Volvo V70

Second generation
Second generation
Overview
Manufacturer	Volvo Cars
Also called	Volvo V70 XC (2000–2002); Volvo XC70 (2003–2007);
Production	January 2000–2007
Model years	2000–2007 V70; 2000–2003 V70 XC; 2003–2007 XC70; 2003–2007 V70 R;
Assembly	Sweden: Torslanda; Belgium: Ghent; Thailand: Samutprakarn;
Designer	Peter Horbury
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door estate
Platform	Volvo P2 platform
Related	Volvo S60; Volvo S80;
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L B5204T turbo I5; 2.0 L B5204T5 turbo I5; 2.3 L B5234T3 turbo I5; 2.4 L B5244S I5; 2.4 L B5244S2 I5; 2.4 L B5244SG CNG I5; 2.4 L B5244SG2 LPG I5; 2.4 L B5244T3 turbo I5; 2.4 L B5244T5 turbo I5; 2.5 L B5254T2 turbo I5; 2.5 L B5254T4 turbo I5; 2.5 L B5244T5 turbo I5; 2.4 L D5244T turbodiesel I5; 2.4 L D5244T2 turbodiesel I5; 2.4 L D5244T4 turbodiesel I5; 2.4 L D5244T5 turbodiesel I5; 2.4 L D5244T7 turbodiesel I5; 2.5 L D5252T turbodiesel I5;
Transmission	5-speed Volvo M56 manual; 5-speed Volvo M58 manual; 6-speed Volvo M66 manual; 5-speed Aisin AW55-50/51SN automatic; 6-speed Aisin TF-80SC automatic;
Dimensions
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); 2003-2007: 1,466 mm (57.7 in); R: 1,448 mm (57.0 in);
Curb weight	1,505–1,645 kg (3,318–3,627 lb) (V70); 1,690–1,735 kg (3,726–3,825 lb) (V70 XC/XC70); 1,740–1,770 kg (3,840–3,900 lb) (V70 R AWD);

First generation
First generation
Overview
Manufacturer	Volvo Cars
Also called	Volvo V70 XC
Production	1996–2000 (373,689 units); 1996–2000 V70 (319,832 units); 1997–2000 V70 XC (53,857 units);
Model years	1997–2000 V70; 1998–2000 V70 XC;
Assembly	Sweden: Torslanda; Belgium: Ghent; Canada: Halifax, Nova Scotia (VHA);
Designer	Peter Horbury (exterior); José Luis Diaz de la Vega (interior);
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door estate
Platform	Volvo P80 platform
Related	Volvo S70
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L B5202FS I5; 2.0 L B5204T2 turbo I5; 2.0 L B5204T3 turbo I5; 2.3 L B5234T3 turbo I5; 2.3 L B5234T4 turbo I5; 2.3 L B5234T6 turbo I5; 2.3 L B5234T8 turbo I5; 2.4 L B5244SG Bi-fuel I5; 2.4 L B5252FS I5; 2.4 L B5254FS I5; 2.4 L B5254S I5; 2.4 L B5244T2 turbo I5; 2.4 L B5254T turbo I5; 2.5 L D5252T turbodiesel I5;
Transmission	5-speed Volvo M56 manual; 5-speed Volvo M58 manual; 5-speed Volvo M59 manual; 4-speed Aisin AW50-42LE automatic; 5-speed Aisin AW55-50SN automatic;
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1997-2000 FWD: 2,664 mm (104.9 in); 1997-1998 AWD: 2,662 mm (104.8 in); 1999-2000 AWD: 2,654 mm (104.5 in);
Length	1997-1998: 4,722 mm (185.9 in); 1999-2000: 4,729 mm (186.2 in); 1999-2000 XC: 4,735 mm (186.4 in);
Width	1,761 mm (69.3 in)
Height	1,427–1,481 mm (56.2–58.3 in); R: 1,453 mm (57.2 in);
Curb weight	1,410–1,518 kg (3,109–3,347 lb) (FWD); 1,702–1,850 kg (3,752–4,079 lb) (AWD);
Chronology
Predecessor	Volvo 850 estate

