Volvo V70

Volvo V70

2001 Volvo XC70
Manufacturer Volvo Cars
Also called Volvo XC70 (crossover version)
Production 1997–present
Predecessor Volvo 850
Class Mid-size car / Executive car
Body style 5-door estate/wagon
5-door crossover
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

The Volvo V70 is a mid-size five-door estate car / station wagon manufactured by Volvo Cars since 1997. It is closely related to the S70, S60 and S80 saloons, as well as the four-wheel drive Cross Country (XC) and XC70.

Since its inception, the V70 has evolved through three generations, with the second generation designed by Peter Horbury.[1]

Contents

First generation (1997–2000)

First generation
Also called Volvo V70-XC
Production 1997–2000
Assembly Torslanda, Sweden,
Ghent, Belgium,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Volvo Halifax Assembly
Engine 2.0 L 126 hp I5
2.4 L 162 hp I5
2.4 L 190 hp I5
2.5 L 190 hp I5
2.3 L 240 hp I5
2.3 L 250 hp I5
2.4 L 265 hp I5
2.5 L 140 hp I5 (diesel)
Transmission 5-speed manual,
4-speed automatic,
5-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,664 mm (104.9 in)
1998 AWD: 2,662 mm (104.8 in)
1999-2000 AWD: 2,654 mm (104.5 in)
Length 1998: 4,722 mm (185.9 in)
1999-2000: 4,729 mm (186.2 in)
1999-2000 XC: 4,735 mm (186.4 in)
Width 1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height 1,427 mm (56.2 in) & 1,481 mm (58.3 in)
R: 1,453 mm (57.2 in)

The original V70 was a development of the Volvo 850 estate car (station wagon) and saloon (sedan) range. 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, but can also be thought of as Wagon, or "Vagon"), 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. The 850's square edges became more rounded. Other changes included a new 'family face' for the V/S/C70 models, colour-coded bumpers, clear indicator lenses, and a new dashboard. Volvo offered a trim level option for the V70 called the Torslanda — named after its assembly plant, Torslandaverken. Other trim level packages included:

First generation models

Petrol

Model Power Torque @rpm Displacement (cc) Engine Comment
2.0 126 PS (93 kW; 124 hp) 170 N·m (130 lb·ft) @4800 1984 B5204
2.5 144 PS (106 kW; 142 hp) 206 N·m (152 lb·ft) @3300 2435 B5252 S2
GLT 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) 220 N·m (160 lb·ft) @3300 2435 B5254 S
2.0T 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) @1800 1984 B5204 T2
2.4T 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) 270 N·m (200 lb·ft) @1800 2435 B5254 T3
2.4T AWD 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) 270 N·m (200 lb·ft) @1800 2435 B5254 T3
T5 2.0 226 PS (166 kW; 223 hp) 310 N·m (230 lb·ft) @2700 1984 B5204 T3
T5 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) 330 N·m (240 lb·ft) @2700 2319 B5234 T3
R FWD Manual Phase1 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @2700 2319 B5234 T4 0-62mph 6.8sec
R FWD Auto Phase1 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) 330 N·m (240 lb·ft) @2700 2319 B5234 T3 0-62mph 7.4sec
R AWD Manual Phase1 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @2700 2319 B5234 T4 0-62mph 7.3sec
R AWD Auto Phase1 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @2400 2319 B5234 T6 0-62mph 8.1sec
R AWD Auto Phase2 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) 360 N·m (270 lb·ft) @2400 2319 B5234 T8 0-62mph 6.9sec
R AWD Auto Phase3 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @2500 2435 B5244 T2 0-62mph 7.2sec

Diesel

Short Descr Power Torque @rpm Displacement (cc) Engine Comments
TDI 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) 290 N·m (210 lb·ft) @1900 2460 D5252 T

Gas

Short Descr Power Tourqe @rpm Displacement (cc) Engine Comment
Bi-Fuel 144 PS (106 kW; 142 hp) 206 N·m (152 lb·ft) @3300 2435 B5244 SG

T5 and R models are high-performance models. The T5 was equipped with a sport-tuned high pressure turbocharged 2.0 or a 2.3 litre engine with maximum boost pressure set at 10.5 pounds per square inch (72 kPa), and 'turbine' alloy wheels, whereas the LT models had a low pressure turbocharged 2.4 litre engine with maximum boost pressure at 7 to 8 pounds per square inch (48 to 55 kPa). The R was fitted with a full factory fitted body kit (chin spoiler and rear spoiler, anthracite alloy wheels) a range of unique colours.

