- Low-pressure turbo engines provide flexible performance
- Comfortable front seats
- Safe and predictable handling
- Large cargo area
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Vague steering
- Naturally aspirated engines lack low-rev torque
- Turbo lag for V70 T5 and V70 R
- Limited rear seat head and legroomg
Review: Volvo Mk.1-I V70 (1997-99)
Overview
Released in March 1997, the Volvo Mk.1 Series I (Mk.1-I) V70 was a large wagon. The Volvo V70 range initially consisted of six variants: the 2.5, 2.5 20V, 2.4T, 2.4T AWD, T5 and R. In October 1998, however, the range was revised as the 2.5, 2.4T AWD and T5 variants were discontinued and the XC was introduced. Compared to the other variants, the XC was distinguished by its long-travel suspension and additional ground clearance.
As part of the October 1998 update, multiplex wiring and adaptive automatic transmissions were introduced; R variants with automatic transmissions also benefited from a power upgrade.
| Variant | Engine | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 2435 cc B5252S petrol I5 | 1997-98 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
106 kW at 5400 rpm | 206 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| 2.5 20V | 2435 cc B5254FS petrol I5 | 1997-99 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
125 kW at 6100 rpm | 230 Nm at 4800 rpm |
| 2.4T | 2435 cc B5254T turbo petrol I5 | 1997-99 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
142 kW at 5100 rpm | 270 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| 2.4T AWD | 2435 cc B5254T turbo petrol I5 | 1997-98 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
142 kW at 5100 rpm | 270 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| XC | 2435 cc B5254T turbo petrol I5 | 1998-99 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
142 kW at 5100 rpm | 270 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| T5 | 2319 cc B5234T3 turbo petrol I5 | 1997-98 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
176 kW at 5700 rpm | 330 Nm at 2400 rpm |
| R | 2319 cc B5234T6 turbo petrol I5 | 1997-98 | 4sp auto | 176 kW at 6000 rpm | 310 Nm at 2400-5400 rpm |
| 2319 cc B5234T4 turbo petrol I5 | 1997-98 | 5sp man. | 184 kW at 6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 2400-5000 rpm | |
| 2319 cc B5234T8 turbo petrol I5 | 1998-99 | 4sp auto | 184 kW at 6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 2400 rpm |
AWD system
The automatic all-wheel drive system that was fitted to the Volvo V70 2.4T AWD, R and XC variants utilised a viscous coupling. In normal conditions, drive was directed to the front wheels, but up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear wheels if the front wheels lost traction.
Dimensions and suspension
Based on its 850 wagon predecessor, the Volvo V70 was the same length (4720 mm), width (1760 mm) and had the same wheelbase (2665 mm). Furthermore, the V70 had MacPherson strut front suspension and delta-link rear suspension (with separate coil springs and shock absorbers on lower control arms).
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Volvo V70 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. For the all-wheel drive models, the front wheels were controlled by Volvo’s TRACS traction control system which operated at speeds of up to 40 km/h.
As part of the October 1998 update, safety equipment was improved as all variants were fitted with larger side airbags which provided chest and head protection. Furthermore, the 2.4T was fitted with the ‘Dynamic Stability Assist’ traction control system which applied at all speeds.
Features
Standard features for the Volvo V70 2.5 included a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, front fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, an adjustable steering column, roof racks and an immobiliser.
The V70 2.5 20V was further equipped with CD player, leather trim and cruise control, while the SE edition added 16-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery. Beyond this, the V70 2.4T featured an eight speaker sound system with a three disc in-dash CD changer, climate control air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel and trip computer.
The V70 2.4T AWD, T5 and XC featured a power adjustable driver’s seat, while the V70 R was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels and sports suspension.
Related links
Review: Volvo Mk.1-II V70 (1999-00)
Overview
Released in July 1999, the Volvo Mk.1 Series II (Mk.1-II) V70 introduced a revised range and five-speed automatic transmissions for the 2.5 20 V and R variants. The entry-level 2.5 20V variant was initially available solely as a CD edition, though a limited-run SE edition was released in 2000. The 2.4T was available as an SE edition – indicating its additional features – while the XC and R continued as per the Mk.1-I V70.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 20V CD, 2.5 20V SE |
2435 cc B5254S petrol I5 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
125 kW at 6100 rpm | 230 Nm at 4800 rpm |
| 2.4T SE | 2435 cc B5244T turbo petrol I5 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
142 kW at 5100 rpm | 270 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| XC | 2435 cc B5244T turbo petrol I5 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
142 kW at 5100 rpm | 270 Nm at 1800 rpm |
| R | 2435 cc B5244T2 turbo petrol I5 | 5sp auto | 195 kW at 6000 rpm | 350 Nm at 2400-5100 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Volvo Mk.1-II V70 included dual front airbags, front side airbags (with chest and head protection), ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners.
As before, the front wheels of the V70 XC and R variants (i.e. the all-wheel drive models) were controlled by Volvo’s TRACS traction control system which operated at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The 2.4T, however, was also fitted with the ‘Dynamic Stability Assist’ traction control system which applied at all speeds.
Features
Standard features for the Volvo V70 2.5 20V CD included an eight speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather trim, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a roof racks and an immobiliser. The limited-run SE edition, however, was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The V70 2.4T SE added three disc in-dash CD changer, power adjustable driver’s seat, driver’s seat memory settings and trip computer. In March 2000, a limited-run 2.4T SE Sport model was released which added ‘Helium’ alloy wheels, a Dolby Surround Pro Logic sound system, heated front seats and front fog lights.
Compared to the standard 2.4T SE, the V70 XC was further equipped with front fog lights.
Finally, the V70 R was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels (with sports suspension) and heated front seats.
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