Volvo V70

First generation (1996–2000)

The first generation V70 was an improved development on the basis of the Volvo 850 estate. Overall design became more rounded doing away with the 850's square edges. Among the many changes were a completely revised front end, fully painted bumpers and side trim and clear indicator lenses all around. Most of the interior was redesigned, with new seats, door panels and dashboard. According to Volvo a total of 1800 changes were made. Standard equipment was significantly improved with remote central locking, heated & electrically adjustable mirrors, 2 front- and 2 sideairbags, power brakes with ABS and power windows being standard on every car. Trim levels varied for each market as did 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 engines 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. WHIPS was also introduced as part of the standard equipment. New engine management systems with drive-by-wire throttle 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 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.

V70

The standard V70 was available with a wide variety of engines, gearboxes and equipment. Standard configuration was front-wheel drive, an all-wheel drive version badged as V70 AWD was available. For some markets Volvo offered a diesel version badged as V70 TDI. In countries with high taxes on cars with more than 2.0L engine capacity, such as Italy, special petrol models with a 2000cc engine capacity were offered. This included a 2.0T and a 2.0L T5 version, the latter with a slightly lower power output than the 2.3L T5.

With the V70 Bi-Fuel Volvo continued to offer a factory CNG powered car. A 95-litre tank 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, rear cargo space 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. Several options, such as a trip computer and sports suspension, were not available for Bi-Fuel models. 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 included preparations to install additional equipment, a certified calibrated speedometer, uprated brakes with wear indicators 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.

V70 XC

The V70 XC was introduced in September 1997 on the Frankfurt Auto Show for the 1998 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. In the US only the 2.4L turbo engine together with an automatic gearbox was available. A 2.0L version of the V70 XC was available only for markets with high taxes on cars with more than 2000cc engine capacity. Standard ride height was increased 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. Interior details included thicker floor mats and revised base seat covers.

V70 R

As the replacement for the popular 850 T-5R and 850 R the V70 R was unveiled in May 1997. 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 6 colours: Black Stone, Nautic Blue, Silver Metallic, Coral Red, 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 PS, manual transmission cars featured a bigger turbo bumping up power by 10 PS to 250 PS 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. 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 PS. 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 increased to 265 PS by use of a larger turbo and VVT. 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 it. The interior could now be ordered in a two tone design which paired white alcantara and black leather for the seat covers.

Engines

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.

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.

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.

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". 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, 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 and a coefficient of drag of .30. 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. Critical aspects of the design for the second generation were completed before Ford acquired Volvo in 1999.

The interior featured raised seating in the second row, 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), rear-seat table, waste basket and cargo net integrated into the rear seat backs. 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.

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 2007 model year.

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." 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."

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. Bi-Fuel models were only sold with the 2.4L (140PS) non turbo engine, and a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission

V70 XC / XC70

At its introduction, the second generation V70 XC received a major upgrade. It featured better ground clearance of 8.2 in (210 mm) 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.

V70 / XC70 Ocean Race

In 2001, to mark their sponsorship of the just renamed Volvo Ocean Race, special Ocean Race editions of the V70 and V70 XC were announced. Released for model year 2002 the cars only came painted in a unique shade of blue. Silver exterior trim and roofrails as well as assorted badging set the models apart from non OR models.
For 2005 Volvo revived the V70 and XC70 Ocean Race Editions were unveiled in early 2005. Once again 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, leather seats with contrast stitching and Ocean Race badges on the outside.

V70 R

As with the previous generation, Volvo offered a high performance variant called V70 R AWD. Based on the PCC2 concept car from 2001, the model was unveiled at the 2002 Paris autoshow on September 26. Released in 2003 the model pioneered many firsts for Volvo. It was only available with a Haldex based all-wheel drive system and a 2.5L turbocharged five cylinder engine rated at 300 metric horsepower (221 kW; 296 hp) and 400 newton metres (295 lbf·ft) of torque. This allowed for a 0–60 time of 5.9 seconds and an electronically limited topspeed of 250 km/h. The R was available with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The 2005 facelift saw the five-speed automatic replaced by a more modern six-speed unit. Large brakes made by Brembo provide high performance braking capabilities in line with the cars high performance characteristics. The V70 R comes as standard with Volvo's 4C multi-mode suspension that had been developed in conjunction with suspension experts Öhlins. The driver may choose from three different settings to vary the car's handling depending on driving style and conditions.

