REDEFINING THE PREMIUM ESTATE SECTOR - THE ALL NEW VOLVO V70
REDEFINING THE PREMIUM ESTATE SECTOR - THE ALL NEW VOLVO V70
- Head-turning all new Volvo V70 redefines the premium estate sector
- Class-leading combination of athleticism, style and clever versatility
- Dynamic line-up of petrol and turbo diesel engines ranging from 163 PS to 285 PS
- Advanced family-oriented safety features, including world-first integrated dual-stage child booster seat
- Due to arrive in UK showrooms in Sept, prices announced in early June
When the all new Volvo V70 arrives in UK showrooms this September it will reinforce Volvo's dominance of the luxury estate market with a car that offers a combination of head-turning Scandinavian design, luxury, athleticism and uncompromised load-carrying versatility.
This all new Volvo V70 offers more of everything compared to it predecessor - it's more luxurious inside, it's more dynamic to drive, offers more intelligently configured and flexible space for both passengers and luggage, and, naturally, it's safer then ever.
Design and Dynamics
The Volvo V70 is the jewel in Volvo's crown, and the engineers and designers wanted to ensure that in the new V70 driver, passengers and luggage are all treated to the same first class driving experience.
With its sleeker and more athletic lines, rakish windscreen, blacked-out side pillars, C30-inspired taillights and dynamic tailgate angle, the V70's head-turning style hints at its newfound on-road dynamism.
Sitting on all-new chassis architecture, the Volvo V70 delivers an athletic and engaging driving experience that combines exceptional ride comfort, secure and stable road holding and enhanced driver control.
Optimised use of high-strength steels throughout the new chassis has boosted torsional rigidity by 15 percent compared to the previous model. Allied to Volvo's advanced active Four-C chassis technology with electronically controlled damper adjustment, the V70 is now both safer and more entertaining to drive.
Volvo's DSTC dynamic stability and traction control is a standard feature on the V70. This stability-enhancing system uses feedback from numerous dynamic sensors to reduce engine torque and apply carefully calculated braking power to reduce the risk of a skid.
The top-spec T6 model is fitted with Volvo's responsive Instant Traction AWD (all wheel drive), that uses an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch to instantly distribute torque to the wheels with the most grip, enhancing the Volvo's all-season versatility and safety.
As well as speed-sensitive powered steering with 3 settings, the V70 also features an intelligent PPB power parking brake that automatically disengages when the accelerator is pressed and the car moves off, making easy work of hill starts.
Versatility
The Volvo V70 may set a new benchmark for style and luxury, but it's still a Volvo estate, and that means unparalleled versatility and load-lugging ability.
No surprise then that the V70 introduces a world first - an integrated rear child booster seat with two heights. The seat's adjustable dual-stage booster cushion means the seatbelt geometry is optimum irrespective of the child's height. The integrated booster cushion is also accompanied by safety belts with specially adjusted force limiters for its smaller and lighter occupants.
The V70's revised tailgate design now makes the boot aperture even larger than before and the boot has grown by an effective 55 litres over the outgoing car.
The 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat offers unrivalled versatility in the sector (16 different combinations). The centre backrest can be lowered to house longer items or raised to provide an additional seat, or the larger backrests can be folded separately to create a flat-floored load. Factor in the foldable backrest in the front passenger seat, and the load-carrying possibilities are even greater.
The loadbay floor itself is fitted with aluminium rails and movable load-securing anchorage points which folds away when not in use. The boot's side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets to hold luggage securely in place and create a unique 3D load securing system.
A lockable storage area under the load floor is standard and, for total load and passenger security, there is also the option of fitting all-round laminated glass windows.
Performance
For the first time ever, the new Volvo V70 will be available with an all new T6 six-cylinder petrol engine - a compact and lightweight all-aluminium 3.0-litre in-line unit breathed on by an advanced turbocharger featuring twin-scroll technology.
The twin-scroll system takes in exhaust gases in two stages, with the inflow split into two, each flow feeding three cylinders for immediate throttle response. Producing 285PS and a hefty 400 Nm of torque, the flagship V70 delivers 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 7.2 seconds and a 155 mph top speed.
This flagship powertrain is joined by a naturally aspirated 3.2-litre derivative of the same engine. Developing 238PS and 320 Nm, the straight six engine features Cam Profile Switching as well as Variable Intake System on the inlet manifold that employs two throttle valves to adjust the volume of the inlet manifold to deliver optimised performance throughout the rev-range.
Like all engines in the V70 range, the six-cylinder units are transversely mounted, further reducing the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision.
The petrol engine line-up is completed by Volvo's 2.5 litre in-line five cylinder engine with integrated turbocharger, which posts outputs of 200 PS and 300 Nm of torque. A bio-fuel E85-compliant version of this engine with 145 PS will join the range towards the end of the year.
The V70 will also be powered by two versions of Volvo's 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engines. Expected to be key sellers in the UK market, these second-generation Euro IV-compliant powerplants generate 185 PS and 400 Nm (D5) and 163 PS and 340 Nm of torque (2.4D).
