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Swedish automaker Volvo has released details on the third generation V70 estate, scheduled be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The new car features a complete redesign, new engines, additional safety and increased interior space.
The V70's styling, though still conservative, assumes a more athletic stance. The front end bears resemblance to its larger stable mate, the new S80, while the rear facia sports styling cues first seen on the C30 and reinforced by the XC60 concept unveiled in Detroit. The V70's revised tailgate includes a larger aperture and a rear window that extends further down to improve rearward visibility. The rear pillars are adorned with prominent tail lamps - a now familiar Volvo trait - fitted with LED brake lights that flash during emergency stops.
Volvo will offer a range of five- and six-cylinder transverse-mounted petrol and diesel engines. In petrol form, a turbocharged 2.5-litre 197bhp five-cylinder will be joined by a normally-aspirated 235bhp 3.2-litre six-cylinder and a turbocharged 282bhp 3.0-litre T6 creating 295lb.ft of twist. Volvo claims the flagship T6 model can accomplish 0-62mph runs in 7.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph.
The diesel variety will include two five-cylinder engines: a 2.4-litre with 161bhp and 251lb.ft of torque, or a more potent D5 producing 182bhp and 295lb.ft of torque. A 145bhp four-cylinder Flex-Fuel alternative will also become available later in the year.
All engines in the V70 range will be paired with Volvo's six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually. The flagship T6 model will feature a Sport mode for quicker gearshifts, whilst the 2.4D, D5 and 2.5T will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Cabin space has been augmented in every area of the new car: rear legroom has increased by 48mm, rear knee clearance has grown by 21mm, and front shoulder room by 30mm. The new V70 also pushes versatility, featuring a 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat with 16 different combinations and a boot which can accommodate 55 litres more than the outgoing car.
Volvo is a nameplate that has long been associated with safety, so it's no surprise the V70 is loaded with a patented front body structure and side impact protection system, enhanced crumple zones that use differing strength steels, a whiplash protection system, dual compartment side airbags for the hips and chest, and dual-stage front airbags. The rear seat can also be fitted with the world's first integrated and height adjustable child booster seat.
The V70 is already a staple in many suburban car parks, and Volvo hopes the latest iteration will draw additional buyers into the premium estate segment it has arguably created. The new car is set to go on sale in the UK in September, with pricing announced in June this year.
Eric Gallina - 6 Feb 2007
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