There were 3 phases of R FWD & R-AWD produced for the United Kingdom market between 1997 and 2000:

Phase 1: were produced from 1997 till February 1999 (UK P to S reg) and were available with either the B5234T-4 (2319cc) engine (18T turbo 250 bhp/350 N·m) and five-speed manual gearbox; or the B5234T-6 engine (16T turbo 240 bhp/310 N·m) and four-speed three-mode automatic gearbox. Both engines used the Bosch Motronic 4.4 engine management system. (0–62 6.8(M FWD)/7.3(M AWD)/7.4(A FWD)/8.1(A AWD), 155/143 mph).

Phase 2: were produced from March 1999 (UK S to T reg) and were only available with the B5234T-8 (2319 cc) engine (18T turbo 265 bhp/360 N·m) and four-speed adaptive automatic gearbox. These cars use the Bosch Motronic ME7 engine management system with drive-by-wire throttle and variable exhaust camshaft valve timing. (0–62 6.9 143 mph). WHIPS system, and larger side SIPS airbags for head protection.

Phase 3: were produced from May 1999 till May 2000 (UK T to W reg). They were only available with the larger B5244RT (2435cc) engine (19T turbo 265 bhp/350 N·m) and five-speed adaptive automatic gearbox. These also use the Bosch Motronic ME7 engine management system, drive-by-wire and VVT. These cars were fitted with twin tail pipes (first time Volvo fitted twin exhaust system), WHIPS system, and larger side SIPS airbags for head protection, and vented rear brake discs. (0–62 7.2 155 mph).

Latest generation of Road Traffic Information Satellite Navigation used on the Phase III's, this is the same CD based system used by Volvo up until 2003 and on the C70 until 2005.

Roof rails were changed now the same as V70XC.

Altogether, Volvo sold 74 Phase III’s in the UK, split by colour: Black stone 5, Nautic Blue Pearl 10, Dark Olive Pearl 3, Silver Metallic 17, Laser Blue Metallic 33, Venetian Red Pearl 6

Trim and specification levels remained virtually unchanged throughout the 3 phases. Trim was Leather and Alcantara in either Beige or Grey/Black with aluminium trim on the dash and console (dark wood was an option on P1 and P2 cars). On P1 cars, the steering wheel was also leather/alcantara, but phase 2 and 3 had a thicker rimmed leather only wheel. Phase II and III had blue engine covers. Phase 3 cars had the option of contrasting grey/beige trim. These cars were virtually "fully loaded" with very few options available (mainly pro-logic (£600), 6 CD boot mounted changer (£600), RTI-Satellite Navigation (£2500)) as they cost £37,000 when new.

All phases were available with either 16" or 17" roadwheels in either silver or anthracite with a temporary spare wheel. The 17" wheels were £100 more expensive.

Colour options were available as follows: Phase 1 : Saffron, Black Stone, Nautic Blue, Silver, Regency Red Phase 2 : Laser Blue, Black Stone, Nautic Blue Pearl, Silver Metallic, Cassis, Venetian Red Pearl, Dark Olive Green Phase 3 : Laser Blue, Black Stone, Nautic Blue Pearl, Silver Metallic, Venetian Red Pearl, Dark Olive Green

First generation straight-5 engines

Safety

Euro NCAP evaluated the S70 (saloon variant of V70) in 1998 awarding it 4 of 5 stars for adult occupant protection. The S70 scored 7 of 16 points in the front test, and 16 of 16 in the side test. The car received 2 of 2 points available in the pole test. The S70 received a total of 25 of 37 points and therefore four stars (25-32) in Euro NCAP's evaluation.[2]

The S70 scored four of five stars for front impact protection for driver and front passenger in the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety testing, and five out of five stars for driver and rear passenger side impact protection.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) granted the 850/S70 their highest rating of "good" for front crash protection. Rear crash protection was rated as "good".[3][4] 1999 and newer, prevents whiplash by a seatback hinge mechanism that is standard equipment. There were no side impact tests conducted on behalf of the IIHS for the Volvo V70.

