2007 Volvo V70

The first Volvo wagon, called the PV455 Duett – was built in 1953. With more than 50 years and four million wagons later, Volvo's leadership of the premium wagon market is legendary. Designed for families and individuals who don't want to sacrifice driving pleasure to get the freedom of high functionality they desire, the V70 embodies all that has made Volvo the world-wide leader in premium wagons. The V70 line of vehicles combines unparalleled flexibility, longevity, comfort and handling without compromising Volvo's long tradition of quality, advanced safety design and durability.

Many buyers select the V70 for its comprehensive array of safety features. For 2007, Volvo has made Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) standard. They join the list of standard Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable Curtain (IC), Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS), seat belts with pyrotechnic pretensioners in all seating positions, dual-stage front airbags (SRS), Volvo's safety cage construction and the ISO-FIX attachment for rearward-facing child safety seats.

Redesigned outside mirrors with integrated turn signals are also new this year. For added convenience, the turn signals flash three times with light pressure on the turn signal stalk. The V70's package and option structure has been further revised. For example, the Convenience Package now includes a compass in the auto-dimming rearview mirror plus integrated child booster seats in the second row.

To help preserve family harmony, a dual screen rear seat entertainment system is a new stand-alone option. Active Bi-Xenon headlights are another new option available on the V70 2.5T. A mini-processor gathers data to optimize the beam pattern. The headlight beams can be automatically turned up to 15 degrees in either direction for enhanced nighttime visibility in turns and on twisting roads.

The V70 continues to be powered by Volvo's signature five-cylinder, in-line, double overhead cam transversely mounted engine. Under the hood of the V70 2.4 is a normally aspirated version that puts out 168 horsepower or 165 horses in states with California emissions. Both generate 166 lb.-ft. of torque coupled to the standard 5-speed manual transmission or available 5-speed microprocessor-controlled automatic.

Selecting the V70 2.5T nets the turbocharged, intercooled edition that spins out 208 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. This powerplant is mated to a standard 5-speed 'Geartronic' automatic transmission. It enables the driver to shift manually when desired via the 'Auto-Stick' function. Drivers seeking even greater performance will find it in the hot-blooded V70 R (see separate V70 R Model Overview).

The modern design of the V70 proves that wagon drivers need not sacrifice form over function. The exterior sports a sleek look giving the car a strong appearance and character. The front fascia wears a distinct nose with rounded contours and clear lens headlamps. Tasteful chrome accents are inlayed into the color-coordinated front bumper just below the headlights. At the rear, the tail lamps featured a technically inspired design sporting clear lens covers and visible bulbs.

Volvo's designers focused on making the V70's interior comfortable and inviting. With natural materials, flexible functions and varied trim alternatives, they aimed at reinforcing the feeling of Scandinavian design at its best. Next generation Volvo front seats provide the driver and front passenger with outstanding comfort and convenient adjustment.

by Volvo

Volvo's estate cars are strongly linked with the Volvo brand's development. They have been changed through continuous refinement ever since 1953 when Volvo launched the PV 445. What was originally an out-and-out practical and spacious car has been continuously developed and now has exclusive comfort and dynamic driving properties that put it in the same class as large luxurious sedan models. What is more, the all-new Volvo V70 takes a huge step forward in the field of intelligent functionality.

The front of the all-new V70 incorporates a unique soft nose with a black egg-crate grille featuring chrome in the vertical bars. This gives the luxury estate car a different, sportier face. The climbing waistline of the side also contributes to the forward-leaning, dynamic stance, which is further reinforced with the help of the black pillars between the side windows.

From the side the tailgate's upper section has a sportier, more forward-leaning stance. At the rear, the Volvo name on the tailgate features more pronounced lettering with wider spacing than before. A new feature that was first shown on the XC60 Concept in Detroit this year. Viewed from behind, the tailgate makes a strong visual link with the new C30. All the lights above the waistline, both at the side and the high-mounted third brake light, are LED brake lights. The fixed position lights on the body side take on an added role as supplementary brake lights if the cargo is so large that the driver has to drive with the tailgate secured partly open. Another smart detail is that the tailgate's glass window goes further down at the sides to give the driver added rearward visibility.