Volvo V70
Volvo V70
	2015 Volvo V70 D3 Linje Svart (DE)
Overview
Manufacturer	Volvo Cars
Also called	Volvo XC70
Production	1996–2016; P80: 1996–2000 (1st generation); P2: 2000–2007 (2nd generation); P3: 2007–2016 (3rd generation);
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car (V70); Compact crossover (XC70);
Body style	5-door estate; 5-door crossover;
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive; Front engine, four-wheel drive;
Chronology
Predecessor	Volvo 850
Successor	Volvo V90 II

The Volvo V70 is an executive car manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars since 1996 and now in its third generation. The name V70 combines the letter V, standing for versatility,^[1] and 70, denoting relative platform size^[2] (e.g., a V70 is a larger car than a V40, but smaller than a V90).

The first generation (1996–2000) debuted in November 1996^[3] as the estate variant of the Volvo S70. Both cars were essentially redesigned Volvo 850s which had itself been available in saloon and estate configurations. The V70 was available as a front and all-wheel drive estate, the latter marketed as the V70 AWD. In 1997, a special AWD version called V70 Cross Country, badged as V70 XC, was presented and went on sale for model year 1998.

The second generation (2000–2007) shared styling by Peter Horbury^[4] as well as major mechanical commonality with the Volvo S60 saloon and was based on the P2 platform. With a 4 cm increase in width and height, a 5 cm longer wheelbase, a slightly shorter overall length than its predecessor,^[5] and a slightly increased interior cargo volume it went on sale in early 2000.^[6] As with its predecessor, the second generation was also offered as an all-wheel drive variant which was marketed as the V70 AWD and as a special version called V70 XC, which for model year 2003 was renamed to XC70 .

The third generation (2007–2016) was based on the Volvo P3 platform, sharing general styling and much of the interior in front of the b-pillar with the second generation Volvo S80. It has been marketed since 2007 as the V70 and the XC70, a crossover model.

First generation (1996–2000)

The original V70 was a development of the Volvo 850 estate car.^[13] The 850's square edges became more rounded. Other changes included a revised front end, fully colour-coded bumpers and side trim, clear indicator lenses, and a redesigned interior. According to Volvo a total of 1800^[2] changes were made.^[14] Standard equipment was improved over the 850 with remote central locking, heated & electrically adjustable mirrors, 4 airbags, power brakes with ABS and power windows being standard on every car. Trim levels varied for each market as did the equipment levels of the most basic trims. In the United States, the badging denoted the engine variant and to some extent the equipment level, whereas in Europe engine and options could be chosen individually. In all markets more powerful versions received better or upgraded standard equipment. The T5 and R were the series high-performance models.

For 1999 a minor facelift was introduced. Apart from very minor cosmetic changes like the square XC-style roof rails replacing the rounded version and a slightly changed logo for the front grill, it concentrated on the mechanicals. Volvo introduced its second generation side airbag which was increased in volume to offer better protection.^[15] WHIPS was also introduced as part of the standard equipment. New engine management systems with drive-by-wire replaced the mechanical throttle on turbo models and an upgraded traction control now called STC was introduced. The ABS was upgraded from a three-channel to a four-channel system, while all-wheel drive models received thicker rear discs and redesigned rear calipers. The 4-speed automatic transmissions were upgraded to adaptive shift logic.

For the model year 2000, a new 5-speed automatic transmission^[16] with adaptive shift logic was introduced. It was only available on non turbo front-wheel drive models and the 2000 V70 R AWD. All 10V engines were dropped and replaced by detuned 20V versions. Drive-by-wire throttle was now also introduced for non turbo models.

First generation models

V70

The standard V70 was available with a wide variety of engines and gearboxes. Standard configuration was front-wheel drive, an all-wheel drive version badged as V70 AWD^[17]^[18] was available. On some markets Volvo sold a diesel Version badged as V70 TDI. In countries with high taxes on cars with more than 2.0L engine capacity, such as Italy, petrol models with such a capacity were offered. This included a 2.0L T5 and a 2.0T version with the T5 being slightly detuned.

