Volvo V70 First generation

(1997–2000)
Overview
Also called	Volvo V70-XC
Production	1997–2000
Assembly	Torslanda, Sweden, Ghent, Belgium, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (VHA)
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L 126 hp I5 2.4 L 162 hp I5 2.4 L 190 hp I5 2.5 L 190 hp I5 2.3 L 240 hp I5 2.3 L 250 hp I5 2.4 L 265 hp I5 2.5 L 140 hp I5 (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,664 mm (104.9 in) 1998 AWD: 2,662 mm (104.8 in) 1999-2000 AWD: 2,654 mm (104.5 in)
Length	1998: 4,722 mm (185.9 in) 1999-2000: 4,729 mm (186.2 in) 1999-2000 XC: 4,735 mm (186.4 in)
Width	1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height	1,427 mm (56.2 in) & 1,481 mm (58.3 in) R: 1,453 mm (57.2 in)

The first generation (1997–2000) began as the wagon version of the Volvo S70 (a renamed Volvo 850, which was itself available in sedan and station wagon configurations). The V70 was available only as a front and all-wheel drive station wagon, the latter marketed initially as the Cross Country XC and subsequently as the XC70.

The original V70 was a development of the Volvo 850 estate car. The 850's square edges became more rounded. Other changes included a revised grille, colour-coded bumpers, clear indicator lenses, and a new dashboard. Trim level packages for the V70 included:

• Sports - with alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and fog lamps
• Comfort - child seat, air conditioning or electric sunroof, and trip computer
• Luxury - leather upholstery with electric driver's seat, climate control and cruise control, wood fascia trim, RTI, and rear seat entertainment
• Estate - roof rails, self-levelling rear suspension, and luggage net
• Winter - headlamp wash/wipe, heated front seats and traction control
• Design - red wood/leather steering wheel, red wood-effect trim, and leather upholstery.
• Torslanda, named after its assembly plant, Torslandaverken.

First generation models

T5 and R models are the series high-performance models with the only real difference being the added body kit of the "R". The T5 was equipped with a sport-tuned high pressure turbocharged 2.0 a 2.3 or a 2.4  litre engine with maximum boost pressure set at 10.5 pounds per square inch (72 kPa), and 'turbine' alloy wheels, whereas the LT models had a low pressure turbocharged 2.4 litre engine with maximum boost pressure at 6 to 7 pounds per square inch (41 to 48 kPa). The R was fitted with a full factory fitted body kit (chin spoiler and rear spoiler, anthracite alloy wheels) a range of unique colors.

There were 3 phases of R FWD & R-AWD produced for the United Kingdom market between 1997 and 2000:

Phase 1: were produced from 1997 till February 1999 (UK P to S reg) and were available with either the B5234T-4 (2319cc) engine (18T turbo 250 bhp/350 N·m) and five-speed manual gearbox; or the B5234T-6 engine (16T turbo 240 bhp/310 N·m) and four-speed three-mode automatic gearbox. Both engines used the Bosch Motronic 4.4 engine management system. (0–62 6.5(M FWD)/6.4(M AWD)/6.7(A FWD)/7.2(A AWD), 155/143 mph).

Phase 2: were produced from March 1999 (UK S to T reg) and were only available with the B5234T-8 (2319 cc) engine (18T turbo 250 bhp/350 N·m) and four-speed adaptive automatic gearbox. These cars use the Bosch Motronic ME7 engine management system with drive-by-wire throttle and variable exhaust camshaft valve timing. (0–62 7.3 143 mph).

Phase 3: were produced from May 1999 till June 2000 (UK T to W reg). They were only available with the larger B5244T2 (2435cc) engine (19T turbo 265 bhp/400 N·m) and five-speed adaptive automatic gearbox. These also use the Bosch Motronic ME7 engine management system, drive-by-wire and VVT. These cars were fitted with twin tail pipes (first time Volvo fitted twin exhaust system), WHIPS system, and larger side SIPS airbags for head protection, and larger vented rear brake discs. (0–62 6.3 155 mph).

V70 XC CROSS COUNTRY

Latest generation of Road Traffic Information Satellite Navigation used on the Phase III's, this is the same CD based system used by Volvo up until 2003 and on the C70 until 2005.

Roof rails were changed now the same as V70XC.

Altogether, Volvo sold 74 Phase III’s in the UK, split by colour: Black stone 5, Nautic Blue Pearl 10, Dark Olive Pearl 3, Silver Metallic 17, Laser Blue Metallic 33, Venetian Red Pearl 6

Trim and specification levels remained virtually unchanged throughout the 3 phases. Trim was Leather and Alcantara in either Beige or Grey/Black with aluminium trim on the dash and console (dark wood was an option on P1 and P2 cars). On P1 cars, the steering wheel was also leather/alcantara, but phase 2 and 3 had a thicker rimmed leather only wheel. Phase II and III had blue engine covers. Phase 3 cars had the option of contrasting grey/beige trim. These cars were virtually "fully loaded" with very few options available (mainly pro-logic (£600), 6 CD boot mounted changer (£600), RTI-Satellite Pop-up Navigation System (£2500)) as they cost £37,000 when new.

All phases were available with either 16" or 17" roadwheels in either silver or anthracite with a temporary spare wheel. The 17" wheels were £100 more expensive.

Colour options were available as follows: Phase 1 : Saffron, Black Stone, Nautic Blue, Silver, Regency Red Phase 2 : Laser Blue, Black Stone, Nautic Blue Pearl, Silver Metallic, Cassis, Venetian Red Pearl, Dark Olive Green Phase 3 : Laser Blue, Black Stone, Nautic Blue Pearl, Silver Metallic, Venetian Red Pearl, Dark Olive Green

Safety

Euro NCAP evaluated the S70 (saloon variant of V70) in 1998 awarding it 4 of 5 stars for adult occupant protection. The S70 scored 7 of 16 points in the front test, and 16 of 16 in the side test. The car received 2 of 2 points available in the pole test. The S70 received a total of 25 of 37 points and therefore four stars (25-32) in Euro NCAP's evaluation.

The S70 scored four of five stars for front impact protection for driver and front passenger in the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety testing, and five out of five stars for driver and rear passenger side impact protection.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) granted the 850/S70 their highest rating of "good" for front crash protection. Rear crash protection was rated as "good". 1999 and newer, prevents whiplash by a seatback hinge mechanism that is standard equipment. There were no side impact tests conducted on behalf of the IIHS for the Volvo V70.