Second generation (2000–2007)

Second generation

2000-2004 Volvo V70 (US)
Production 2000–2007
Assembly Torslanda, Sweden,
Ghent, Belgium
Samutprakarn, Thailand[5]
Platform Volvo P2 platform
Engine 2.3 L Turbo I5,
2.4 L I5,
2.4 L CNG/LPG I5,
2.4 L Turbo I5,
2.5 L Turbo I5,
2.4 L Diesel I5
Transmission 5-speed manual,
6-speed manual,
5-speed automatic,
6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,756 mm (108.5 in)
XC: 2,764 mm (108.8 in)
Length 4,709 mm (185.4 in)
XC: 4,732 mm (186.3 in)
Width 1,803 mm (71.0 in)
XC: 1,859 mm (73.2 in)
Height 1,491 mm (58.7 in)
XC: 1,562 mm (61.5 in)
2003-07: 1,466 mm (57.7 in)
R: 1,448 mm (57.0 in)

At the end of 1999 (2001 in North America), Volvo released a redesigned V70 based on the-then new P2 platform which itself was first used for the entirely Swedish-designed Volvo S80 saloon/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 more aggressively designed 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 finished 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.

The V70 XC received a major upgrade on its suspension and equipped with 8.2 in (210 mm) minimum ground clearance.

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.

Technical

In the US market the V70 is available as front or all-wheel drive (AWD) with a Geartronic five-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual transmission was offered on the base 2.4 version, but few dealers stocked it. As before, there is an AWD-only off-road version with raised suspension, plastic body cladding and an interior grab handle. This version previously known as the V70 XC (Cross Country) was renamed to XC70 for this new model line.

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 V70 five cylinder turbo engines in the US market are the base V70 2.5 litre light-pressure turbo straight-five engine with 211 metric horsepower (155 kW; 208 hp) at 5,000 rpm; and torque of 320 newton metres (236 lbf·ft) at 1,500–4,500 rpm, and the V70 T5 2.4 litre high-pressure turbo straight-five with 260 metric horsepower (191 kW; 256 hp) at 5,500 rpm; torque 350 newton metres (258 lbf·ft) at 2,100–5,000 rpm. For the US market, both of these engines are exclusively mated to a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.

This 2.4 litre high-pressure turbo straight-5 "T5" engine is used in a variety of Volvos, and as with most stock performance turbo engines the power output is quite limited by the stock Volvo engine tuning. The ultra high performance all-wheel drive V70R, using a 2.5L Turbocharged I5 engine in ultra high performance tune produces 300 metric horsepower (221 kW; 296 hp) and 400 newton metres (295 lbf·ft). The V70R is equipped with Volvo's 4C multi-mode suspension developed in conjunction with suspension experts Öhlins—allowing the driver to vary the cars handling depending on driving style and conditions. The V70R AWD has also larger Brembo brakes to provide high performance braking capabilities in line with its high performance characteristics.

Safety

Euro NCAP evaluated the S60 (saloon variant of V70) in 2001 awarding it 4 of 5 stars for adult occupant protection. The S60 scored 10 of 16 points in the front test and 16 of 16 in the side test. The car received 2 of 2 points available in the pole test. The S60 received a total of 28 of 37 points and therefore four stars (25-32) in Euro NCAP's evaluation.[6]

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluated the Volvo S60 (sedan variant). The S60 was granted the IIHS's highest rating of "good" in front and rear tests. The S60 was awarded the Institute's second highest rating of "acceptable" in the side test. However, an improvement in the driver dummy's pelvis/leg rating from "marginal" to "acceptable" would yield an overall "good" rating in the side test.[7]

Third generation (2007-present)

