02 Feb 07 17:27
Volvo V70
Volvo's new-generation V70 estate will go on sale in the UK in October.
The new model has been generally updated inside and out, with Volvo promising that it'll be a more exciting drive, have better-designed space for passengers and luggage, and will be 'safer than ever'.
Design-wise, it gets C30-style rear lights and a more sloping tailgate, with a wider boot-opening aperture; bootspace has been increased by 55litres and now includes lockable under-floor storage, aluminium rails and anchorage points. The three-part split rear seat gives a number of load-space possibilities and includes an integrated, adjustable child booster seat; rear legroom has also been increased by 48mm, with further improvements to front shoulder-room. The front seats have been redesigned, with the driver's seat now electrically-adjustable, and the climate control system enhanced. Options include a powered tailgate, laminated glass windows, a sliding load floor, leather seats with heating/ventilation and a digital audio system with MP3 compatibility and an output of up to 910W.
Engines for the range are a new version of the turbocharged T6 six-cylinder petrol unit - fitted to a four-wheel-drive model - which is now 3.0 litres and produces 285bhp/295lb-ft and allows the V70 to reach 155mph and 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds. A non-turbo 3.2-litre version of this engine (238bhp/236lb-ft) is also on offer, along with the 200bhp/221lb-ft 2.5-litre five-cylinder (to be offered in E85 ethanol-compatible, 145bhp form towards the end of the year) and two 2.4-litre diesels (163bhp/250lb-ft and the 185bhp/295lb-ft D5), both fitted with a particulate filter. The 2.4D, D5 and 2.5T come with a six-speed manual gearbox, with other models have six-speed Geartronic auto/sequential-shift transmission.
Standard equipment includes stability and traction control, an automatically disengaging parking brake, full-length side curtain airbags and twin-compartment side airbags; further options include active bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control, radar monitoring of the distance from the vehicle in front with a head-up display and automatic braking, Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and remote locking/unlocking/alarm system.
More information on UK specifications and pricing will be announced in the summer; Volvo says that the first new V70s will appear in showrooms in September, with deliveries from October.