With the V70 Bi-Fuel^[19] Volvo continued to offer a factory CNG powered car. A 95-litre tank^[20] installed in the trunk allowed for a claimed range of 250 km running on CNG only. Due to the bulky tank storage space in the rear, load area was considerably reduced. Drivers could choose whether their car should run on petrol or CNG at the touch of a button. On Bi-Fuel models the temperature gauge in the instrument cluster was replaced by a level gauge for the gas tank.^[21] Several options, such as a trip computer and sports suspension, were not offered. Neither Bi-Fuel nor TDI were offered on the North American market.

Specialised vehicles, such as taxi and police versions, were also available directly from the factory. Changes include provisions to install additional equipment, calibrated speedometer and a different level of standard equipment.

An optional third row seat increased occupant capacity from 5 to 7 seats while reducing underfloor storage space in the trunk.

Volvo V70 (ID)
Volvo V70 (AU)

V70 XC

The V70 XC was introduced for the 1998^[17] model year as a crossover version of the V70. It featured standard all-wheel drive and was available with only two engine and gearbox choices.^[17] In the US only the 2.4L 193 bhp engine together with an automatic gearbox was available.^[22]^[23]^[24] A 2.0L version of the V70 XC was available only for markets with high taxes for cars with more than 2000cc engine capacity. Standard ride height was increased^[25] over the regular AWD model. Visual differences from a standard V70 AWD include a unique front and rear bumper, unpainted sidetrim and sills, a squarer version of the roof rails, a unique front grille and a big Cross Country decal across the tailgate. Buyers could also specify a two tone exterior colour.^[26] Interior details included thicker floor mats and revised base seat covers.

Volvo V70 XC (US)
Volvo V70 XC (US)
Volvo V70 XC (US)

V70 R

As the replacement for the popular 850 T-5R and 850R Volvo developed the V70 R.^[17] Similar to the previous generation R models it featured a unique leather/alcantara interior with diamond stitching on the seats. Further styling touches were a special front bumper, blue gauge faces for the instrument cluster, two special colours and special alloy wheels. All US cars were equipped with 16" alloy wheels, other markets had 17" wheels available at extra cost or as standard equipment. Standard equipment was substantially upgraded over normal models with few options available such as a trunk mounted CD-changer, RTI navigation system or an upgraded stereo system. Intended to be the high performance version of the model range, all R models are fitted with the highest performance engines of the line up. Available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with either automatic or manual transmission. A redesigned suspension with lower ride height and firmer shocks was standard. Three different versions were produced, depending on the model year.

For 1998 the R was available in 5 colours: Black Stone, Nautic Blue, Silver Metallic, Regency Red, Saffron. All apart from the first one were metallic paints with Saffron only being available for the V70 R. Versions offered included FWD & AWD, both with automatic or manual transmission. Automatic transmission cars were rated at 240 bhp,^[22] manual transmission cars featured a bigger turbo bumping up power by 10 bhp to 250 bhp and torque to 350NM. FWD manual transmission equipped R featured a viscous based limited-slip differential. For the US no FWD or manual transmissions were offered.

For 1999 the R was available in 7 colours: Black Stone, Nautic Blue Pearl, Silver Metallic, Cassis, Venetian Red Pearl, Dark Olive Green, Laser Blue.^[27] All apart from the first one were metallic paints with Laser Blue being only available on the R. FWD and manual transmissions were no longer available, only AWD in combination with a 4 speed automatic. Cars were badged V70 R AWD. Power was increased to 250 bhp.^[23] Blue engine covers were introduced for R models.

For 2000 the R was available in 6 colours: Black Stone, Nautic Blue Pearl, Silver Metallic, Venetian Red Pearl, Dark Olive Green, Laser Blue. All apart from the first one were metallic paints with Laser Blue being only available on the R. A new 2.4L engine was introduced and power to 265 bhp by use of a larger turbo and VVT.^[24] The only available transmission was a newly introduced 5-speed adaptive automatic, rear brakes were upgraded to vented discs unique to the R. A dual outlet exhaust was fitted as standard with the rear bumper being modified to accommodate. The interior could now be ordered in a two tone design which paired pale alcantara and black leather for the seat covers.