Third generation

Volvo XC70 (US)
Production 2007–present
Assembly Torslanda, Sweden
Jakarta, Indonesia (Indobuana Autoraya)
Class Executive car
Platform Y20 platform
Engine 2.0 L I4,
2.0 L I4 Flexifuel,
2.5 L I5 Turbo,
2.5 L I5 FT Flexifuel,
3.2 L I6,
3.0 L I6 Turbo,
1.6 L I4 diesel (DRIVe model),
2.0 L I4 diesel,
2.4 L I5 hp diesel
Transmission 5-speed manual,
6-speed manual,
5-speed automatic,
6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,816 mm (110.9 in)
XC: 2,815 mm (110.8 in)
Length 4,823 mm (189.9 in)
XC: 4,838 mm (190.5 in)
Width 1,861 mm (73.3 in) , 2,106 mm (82.9 in) Including mirrors.
XC: 2,119 mm (83.4 in)
Height 1,547 mm (60.9 in)
XC: 1,604 mm (63.1 in)
Related Ford Mondeo
Designer Thomas Alvoid

The third generation V70 was officially unveiled by Volvo on 2 February 2007. The new car was aimed and equipped to be slightly more up-market than the previous model, albeit being of the similar size externally. The car was also shyly moved to be the lineup companion wagon to the S80 sedan, with previous generation model being considered companion wagon to S60 (even though, this was never openly marketed and is open to dispute). The Ford EUCD platform is used underneath the new V70, and much of the interior (other than the rear seats and loadbay) are shared with the second generation S80. The rear-seat legroom was increased by two centimetres and a revised tailgate design increased the load area volume by 55 L. The tailgate had also had optional motorized lift and closing action.

Since the new V70 is only available as a front-wheel drive platform based on the new S80 platform, the US market V70/XC70 AWD are only available with the S80 FWD drivetrain, a 3.2 litre straight-six engine producing 238 metric horsepower (175 kW; 235 hp) at 6,200 rpm; torque of 320 newton metres (236 lb·ft) at 3,200 rpm - mated to a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The S80 AWD engine choices, a 3.0 litre turbo-six with 285 metric horsepower (210 kW; 281 hp) at 5,600 rpm, torque 400 newton metres (295 lb·ft) at 1,500–4,800 rpm, and a 4.4 litre V8 engine with 315 metric horsepower (232 kW; 311 hp) at 5,950 rpm, torque 440 newton metres (325 lb·ft) at 3,950 rpm are currently not available in the V70 since they require the S80 AWD platform. In some other markets D5 and/or T6 AWD models of XC70 are available.

There are no known plans for a high performance AWD V70. The high performance V70R AWD, as well as the five-cylinder turbo engine range mated to a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmissions of the previous V70 generation were all discontinued as the car departed from being the station wagon companion to P2 S60(R), and moved up to being the same for EUCD S80. Old R versions of S60/V70 were later replaced with R-design editions of EUCD S60(second gen.)/V60 -- meaning, essentially, that only visual design features of old R "performance" cars will be available.

As of the 2011 model year, Volvo no longer sells the V70 in North America.[8] In its place, a front-wheel drive version of the XC70 is available, which was already sold in the European market.

Comfort

The front seats and the rear bench are of orthopedic design. 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.

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.

Third generation V70s are available with 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.

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 Programme and traction control.

Euro NCAP evaluated the V70 in 2007 awarding it 5 of 5 stars for adult occupant protection. The V70 scored 15 of 16 points in the front test and 16 of 16 in the side test. The car was penalised 1 point in the pole test for improper deployment of the curtain airbag in both the original test and the re-test. The car received one of two points available in the pole test. The V70 was granted an additional two points for seat belt reminders of three available in this catergory. The V70 received a total of 34 of 37 points and therefore five stars (33-37) in EuroNCAP's evaluation.[9]

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Volvo S80 (sedan variant) their Top Safety Pick award. The S80 was granted the IIHS's highest rating of "good" in front, side, rear and roof strength tests and has Electronic Stability Control as standard equipment to receive the award.[10]

V70 Plug-in Hybrid

As part of a joint venture with Vattenfall, a Swedish energy company, Volvo converted two Volvo V70 to diesel-electric plug-in hybrid demonstrators that have been in field testing in Göteborg, Sweden since December 2009.[11] Vattenfall offered customers participating in this trial the supply of renewable electricity generated from wind power or hydropower.[12] Among other challenges, this test has allowed to experience the all-electric range at low temperatures, which has been a disadvantage of plug-in vehicles.[11][12]