The all-new V70 is available in 16 different exterior colours, two of which are entirely new. The new liveries, Seashell and Glacier Blue, were developed to emphasise the estate car's sportier and more luxurious aura. Inside the car there are six upholsteries in three colours. In addition to Sandstone Beige and Anthracite Black, there is a Cranberry Red highlight colour where the red detailing on the seats and door panels contrasts elegantly with the rest of the black trim.

The interior of the all-new V70 is an example of Scandinavian design at its best. Every little detail has been designed with a one hundred percent focus on both clean form and intelligent functionality. Comfort in the front seat features superb seats and ergonomically designed instruments – including an elegant, super-slim centre stack and an audio system of absolute world class. The integrated dual child booster cushions can be adjusted in two steps and the 40/20/40-split rear seat has integrated seat belts. The lightweight design of the rear backrest and the simple folding mechanism are other examples of improved functionality for passengers.

In the all-new V70, everything and everyone rides in first class. Even the luggage compartment and all its options and accessories have been designed to meet the very highest demands on luxury and intelligent functionality. Among the smart details in the luggage compartment is a storage space under the floor which is locked when the tailgate is shut. A power tailgate is an option and among the range of accessories are a sliding load floor and a smart storage system with side rails and sliding load hooks that can be tailored to meet the owner's individual needs.

by Volvo

As a result of Volvo's dynamic product strategy, a variety of new and exciting models were released in 1996. These included the S70 sedan, the station wagon V70 and the Volvo 850 Bi-Fuel. The 850 Bi-Fuel was fitted with twin fuel systems that made it capable of being driven with either methane gas or petrol. The V70 station wagon and the S70 sedan were advanced in Volvo technology and included a new 4-wheel drive on the list of options. To compete in the growing sport-utility market, the V70XC, a variant of the wagon was created. With additional plastic on the car body to make it look intimidating, the suspension of the V70ZC was higher than the V70's.

A mid-size / executive vehicle, the Volvo V70 was released in 1997 and was a four-door station wagon that was very closely related to the S70, S60 and S80, which were all sedans. The best selling vehicle in Sweden for numerous years, over 80% of V70's were sold in Europe, and one third in Sweden. Volvo had a new strategy of naming vehicles depending on size and body style, the V was appended for Versatility, S for saloon, and C for the new Coupe. These were basically the same car as the 850, with 1,800 improved and new parts in the design, along with upgraded safety, new engine, and better handling.

Produced in 1997 by Swedish car manufacturer Volvo, which is Latin for 'I roll', the Volvo V70 is a mid-size vehicle that was originally a development of the 850 station wagon and sedan series. Closely related to the S70, S60 and S80, which are all sedans, the V70 four-door station wagon has been the best selling vehicle in Sweden for numerous years.

The XC70, the off-road version of the V70 lineup, came with a slight lift in ground clearance, and sturdy plastic body cladding in the sides, front and back of the vehicle. The V70R was the highest performance variation in the V70 lineup, and had a rear spoiler and a turbocharged 300 hp engine.

An all new V70 was released in 2000 that was based on the P2 platform, which had been first utilized for the entire Swedish-designed Volvo S80 sedan in ‘98. Sharing the same sheet metal ahead of the B-pillar with the Volvo S60, the V70 had different grilles and front bumpers, (though the interior and the dashboard remained basically identical.)

For the 2005 model year, only minor updates were made of the V70, which included small styling changes to the tail lamps, and the front fascia.

On February 2nd, 2007 the third generation of V70's was introduced. This was a more up-market car than the previous generations, though it remained the same size. The rear-seat legroom was increased two centimeters, and the load area volume in the revised tailgate design was increase by 55 liters. Sharing little with the other Volvo models externally, the new V70 had a 3.21 straight-six, a 3.01 turbo straight-six, a light-pressure turbo 2.51 straight-five and two 2.41 straight-five diesel engines.

by Jessican Donaldson