Both feature double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder and, in their revised form benefit from a new electronically controlled turbocharger, a more advanced multi-point injection system, an enhanced engine management system and a service-free particle filter.
All engines in the V70 range are hooked up to Volvo's acclaimed six-speed Geartronic transmission, which gives the driver the choice of automatic or manual shifting. The flagship T6 model comes with a Sport mode for quicker and more dynamic gearshifts, whilst the 2.4D, D5 and 2.5T are also available with a 6 speed manual gearbox.
Interior
The Volvo V70's interior is the perfect example of Scandinavian style that combines clean design, intelligent functionality, exceptional comfort and unmatched luxury.
One of the key goals of the V70's development team was to boost cabin space effectively and intelligently. In the all new Volvo V70 rear legroom has increased by 48 millimetres, rear knee clearance has grown by 21 millimetres, front shoulder room by 30 millimetres, while the distance from front to rear passengers has been extended by 21 millimetres.
The V70's sense of space is enhanced by its sleek and slim centre console, intelligently configured dashboard and ergonomically correct layout of its controls.
Renowned for their long-distance orthopaedic comfort and support, Volvo has improved its seats even further and, along with driver seat power assist as standard; both front seats can also be specified with ventilated leather offering the comfort of both a heating and cooling function.
The new Volvo V70 comes with the option of a superb DSP digital signal processing audio system, featuring loudspeakers from Danish audio experts Dynaudio, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround with adjustable sound pattern, integrated RSE system for rear passengers, the latest generation of RTI road traffic information system, MP3 player compatibility and optional subwoofers to produce a total output of 910W.
The V70 also features an innovative Clear Zone Interior Package to further enhance on-board comfort. Based on ECC electronic climate control and the IAQS interior air quality system, this vents the passenger compartment for a full minute when the car is unlocked and the external temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius.
Along with interior trim materials and fittings selected to emit minimum levels of harmful substances, this creates a passenger environment that has been recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.
Safety
As you'd expect, the all new Volvo V70 was developed and engineered to be the safest car in its segment and, sharing the same sophisticated network of interactive safety features, arrives with a raft of ground-breaking active and passive safety features.
Top of the list is the innovative dual-stage integrated rear child booster seat. With two heights, this optional adjustable booster cushion is ideal for children between 95 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 15 and 36 kg.
The lower setting is intended for children between 115 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 22 and 36 kg, while the upper setting is designed for children measuring 95-120 cm and weighing between 15 and 25 kg. This optional safety feature can be fitted in both outer rear seats and its seatbelt positioning and recalibrated force limiters ensure maximum protection.
Child safety is further improved by the new V70's extended IC inflatable curtain. Now 60 mm longer, this airbag provides superior protection for children of a wide range of heights and sizes.
The V70's patented SIPS side impact protection system not only benefits from the use of higher-strength steels in the side panels, but also from the development of Volvo's new side-impact airbags. The dual compartment airbags feature two separate chambers - one for the hips and the other for the chest.
The side-impact airbags interact with the inflatable curtains and the body's network of safety beams to provide the most effective protection. The front passenger airbag can be disabled using a key, and the front seat can be specified with attachments for a rear-facing baby seat.
Enhanced crumple zones that use differing strength steels top absorb energy during an impact, IDIS intelligent driver information system, a more advanced WHIPS whiplash protection system (the same as that launched in the new S80), an energy absorbing nose and bonnet, the choice of laminated glass all-round, a collapsible steering column, five three-point seatbelts and dual-stage front airbags complete the safety package.
The Volvo V70 can also be fitted with a raft of advanced electronic driving systems to further boost safety. Highlights include active bi-Xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support, and emergency brake lights. A radar that constantly monitors the front of the car will activate a head-up display warning light and buzzer if the car approaches another vehicle from the rear with no driver reaction. Once alerted, if the driver still does not react, then the brakes are pre-charged to minimise the likely consequent impact.
Other key safety features include Volvo's award-winning BLIS blind spot information system, HBA hydraulic brake assist, OHB optimised hydraulic brakes and, like the Volvo S80, the V70 offers the option of Volvo's PCC personal car communicator. This advanced pocket-sized control centre has a range of around 100 metres and is not only used to lock and unlock the car but can also tell the owner if the alarm has been triggered or, using a heartbeat monitor, if someone is in the car.
Sales and introduction timings
Since the introduction of the PV445 in 1953, Volvo has dominated the premium estate market. In 2006, the out-going V70 estate topped the UK sales charts with a total of 4,764 sales, seeing off its key German rivals. The current Volvo V70, including the recently announced Special Edition Sport model, remains on sale until the autumn.
During its first full year of sales, Volvo expects to sell around 75,000 cars worldwide, with the UK accounting for 7,000 units - further establishing its position at the top of the premium estate sector. Prices will be announced in early June, with a September showroom due date and first customer deliveries in October this year.
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