The V70 PHEV test car uses a 11.3 kWh lithium ion battery pack.[13] As reported by the test drivers, the V70 Plug-in Hybrid demonstrators have an all-electric range between 20 kilometres (12 mi) to 30 kilometres (19 mi) . The demonstrators were built with a button to allow test drivers to manually choose between electricity or diesel engine power at any time.[11][14] The first phase of the field trial ended in June 2010 and included 16 families, all employees of Volvo or Vattenfall, who had the car for 1.5 weeks to one month. A second phase of the test goes from July to December 2010 with Vattenfall employees in Göteborg and Stockholm. Among the key findings of the first phase are:[11][14]

Volvo announced in 2009 and confirmed in 2010 the launching of series production diesel-electric plug-in hybrids as early as 2012. Volvo claimed that its plug-in hybrid could achieve 125 miles per US gallon (1.88 L/100 km; 150 mpg-imp), based on the European test cycle.[14][15]

References

  1. ^ "Volvo V70 Marketing Positioning" (PDF). Volvoclub.org, Volvo Press Release. http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/press/volvo2003uk/v70/V70_Fulldoc.pdf. 
  2. ^ http://www.euroncap.com/tests/volvo_s70_1998/54.aspx S70/1st generation V70 EuroNCAP evaluation
  3. ^ "S70/1st generation V70 IIHS evaluation Volvo's WHIPS system,[http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2002/10/24/149482.html Volvo's WHIPS Proven to Reduce Head and Neck Injury by 49 Percent". Iihs.org. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=268. Retrieved 2010-10-09. ]
  4. ^ "(Volvo Cars' Whiplash Protection System)—The Development and Real-World Performance". Informaworld.com. 2008-12-06. http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a906362876&db=allWHIPS. Retrieved 2010-10-09. 
  5. ^ "Volvo. Volvo In Thailand". Car-cat.com. http://car-cat.com/firm-1145.html. Retrieved 2010-07-16. 
  6. ^ http://www.euroncap.com/tests/volvo_s60_2001/103.aspx Volvo S60/2nd generation V70 EuroNCAP evaluation
  7. ^ http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=412 Volvo S60/ 2nd generation V70 IIHS evaluation
  8. ^ https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/enhanced/en-us/Media/Preview.aspx?mediaid=33367
  9. ^ "3rd generation V70 Euro NCAP evaluation". Euroncap.com. http://www.euroncap.com/tests/volvo_v70_2007/310.aspx. Retrieved 2010-10-09. 
  10. ^ "IIHS S80 rating". Iihs.org. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=413. Retrieved 2010-10-09. 
  11. ^ a b c d Vattenfall (September 2010). "Having a plug-in hybrid as your family car -what is it actually like?". PluginCars.com. http://www.plugincars.com/sites/default/files/36_EMobility_September2010.pdf. Retrieved 2010-09-05.  pp. 3-4
  12. ^ a b "Volvo Cars and Vattenfall to Develop New Plug-in Diesel-Electric Hybrids; Three V70 PHEV Demonstrators on the Road This Summer". Green Car Congress. 2009-06-01. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/06/volvo-phev-20090601.html. Retrieved 2009-06-04. 
  13. ^ Brad Berman (2010-03-09). "Volvo V70 Plug-in Hybrid". PluginCars.com. http://www.plugincars.com/volvo-v70-plugin-hybrid/review. Retrieved 2010-10-05. 
  14. ^ a b c "Volvo Reports Reactions from First Drivers of Volvo V70 Plug-in Hybrid". PluginCars.com. 2010-10-01. http://www.plugincars.com/volvo-reports-reactions-first-drivers-volvo-v70-plug-hybrid-83786.html. Retrieved 2010-10-05. 
  15. ^ John Voelcker (2009-06-02). "Volvo to Introduce Plug-In Diesel by 2012". Fox News. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,524378,00.html. Retrieved 2009-06-04. 

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