2001 April:
Volvo is to release a new V70 all wheel drive (AWD) in Europe -
this is the car, just a couple of cm taller than the 4x2, not the
cross country
4x4, which continues.
2000: The Volvo V70 T5 - new model. There are low-boost 2.4 litre `T' (147 6000, 330 2400 - 5000) and high-boost 2.3 litre `T5' (184 5200, 330 2400 - 5200) versions.
August 2000, Volvo (au) plans to introduce a naturally aspirated V70 and, in November, a new Volvo V70 XC with the low-boost engine.
The new naturally aspirated engine (125)
will join the range in July as part of Volvo's
programme to revise its engines to `RN' level with
lighter crankshafts, reduced friction and revised combustion designs,
and CVVT variable valve timing.
V70 manual prices, 3/2000 (auto' +2K to +2.5K):
- 4wd.sofcom.com/4WD.html
1997: The Volvo V70 station wagon and S70 sedan are based on the previous Volvo 850. The V70 comes with an all wheel drive (AWD) alternative to the standard front wheel drive vehicle.
Power is provided by Volvo's 2.5 litre five cylinder engine with a "low pressure turbo boost". Volvo claims acceleration figures of 8.5secs for 1-100kph and a top speed of over 220kph.
The drive system incorporates electronic traction control (TRACS)
on the front differential to prevent one front wheel spinning.
The drive shaft to the rear axle incorporates a viscous coupling
to transfer torque to the rear wheels if the front
end looses traction.
The rear differential is a limited slip type.
The V70 AWD is about 170kg heavier than the 4x2 wagons
and has a slightly larger turning circle.
The V70 AWD has a five speed manual gearbox with plans for an automatic to be released in 1998. ABS is standard.
Driver and passenger airbags are fitted
together with Volvo's side impact protection system (SIPS)
i.e. side airbags for the front occupants.
A SIPS bag bursts out of the side of a front seat between
the occupant's shoulder and the door to reduce injury in a side impact.
The B-pillars have a chunky look to them
and are indeed reinforced to give the body-shell extra
rigidity to resist side impacts.
1998 October: V70 AWD dropped in Australia in favour of the Volvo V70-XC.
Go to the V70 XC and Volvo pages