Volvo V70 20v Estate 1996-1999

The people observing the automotive industry still argue whether the Volvo V70 was an entirely new model or just a face-lifted Volvo 850. It is indeed difficult to say. It is built on exactly the same platform, the wheelbase is identical and the car looks almost the same. Nevertheless, the Volvo engineers have applied more than 1800 changes and improvements to the V70. With such an impressive to-do list, you can hardly call the V70 the same old 850.

Pros and Cons:

• A professionally executed facelift
  Comfortable and versatile interior
  A good range of engines

• An expensive car with above-average maintenance requirements
  Average fuel economy

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Exterior and Interior

When the 850 appeared in 1992, it caused some unrest in the market. Volvo had finally come up with a modern front-wheel drive car that appealed to a younger generation. They had remained true to their boxy design canons and the uncompromised safety promise, but the 850 was an entirely new chapter in the Volvo’s book. Unfortunately, as it often is with brand new models, the car was offered with a plethora of small and annoying faults. The majority of which were sorted by the mid 90s. Although the 850 is still a good car, there’s no such thing as a faultless 850. Considering that the estate car has proven so popular in Europe, it was decided not to build a new car but simply redesign the old platform while getting rid of all the faults. The body design of the V70 is very similar to the old 850, however, the smoothed edges and the curvier front end should qualify for more than a simple face lift. You can still recognise a pure Volvo in the V70’s silhouette, only it’s more modern and updated for the Millennium.

One thing has remained untouched is the cars unsurpassed comfort and versatility. It is a full 5-seater and the box-shaped boot space seems bottomless. With folded rear seats it offers a 1580-litre of pure luggage space. The car is also good for a surfer as you don’t have to spend a fortune on a modded camper van – fold the front passenger seat too and there’s enough space for several surf boards or bicycles.

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Engines

The V70 was supplied with a single 2.5-litre 138bhp diesel engine and a long list of petrol engines: 2.0-litre 124bhp, 2.0-litre turbo 178bhp, 2.3-litre turbo 239bhp, 2.4-litre 144-170bhp and a 2.4-litre turbo 193bhp.

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Performance and Economy

The smaller 2.0-litre engine is hardly the best choice. Considering that neither of the V70s petrol engines can get more than 30mpg, you might as well choose a more powerful version. The 193bhp turbo engine is a great option. It has a low-pressure turbo compressor, which doesn’t decrease the engine’s life span, but offers great power across a wide range of revs. This engine, in the combination with their all-wheel drive system, is amazing. The V70 AWD is definitely the highlight of the whole V70 range. The Volvo estate is nowhere near as cheap when it comes to fuel economy. A slightly better option might be the 2.5-litre diesel engine delivering 44mpg.

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What it's like to Drive

The V70’s is not only tough, but well-balanced too. Having been on the market for so long, the car has matured and now offers a good ride quality. Some will observe that its suspension is rather firm, that is mainly dictated by its utilitarian function (the car can take approximately half a ton of cargo on board, not counting the driver); and you can always choose the SE trim that will offer a self-levelling rear suspension adding to the comfort and ease of drive.

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Faults and Repairs

The higher spec models suffer from over-sophistication. They have a big array of electrical devices and creature comforts that sooner or later develop faults. Dealing with a V70’s electrical faults is neither easy or cheap.

The majority Volvos on the road are turbo versions, this also dictates the usual problems that highly-forced petrol engines develop. A high-mileage V70 might be very expensive to repair.

That’s why in the used car market it is better to choose a 193bhp low-compression engine or the diesel unit. They are noisy but don’t normally develop serious faults.

The V70 is not cheap in maintenance, especially the older cars.

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