The Volvo V70 was released as the 850’s second generation, sporting an entirely new style of sleeker yet softer lines that were updated for the 90s. Other changes were also featured under its beautifully sculpted body, with most of them redefining what makes the V70 appealing. Some of its key features include D5 and D3 engines that have been improved with low-friction piston rings, a stop-start system on the manuals, a chain-driven oil pump, and even newer conrods and a camshaft.

Pros

The V70’s numerous improvements continue in its overall design. The style updates are just enough without exaggerating certain features. From the added muscle to the shoulders, better form on the rear lights, to a more prominent grille, the V70 upgrades itself accordingly. The current generation also sports enough features to make itself stand out. The fundamentals are based from the EU-CD building block of the Ford, letting the V70 come into its own against competitors.

A stiffer body enables better stability control and traction control. High-strength steel that boast of four grades also helps in protecting passengers from crash impact. You can also opt for the Collision Warning with Brake support, an optional collision mitigation system that preps your brakes for automatic application. Safety improvements are also found in the anti-whiplash system’s brand new second generation and remarkable changes made for pedestrian protection. Children’s heads are well protected via deeper and longer side curtains; you can also go for two-position built-in booster seats for families starting out.

All engines perform practically and efficiently. You can go for the 1.6-litre T4 petrol engine at 2.0T5 or the 3.0 T6 that features all-wheel drive. But we would recommend the diesel engine, particularly the 2.0-litre D3 that is able to provide both ample performance and fuel economy. Acceleration is made enjoyable and smooth as you cruise down varied speeds.

Safety is a great guarantee from the V70. Side-impact protection allows for better traction and range control on all the models. Traction control is accurately fitted into each vehicle variation.

The interior boasts of a fresh, new look that employs aluminum, wood, leather, and high-gloss finishes across its different features. Seats are incredibly comfortable all around and there’s 60 litres more boot capacity for your luggage. No need to worry about squeezing in legs or heads as the room lets you enjoy enough space both at the front and out back.

Cons

Expect a few setbacks despite the Four-C active chassis system offered by Volvo. Although the system lets you select three suspension settings manually, a slight shudder is felt in the cabin when going at motorway speeds. At higher speeds, however, the V70 returns to a smoother ride and the body sway more balanced throughout. Unfortunately the same balance is not felt via the vague steering, which in effect, requires four- instead of three-point turning points.

Refinement could also use some improvement. Once you start accelerating from zero velocity, you’ll hear noise such as a mechanical racket and even suspension noise. Thankfully wind and road noise are kept at a minimum when you start maintaining motorway speeds.

The Volvo V70 is a mid-sized vehicle in the station wagon mold that Volvo is producing since 1997. The first generation of the V70 was launched in 1997 and was a renamed Volvo V850. This generation V70 used different engines such as 2.0 litre and 126 horse power engine, 2.3 litre 250 horse power I5 engine, and a 2.5 litre 140 horse power I5 diesel engine just to name a few.  The first generation V70 also used different transmissions such as a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, and a 5-speed automatic. The V70 was a highly rated car for its safety mechanisms and design. It was given high marks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Euro NCAP.

The second generation Volvo V70 was first introduced in 2000 till 2007. The V70 shared a lot in common with the S60 sedan such as style and mechanical design. The new body of the second generation V70 was claimed to be 70% more rigid than the previous generation. It also upgraded its suspension to 8.2 inches.

The third generation V70 was first introduced in 2007 and is the current model that Volvo is advertising. This generation’s V70 follows the Ford EUCD design and maintains some of the designs of its predecessor. The third generation V70 uses a four cylinder engine which is a first in this model. This generation V70 is also a highly touted vehicle because of its safety features.