What they said when the Volvo V70 was new… (Sep 20 2001)
IN uncertain times, sticking to what you do best is a sound policy.
And the softly, softly approach is something that has become a hallmark of Volvo.
After all, wasn’t it the Swedish car maker which virtually created the market for big estates? It is a sector which has been dominated by Volvo and meant its models are often the yardstick for competitors.
So any new estate from the company deserves special consideration. The V70 is derived from the S80 saloon platform, but in all other respects it’s very different
and its only link with the former 70-series estate is the name.
Introduced in 2000, the range is now growing and one of the latest in the series is the 2.4 litre with its normally aspirated engine giving 170bhp.
The 20 valve, five-cylinder engine was very smooth with strong pickup and a pleasantly flexible nature, ideally matched to the £1,100 optional five-speed automatic transmission with its smooth action.
Enormously powerful anti-lock brakes more than coped with the performance and while the power steering was easy but very light, even vague, it made manoeuvring about town a simple affair although it detracted from the car’s high speed precision.
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There were big secondary controls and clear but sparsely marked instruments, although the optional electric sunroof was a good addition to the SE's standard climate control and powered windows to maximise choice.
Oddments room abounded throughout and the big opening tailgate hid a bootspace of at least 30cu.ft. and over 70cu.ft. with the back seat folded.
The seats themselves were very large and supporting with good adjustment range on the front pair.
There was excellent visibility all round with big wipers and powerful lights for poor conditions.
Ride comfort was slightly on the firm side but very comfortable although some might find the body roll more than expected.
Handling was nose heavy on tight corners but it quickly responded to steering, brakes and throttle.
Even the automatic version hit 60mph from standstill inside 10 seconds and the maximum claimed by Volvo was 130mph. I managed over 30mpg overall.
The Volvo V70 2.4 SE costs £25,160 in standard form and falls into insurance group 13 and excise duty band D with its 224 g/km emissions.
The remaining impression of this Volvo was a large, comfortable and very safe, practical and easy to drive family car.
If a car has a character this Volvo’s was a welcoming nature and its easy to see why it is favoured by so many.
Words: Robin Roberts
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