Volvo V70 R (SE)
Volvo V70 R (SE)
V70 R interior (UK)
V70 R interior showing blue faced gauges (UK)

Engines

Volvo Modular Engine (Petrol)
Model	Engine code	Year(s)	Power	Torque @rpm	Displacement	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)
2.0 10V	B5202FS	1997–1998	126 PS (93 kW; 124 hp)	170 N·m (130 lb·ft) @4800	1,984 cc (121.1 in³)	11.7 s (Manual) 12.1 s (Auto)
2.5 10V	B5252FS	1997–1999	144 PS (106 kW; 142 hp)	206 N·m (152 lb·ft) @3300	2,435 cc (148.6 in³)	10.2 s (Manual) 10.6 s (Auto)
2.5 20V	B5254FS	1997–1999	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)	220 N·m (160 lb·ft) @3300	2,435 cc (148.6 in³)	8.9 s (Manual) 10.0 s (Auto)
2.5 20V	B5254S^[28]	1999	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)	220 N·m (160 lb·ft) @3300	2,435 cc (148.6 in³)	8.9 s (Manual) 10.0 s (Auto)
2.0T	B5204T2	1997–2000	180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp)	240 N·m (180 lb·ft) @1800	1,984 cc (121.1 in³)
2.4T 2.4T AWD	B5254T^[28]	1997–1999	193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp)	270 N·m (200 lb·ft) @1800	2,435 cc (148.6 in³)	7.8 s (Manual) 8.2 s (Auto)
T5 2.0	B5204T3	1997–1999	230 PS (169 kW; 227 hp)	310 N·m (230 lb·ft) @2700	1,984 cc (121.1 in³)
T5 2.3	B5234T3^[29]	1997–2000	240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp)	330 N·m (240 lb·ft) @2700	2,319 cc (141.5 in³)
R FWD (Manual) R AWD (Manual)	B5234T4	1998	250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp)	350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @2700	2,319 cc (141.5 in³)	6.8 s (FWD) 7.3 s (AWD)
R FWD (Auto)	B5234T3^[29]	1998	240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp)	330 N·m (240 lb·ft) @2700	2,319 cc (141.5 in³)
R AWD (Auto)	B5234T6	1998	240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp)	330 N·m (240 lb·ft) @2700	2,319 cc (141.5 in³)
R AWD (Auto)	B5234T8^[28]	1999	250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp)	350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @2400	2,319 cc (141.5 in³)
R AWD (Auto)	B5244T2^[29]	2000	265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp)	400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @2500	2,435 cc (148.6 in³)

Diesel
Model	Engine code	Year(s)	Power	Torque @rpm	Displacement	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)
TDI*	D5252T (MSA 15.7)^[30]	1997–1999	140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp)	290 N·m (210 lb·ft) @1900	2,460 cc (150.1 in³)	10.2 s (Manual) 11.0 s (Auto) ^[30]
TDI*	D5252T (MSA 15.8)**	1999–2000	140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp)	290 N·m (210 lb·ft) @1900	2,460 cc (150.1 in³)	9.9 s (Manual) 10.7 s (Auto)

Gas
Model	Engine code	Year(s)	Power	Tourqe @rpm	Displacement	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)
Bi-Fuel	B5244SG	1998-2000	144 PS (106 kW; 142 hp)	206 N·m (152 lb·ft) @3300	2,435 cc (148.6 in³)

*Volvo used a modified version of the 2.5 TDI VAG engine
**For 1999 the engine management system was updated to comply with emission regulations

Safety

A driver airbag was standard equipment on all V70 models, depending on the market a passenger airbag was either standard equipment or a no cost option. Seatbelt pretensioners for both driver and passenger were always part of the standard equipment. SIPS was standard on all V70 models. The system is supplemented by standard side airbags incorporated into the front seats.^[31]

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.^[32]