In a 2006 article titled The Manwagon, The Wall Street Journal linked the V70R to a trend "to lure speed-crazy guys with kids," saying "car makers are trying to transform the dowdy old family hauler into something new," and that "consumer research had unearthed a surprising number of family men who thought wagons could be cool, if only they had more guts."

A total of 3407 V70Rs were shipped to North America (2004= 1,565, 2005= 674, 2006= 823, 2007= 345).

Engines

Engines for the P2 V70 generation featured an optional "ozone-eating" catalytic coating for their radiators, marketed as PremAir, which converted ground-level ozone into pure oxygen under normal vehicle operation — with maximum effect in urban traffic and strong sunlight.

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.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluated the Volvo S60 (saloon 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.

Third generation (2007–2016)

On February 2, 2007 Volvo debuted the third generation for 2008. Based on the Volvo P3 platform it shares a lot of parts and general styling with the second generation Volvo S80. Compared with its predecessor the rear-seat legroom was increased by two centimetres and a revised tailgate design increased the load area volume by 55 L. The V70 was offered for the first time with four-cylinder engines and six-cylinder engines. The high performance V70R AWD models were discontinued with this third generation, only a mostly cosmetic R-design package is available.

After model year 2011, Volvo discontinued sales of the V70 in North America, where it continues to market the XC70 and offers a FWD version as a quasi V70 replacement.

The Sensus infotainment known from the Volvo XC60 was first made available in 2011 on the V70 and XC70. For 2012 the V70 and XC70 received a minor facelift. The front received a redesigned bumper with chrome accents, the Volvo logo on the front grill was enlarged. The indicators in the side mirrors were redesigned and changed to LED and the rear light cluster redesigned. New optional alloy wheels and exterior paint options were added.

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. Vattenfall offered customers participating in this trial the supply of renewable electricity generated from wind power or hydropower. 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.

The V70 PHEV test car uses an 11.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. 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. 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:

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.

Ultimately production of the V70 Plug-in Hybrid did not commence and the model was never commercially available.

XC70

As with previous generation models the XC70 features increased ground clearance, optional all-wheel-drive and some cosmetic differences from the normal V70. On the outside there are XC-only front and rear bumpers, side skirts, wheel arch extensions and additional exterior door trims all in unpainted black plastic. The optional roof rails feature an embossed "XC" and are only available in black. Various unique alloy wheels are offered only for the XC.

For the third generation XC a new feature called hill-descent-control was introduced that limits vehicle speed when driving down a steep embankment.

V70 / XC70 Ocean race

In 2011 "Ocean Race Edition" versions of the V70 and XC70 were unveiled. All cars featured special interior trim, decor and details. Exterior colurs were limited to "Ocean Race Blue Metallic" or "Electric Silver Metallic". Engine choices were limited to the D5 or T6. For 2014 Ocean Race models were updated with detail changes such as different door sill plates, high gloss black mirror caps and front grill.

Engines

The V70 and XC70 are available with various engine configurations:

Comfort

Third generation V70 and XC70 models have Volvo's Sensus console system. As usual with Volvo, front seats and rear bench are of orthopedic design. Dolby Pro-Logic systems are standard and speaker upgrades and sub-woofers are also available. The standard audio system includes a CD player, USB connector for MP3 players, Bluetooth streaming and the ability to import music files to the car's hard disk. From December 2014, map upgrades can be performed by the owner via USB, rather than the previous DVD-based system.

DVD navigation with map data and remote control is standard on most specifications, options include 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, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power glass moonroof, 12 volt power outlets, leather seats, rear tinted windows, rain sensor and, on some models, a TFT dashboard in place of analogue instruments.

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, which 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. Safety options include active-bending xenon headlights, auto dipping main beam, City Safety (which includes pedestrian and cyclist recognition software), Collision Avoidance, adaptive cruise control and traffic following, driver alertness monitoring and lane departure warning. Traffic sign recognition is also available.

The latest revision of the XC70 includes DSTC (standard on all models) – Dynamic Stability and Traction control, which 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 category. The V70 received a total of 34 of 37 points and therefore five stars (33–37) in EuroNCAP's evaluation.