VOLVO V70 ESTATE 2004-2007 Review
![Used VOLVO V70 ESTATE 2004-2007 2.4D S Geartronic [Euro 4] A for Sale](http://images.autoexposure.co.uk/AETA63064/AETV37471300_1c.jpg "Used VOLVO V70 ESTATE 2004-2007 2.4D S Geartronic [Euro 4] A for Sale")
Good Points
- It has strong engines
- The cabin is comfortable
- Solid build quality
Bad Points
- Short of legroom in the back
- Rivals offer more room
Engines
There is a wide range of engines to choose from in the V70 that includes petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG. The petrol engines include a turbocharged 2.0-litre producing 177bhp, followed by a 2.4-litre with 140bhp, another 2.4-litre but with 170bhp, a 256bhp 2.4-litre T5, a 2.5-litre turbo with 207bhp and finally a 2.5-litre R producing 295bhp.
The diesel engines consist of a 2.4-litre producing 160bhp, a 163bhp 2.4-litre called the D5 which came as either two or all wheel drive. Finally there is a 2.5-litre D5 producing 185bhp. There is also a 2.4-litre LPG engine with 140bhp and a 1.4-litre CNG engine which produces 140bhp, but which was mainly designed for companies with their own fuel tanks as CNG is hard to come by for usual road users. All models come with the option of having either a manual or automatic gearbox.
Performance & Economy
When comparing some of the engines against each other it is hard to see why there is such a range as several of them are extremely similar in performance and economy. The 2.0-litre turbo is a great little engine making both the 140bhp and 170bhp 2.4-litre engines pretty much redundant as it is just as quick from 0-60mph as the 170bhp at 8.7 seconds and is just as economical as the smaller engine achieving 31mpg, offering the best of both worlds. The 2.4-litre T5 is quick for this car going from 0-60mpg in 6.6 seconds and achieves a fairly respectable 29mpg. The top of the range petrol, the 2.5-litre R, is the quickest engine available going from a standing start to 60mph in just 5.7 seconds with the fuel economy coming in at 26mpg.
The diesel engines are the pick of the bunch though and have proven the most popular. It hard to see why there is a straight 2.4-litre engine when the D5 is available. The 2.4-litre D5 is fairly quick for a diesel going from 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds and manages 42mpg in the two wheel drive model. In the all wheel drive (AWD) the efficiency drops to 37 and it is slower at 10 seconds from 0-60mph. The 2.5-litre D5 is the pick of the bunch with its 185bhp going from a standing start to 60mph in 8.2 seconds and achieves 41mpg. The LPG engine is both less efficient and slower than the 2.4-litre petrol it takes the engine from only achieving 23mpg and goes from 0-60mph in 10.3 seconds. The CNG that was aimed at businesses is better and does at least manage 29mpg. When it comes to insuring them the majority of engines fall into group 13 with the more powerful petrol's in group 16 and the top of the range 2.5-litre R falling into group 18.
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Introduction
The Volvo V70 provides a more modern look than the older model. It has been softened around the edges to help reduce the boxy look of the vehicle. The interior is spacious and well constructed, but there isn't as much space as the outside would have you believe with even the boot proving to be disappointingly small. The ride feels safe and smooth, but it is hardly ever likely to thrill you unless you get one of the more powerful engines that are actually pretty fast. The diesel engines are the pick of the bunch with the two D5 engines offering great all round performance.
Exterior & Interior
The V70 has been smoothed out around the edges which is a welcome design change compared to the older models harsh and box like exterior. The interior is wonderful with its Scandinavian design and excellent quality materials being used through out. The seats are extremely comfortable although there isn't as much room in the back seats as you would expect with the legroom being limited.
The boot space isn't as big as the exterior hints at either at 485litres, but it should still be enough to fit all your luggage in. if you need to transport larger items there is always the option of folding down the split folding rear back seats which increases the loading space dramatically.
The interior feels solidly constructed with the dash and central console being clearly laid out and easy to use. There is plenty of safety kit and the amount of equipment available is also fairly good. The best trim level that offers the best combination of equipment for your money is the SE that comes with ABS, alloy wheels, climate and cruise control, electric mirrors, electric windows in the front and back, CD stereo, leather seat trim, remote central locking and roof rails as standard. It also comes with optional extras that include traction control, service indicator, lumbar support, CD multichanger and an electric drivers' seat.
Drive
The V70 handles well, but isn't likely to thrill you with its drive. Most have put safety and comfort ahead of an exciting drive giving the drivers a confident and safe feeling. The more powerful engines do give a more enthusiastic drive with the T5 and R models offering blistering pace for a car of this size. The AWD technology in the D5 models improves the cornering capabilities as well as the handling on rougher roads. The ride can be firm at times for the majority of the time it feels smooth and comfortable.
Faults & Repairs
There have been several recalls over the V70's life which has included problems with the towbar and the electric cooling fan overheating. Other problems include faults with the fuel injection system in the diesel engines, suspension problems and some exhaust heat shields have been found to work themselves loose. Volvo's don't prove overly expensive when it comes to services and repairs coming in at about average levels when compared to its rivals.
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