The S70 scored five 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 four out of five stars for driver and rear passenger side impact protection.^[33]

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".^[34]^[35] 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)

Volvo released the second generation V70 to most markets in early 2000,^[40] and for the model year 2001 in North America. Based on the Volvo P2 platform, the second generation shared major mechanical and styling commonality with the Volvo S60 saloon, offered frontal area of 2.23 m²^[41] and a coefficient of drag of .30.^[42] The new generation featured adhesively bonded construction (vs. spot-welded) in key areas, with Volvo claiming the new body to be 70 per cent more rigid than the predecessor.^[5] Critical aspects of the design for the second generation were completed before Ford acquired Volvo in 1999.^[6]

The interior featured raised seating in the second row,^[5] a hard point on the passenger’s side of the center console to provide support for a range of optional accessories (e.g., an optional shopping bag holder),^[5] rear-seat table, waste basket and cargo net integrated into the rear seat backs.^[43] Standard interior features included a coat hook integrated into the side of the front passenger's headrest, glove compartment with pen holder and toll card, configurable center console and rear seating with a two position backrests — one position favoring cargo and the other favoring comfort.^[43]

All P2 platform Volvos received a minor facelift across all markets for 2005. The front fascia was redesigned, tail lamps & head lamps were changed to clear covers, the center console and dashboard received detail changes. Some minor changes were done to the electrical system and some engines, for example diesel engined models received a particle filter. A new 6-speed automatic transmission was introduced, available in both AWD and FWD configurations. Production of the second generation V70 and XC70 ended with the 2007MY.

Styling

The second generation V70 was styled by British designer Peter Horbury, who said "the design challenge involved marrying sports car style at the front with the necessary limitations of a wagon back." ^[43] More specifically, he described the concept as the "front end of a Jaguar E-Type married to the back end of a Ford Transit van."^[42]

“

The V70 of 2000 was the best combination of functionality on the back of the car, where you need it, and a very nice, elegant, sporty soft, voluptuous front that blended into that functionality — showing you can have both. – Peter Horbury^[44]

”

Second generation models

V70

A second generation V70 Bi-Fuel was made available. LPG storage capacity was increased to a total of 100 litres, split into one 75 litre tank and two 12.5 litres tanks. Unlike before they were now installed at the underside of the car, therefore keeping all of the trunk space available.^[45] Bi-Fuel models were only sold with the 2.4L (140PS) non turbo engine,^[46] and a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission

Volvo V70 front pre-facelift (US)
Volvo V70 rear pre-facelift (US)
Volvo V70 front post facelift (US)
Volvo V70 rear post facelift (JP)
Load area of second generation V70 RHD with rear seats folded flat (UK)
Centre console of second generation V70 RHD auto with climate control and integral CD player

V70 XC / XC70

At its introduction, the second generation V70 XC^[47] received a major upgrades. It featured better ground clearance of 8.2 in (210 mm) for a total of 20.9 cm^[47] ground clearance thanks to a raised suspension, different bodywork with unpainted bumpers and fender extensions and AWD as standard. An interior grab handle for the front passenger was installed only on this model. Early V70 XC featured special rear view mirrors, a feature that was discontinued after 2003.

Engine and gearbox choices were limited. Only the 2.5 low pressure turbo and D5 diesel engine with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission were available, for the North American market no diesel version was offered.

For 2003 the model was renamed to XC70, in keeping with Volvo's newly introduced XC90.

Volvo V70 XC before the model was renamed (DE)
Volvo XC70 front pre-facelift (AU)
Volvo XC70 rear pre-facelift (AU)
Volvo XC70 front post facelift (CA)

V70 / XC70 Ocean Race

Special versions for both V70 and XC70 called Ocean Race Edition^[48] were unveiled in early 2005. All cars were painted in a unique shade of blue, had upgraded standard equipment and special styling touches such as specific alloy wheels, blue interior trim,^[49] leather seats with contrast stitching^[49] and Ocean Race badges on the outside.^[50]

Volvo XC70 Ocean race pre-facelift (DE)
Volvo XC70 Ocean race post facelift (CH)