The Volvo S70 was a compact executive car marketed and produced by the Swedish
manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1996 to 2000. The S70 was essentially a
facelifted 850 saloon. The S70 was replaced with the Volvo S60.
Overview Introduced in Europe in late 1996 for
the 1997 model year and later in the U.S. for the 1998 model year, the Volvo
S70 was an updated version of the Volvo 850 saloon. The S70's body style was
overall more rounded compared to its predecessor. Changes included a
redesigned front end with new lights, fully colour-coded bumpers and side
trim, and clear indicator lenses for the rear lights, as well as a redesigned
interior. According to Volvo, a total of 1800 changes were made.
Standard equipment was improved with remote central locking, heated &
electrically adjustable mirrors, 4 airbags, power brakes with ABS and power
windows being standard on every car. Trim levels varied for each market as
did the equipment levels of the most basic trims. In the United States, the
badging denoted the engine variant and to some extent the equipment level,
whereas in Europe engine and options could be chosen individually. On all
markets more powerful versions usually received better or upgraded standard
equipment. The T5 and R were the series high-performance models.
For model year 1999 a minor facelift was introduced. Apart from very minor
cosmetic changes, such as a slightly different Volvo badge on the front
grille and US models now being equipped with side markers on the front fenders,
most changes were done to the mechanicals. Volvo introduced its second
generation side airbag which increased in volume to offer better protection.
WHIPS, Volvo's system to minimize whiplash injuries, was also introduced
as part of the standard equipment. New engine management systems with
drive-by-wire replaced the mechanical throttle on all turbo engines as well as
bringing with them an upgraded traction control. Now including throttle as well
as brake intervention it was renamed STC. The ABS was upgraded from a
three-channel to a four-channel system, All-wheel drive models received thicker
rear discs and redesigned rear calipers.All automatic transmissions
were now equipped with adaptive shift-logic, replacing the previous
3-mode selection. A starter interlock was added to models with manual
transmissions. For model year 2000 a new 5-speed
automatic transmission with adaptive shift-logic was introduced. It was only
available on non turbo front-wheel drive models. The 10V engine variants were
dropped and replaced by detuned 20V versions, drive-by-wire throttle was now
also introduced for non turbo models. Models
= S70= With the S70 Volvo continued to offer a
mid-size saloon. With a variety of models and options it was well received
but was outsold by its estate variant the V70. With engines choices ranging
from 126PS to 250PS, and a diesel engine finally being available for the saloon
as well as the Bi-Fuel there was something for everyone. Market
adjustments meant that outside of Europe no TDI or Bi-Fuel models were available.
Specialised versions for the fleet market, such as a taxi and police
variant, were now available from the factory. Notable uses of police S70's
were by some British highway patrol forces and even some North American
police forces. = S70 AWD=
From model year 1998 to 2000 a S70 AWD was offered. It used the same drivetrain
as the AWD estate, with the exception of the rear self-leveling suspension being
an option rather than a standard feature. The only available engine was
the 193 bhp 2.4L turbo that was either coupled to a 4-speed automatic or
5-speed manual transmission. = S70 R=
A S70 'R' version was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year and offered the
highest performance of all S70 models. The engine was an extra-tuned edition of
the 2319 cc unit, rated at 250 horsepower and 350 newton metres for
models fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential.
Models fitted with a four-speed automatic gearbox rated at 240
horsepower and 330 newton metres. Only FWD versions were produced. The model
was only available in Europe and few select other countries.
Similar to the estate model the S70 R came with a unique leather/alcantara
interior that featured diamond stitching on the seats. Further styling touches
were a special front bumper, blue gauge faces for the instrument cluster, the
option to have the car in a R specific colour and a choice of unique 16" or 17"
alloy wheels. Standard equipment was substantially upgraded over normal
models with few options available such as a trunk mounted CD-changer, RTI
navigation system or an upgraded stereo system. Production ended with the 1998
model year. Engines
*Volvo used a modified version of the 2.5 TDI VAG engine
**For 1999 the engine management system was updated to comply with emission
regulations. See also
Volvo 850, preceding model, largely a pre-facelift version
Volvo V70, estate version based on the same platform and bearing the same
design Volvo S40, compact model bearing a
similar front end design Notes
References