitted with a full factory fitted body kit (chin spoiler and rear spoiler, anthracite alloy wheels) a range of unique colours.

[edit] First generation straight-5 engines

  • 2.0 10v
  • 2.3
  • 2.3 Turbo
  • 2.3 R 240 bhp (180 kW) in 1998
  • 2.3 R 250 bhp (190 kW) in 1999
  • 2.3 R 265 bhp (198 kW) in 2000
  • 2.4 10v 140 bhp (100 kW)
  • 2.4 20v 164 bhp (122 kW)
  • 2.4 Turbo 190 bhp (140 kW)
  • 2.5 10v 140 bhp
  • 2.5 20v 170 bhp
  • 2.5 Turbo
  • 2.5 AWD 193 bhp
  • 2.5 T5 (Turbo 5-cylinder)225 bhp
  • 2.5 TDi

[edit] Second generation (1999–2007)

Second generation
2005-2007 Volvo V70
Production 1999–2007
Assembly Torslanda, Sweden
Ghent, Belgium
Platform Volvo P2 platform
Engine(s) 2.0L Turbo I5, 2.4L I5, 2.4L CNG/LPG I5, 2.4L Turbo I5, 2.5L Turbo I5, 2.4L Diesel I5
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2760 mm (108.7 in)
XC: 2760 mm (108.7 in)
Length 4710 mm (185.4 in)
XC: 4730 mm (186.2 in)
Width 1800 mm (70.9 in)
XC: 1860 mm (73.2 in)
Height 1490 mm (58.7 in)
XC: 1560 mm (61.4 in)
Fuel capacity 70 L (18 US gal/15 imp gal)

In the end of 1999 (2001 for North America), Volvo released the all-new V70 based on the new P2 platform which itself was first used for the entirely Swedish-designed Volvo S80 sedan in 1997. This new car dispensed with the boxy shape of Volvos before it to take on a curvy profile much like the S40/S60 series, and added a new aggressive front end. Where the first generation V70 had a saloon variant (S70), the second generation lost the S70 as the new S80 was now seen to be the 'S70 for the new millennium'. 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 mildly 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 fascia, tail lamps, along with several improvements and changes to the interior fittings.

Volvo continues to market the V70 second generation in Europe and Scandinavia, under the name V70 Classic.

[edit] Third generation (2007-present)

Third generation
2008 Volvo XC70
Production 2007–present
Assembly Torslanda, Sweden
Class Executive car
Platform Volvo P24 platform
Engine(s) 2.0L (4-cyl), 2.0L (Flexifuel, 4-cyl), 2.5L Turbo I5, 3.2L I6, 3.0L Turbo I6, 2.4L hp Diesel I5
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2816 mm (110.9 in)
XC: 2815 mm (110.8 in)
Length 4823 mm (189.9 in)
XC: 4838 mm (190.5 in)
Width 2106 mm (82.9 in)
XC: 2119 mm (83.4 in)
Height 1547 mm (60.9 in)
XC: 1604 mm (63.1 in)
Fuel capacity 70 L (18 US gal/15 imp gal)
Designer Thomas Alvoid

The third V70 was officially unveiled by Volvo on 2 February 2007. The car was developed to be a slightly more up-market car than the previous model, but remains the same size. Despite this, rear-seat legroom is increased two centimetres and a revised tailgate design increases the load area volume by 55 L. The tailgate now has motorized lift and closing action. The interior is one of the most luxurious in its class.

As with the second-generation V70, the new car is a unique design sharing little externally with other Volvo models. The Volvo P24 platform is used and much of the interior (other than the rear seats and loadbay) are shared with the second generation S80. The new V70 will have a 3.2 L I6, a 3.0 L turbo straight-six, a light-pressure turbo 2.5 L I5, and two 2.4 L I5 diesel engines. Only the last two are offered with manual gearboxes. In Europe, all models execpt for the 3.2 L version are available with manual gearboxes.

[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 five-cylinder, 20 valve inline transverse-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 easily around 280 bhp and up to 315 bhp with custom fine tune. That is one reason why the vehicle is popular as a high speed vehicle with the police forces.[citation needed] The V70R, using the same engine, offers 300 bhp and 400Nm 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. Furthermore the V70R has AWD and larger Brembo brakes, in order to compete with the (possible) higher demands.

[edit] Comfort and luxury

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 high-end audio system. Dolby Pro Logic systems and sub-woofers are also available as upgrades to the standard audio system.

Options include 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 seats, rear tinted windows, and a rain sensor.

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 four stars out of five in the EuroNCAP safety testing, gaining particular praise in the side-impact tests. The V70 scored five 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.

The 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] References

  1. ^ VOLVO V70 Marketing Positioning. Volvoclub.org, Volvo Press Release.

[edit] External links

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0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Small family car 544 66
340
360
Volvo 440/460/480
S40 S40 S40
C30
Compact executive car Amazon / 120 / 130
140 240 850 S70 S60 S60
740 940
Executive car 164 760 960 S90 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
Estate car V40 V50
145 240 850 V70 V70 V70
Duett 740 940
Crossover XC60
XC70 XC70 XC70
XC90