The Volvo V70 is the most successful Volvo of the last decades in terms of sales numbers. Only the 340/360 and 440/460 were sold more. The Volvo Type 2 that was built between 2000 and 2007 was, and still is, very popular. The reason, probably, is the friendly and solid image of the Volvo, you don't get embarrassed in a Volvo. The high reliability and safe image probably also plays a role. And fortunately, this type was still supplied with 'real' Volvo engines, the 5-cylinders.     

History of the Volvo V70 2

When the Volvo V70 was launched in January 2000, Volvo surprised friend and foe with just the introduction of the new V70 - where had the S70 gone? But the implacable Swedes from Gothenburg calmly stated that there was none and none coming. The V70 looks somewhat like an S80 estate car, and it was indeed based on the same modular P2X platform, but it is about 110 mm shorter and 30 mm narrower. Volvo probably thought that an S70 would be too close to either an S60 or S80. In the end, no one crowed about the S70, and the V70 sold like hot cakes. In the introduction year, more than 6000 were sold in the Netherlands. This is a gigantic number for a car in this price range. The total market share that year was more than 1%.  

Engines and equipment V70 

At launch, there were a number of different variants to choose from. Several petrol engines were available, the 2.4-litre 140bhp engine was carried over from the previous generation V70, as was the 170bhp version of the same engine. The 200 hp 2.4T engine was slightly improved from the 193 hp engine of the 'old' V70, and the 2.3-litre T5 variant with 250 hp needs little introduction. Those looking for a diesel had a fine 2.5-litre turbo engine at their disposal.

In June 2000, Volvo introduced the V70 Cross Country off-road version, which retained the chic look of the Audi allroad reflects and is equipped with the 200 hp 2.4-litre petrol engine. Equipment levels were reasonable, but you had to order an edition for a nice level of equipment. The conventional 140 hp and 170 hp petrol engines remained available over the years, while a 163 hp D5 common-rail 2.4-litre diesel engine appeared in the summer of 2001. The Volvo V70 Cross Country was renamed XC70 in early 2002 and BiFuel versions of the 140 hp V70 were also offered. In 2003, Volvo launched the V70 R. By now an iconic appearance in the mint green colour with no less than 300 hp under the bonnet.

The driving characteristics of a V70

The dynamics of the Volvo V70 are better than you would expect. Body roll is evident when you put the big Volvo into a corner, but the steering feels precise and the handling is benign and predictable. The five-cylinder engines are great, and while the entry-level version with 140bhp doesn't seem over-engineered, it's certainly not slow. All engines are reassuringly quiet and most at home on the off-road/highway. Of the models, the fast T5 makes the most headlines with its top speed of 250 km/h and ability to do the 0-100 km/h sprint in under 7 seconds. The R is of course even faster to the 100 km/h, only 6 seconds. The turbo diesel (D5) is a model of flexibility and in combination with a manual gearbox extremely economical, 1:18 is really achievable. 

The 2004 facelift 

In 2004, a major facelift was introduced to the range. The main changes that will be most noticeable were a more streamlined set of bumper and grill with clear tail lights fitted to all models. There were changes to the interior trim and several bits of new technology were added. The T5 also received a boost of 10 hp to 260 hp. For the 2006 model year, a further power boost was introduced with the D5 diesel at 185 hp. Nevertheless, the 163 hp engine in 2.4D form and the 130 hp diesel remained. Later in 2006, a 180 hp 2.0-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine also became available. All models at that time received door mirrors with integrated indicators.

How is a Volvo v70 2 as an occasion / youngtimer?

The Volvo V70 is a traditionally solidly built Volvo with a vertical rear window that can carry enormous loads. The shape, however, is not the usual slab-sided body, with elegantly tapered shoulders running along the car's flanks. Volvo claims a rear seat capacity of 1641 litres.
Where the old V70 was all sharp angles and boxy looks, this v70 type 2 is all round. Designer Horbury has cleverly reduced the curvature of the side windows from front to back, for maximum style on the driving side and maximum carrying capacity on the business side. The rear end is distinguished, as before, by Volvo's now customary pillars of tail lights.

The interior

The interior is reasonably timeless and well-matched to the driver; the seating position is simply very good. The ergonomics are also fine, with the central console tilted towards the driver, so that everything is within reach. Furthermore, the seats are sublime and can be adjusted in many ways, so that almost everyone can find a good sitting position. Unfortunately the interior of this Volvo doesn't stand the test of time as well as for example an Audi. The upholstery of the seats is prone to tearing, the steering wheel can sort of peel and creaks in the interior are no stranger to this Volvo either.  

What should you look for when buying a V70? 

The Volvo V70 has not yet reported any significant defects, but as with any estate car, you should check the rear cargo area for signs of damage. The five-cylinder engines are bulletproof, with the exception of the 250-horsepower variant, turbo problems do occasionally occur. In addition, the diesels can suffer from piston ring/ rocker arm problems when they reach a high age. The engine then makes a knocking / popping sound, an expensive repair. On the more powerful models, check the tyres carefully, as they can quickly wave the white flag if the car has been driven "vigorously". Use the Cross Country check for proper wheel alignment and inspect the suspension and exhaust if you suspect it has been subjected to anything more than a grassy car park. The automatic gearboxes are just fine and will last a long time, but you should make sure during a test drive that it shifts smoothly up and down. And when idling, don't ping. Small jolts do not have to be a problem and can be solved by flushing the automatic transmission. The costs are between 250-400,- euro. This flushing should be done periodically, every 100,000 kilometres is recommended. The front suspension can also become slack, which you will notice when driving over speed bumps. This can of course be solved by fitting a set of new shock absorbers.

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