Volvo V70 2.4 Complete Report Manual
Volvo does station wagons right. The V70, introduced in 2001, offers styling that is fresh and contemporary without compromising practicality-a maximum of 72 cubic feet of cargo fits in back. Of course there are all the safety features you expect in a Volvo, including whiplash-reducing seats and both side and curtain airbags. The V70 comes in standard front-drive or all-wheel-drive versions, powered by a range of 2.3-, 2.4-, or 2.5-liter five-cylinder engines, with or without turbocharging. The taller-riding, rugged-looking XC70 model and a 300-hp, six-speed V70R model with variable damping and Haldex all-wheel drive round out a full model range. Retuned steering, new side-view mirrors and dash gauges, and a few subtle trim changes are all that’s new for ‘04. The V70’s value, power, practicality, and safety continue to win over tough customers.
There was some doubt whether Volvo would retain its Swedish personality after it was gobbled up by Ford, but the takeover seems to have accrued to the benefit of both—Volvo has taken advantage of Ford’s deep pockets to modernize and expand its product line, and its sales have been healthy enough to add a few bucks to Ford’s balance sheet. The sharing continues with a new S40 sedan, which went on sale earlier this year, and the V50 wagon, which hit showrooms a few months later.
Both use the architecture of the Mazda 3, but Volvo was given enough leeway to considerably differentiate its cars from their cousins. Engine options include a 168-hp, 2.4-liter five-cylinder and a 218-hp turbo version, which offers a choice of a six- speed manual or a five-speed Geartronic automatic. All-wheel drive is also available. The S60, the V70, and the XC70 have the option of a blind-spot information system [see Technical Highlight]. There is also specially treated water-repellent glass for the door mirrors and front side windows. Also, the S60 T5 turbo models get 10 more horsepower and the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or the five-speed Geartronic.
Unchanged: S80, XC90.
Dead: C70, V40.
Future: Volvo will make a coupe and convertible comeback using the S40/V50 platform, although the cars won’t share much sheetmetal. A C70 coupe is expected next year, with a convertible coming later.
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHT: Volvo’s blind-spot information system (cutely named BLIS) uses a digital camera that’s mounted in each side mirror to monitor the typical blind-spot area. When another car enters the zone—it’s 31.0 feet long and 9.8 feet wide—a warning illuminates, alerting the driver. If that’s annoying, there’s a console-mounted switch to shut it off.
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