- Low-pressure turbo engines provide flexible performance
- Comfortable front seats
- Safe and predictable handling
- Large boot
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Vague steering
- Naturally aspirated engines lack low-rev torque
- Turbo lag for T-5
- Limited rear seat head and legroom
Review: Volvo Mk.1-I S70 (1997-99)
Overview
Released in March 1997, the Volvo Mk.1 Series I (Mk.1-I) S70 was a mid-size, front-wheel drive sedan. The Volvo S70 was powered by five-cylinder Volvo engines and offered in five variants: the 2.5, 2.5 20V, 2.5 Bi-Fuel, 2.5T and T-5. Fitted with four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmissions, the full S70 range is given in the table below.
Dimensions and suspension
Underpinned by the same platform as the Volvo 850 which it replaced, the S70 was 50 mm longer (at 4720 mm), the same width (1760 mm), 5 mm lower (1405 mm) and had the same wheelbase (2665 mm). Mechanical changes, however, were limited. Like the 850, the S70 had MacPherson strut front suspension and trailing twist beam rear suspension (Volvo’s ‘Delta-link’ semi-independent rear suspension).
| Variants | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 1997-98 | 2435 cc B5252S petrol I5 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
106 kW at 5400 rpm | 206 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| 2.5 20V | 1997-99 | 2435 cc B5254FS petrol I5 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
125 kW at 6100 rpm | 220 Nm at 4700 rpm |
| 2.5 Bi-Fuel | 1997-99 | 2435 cc GB5252S petrol/LPG I5 | 4sp auto | 106 kW at 5400 rpm | 206 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| 2.5T | 1997-99 | 2435 cc B5254T turbo petrol I5 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
142 kW at 5100 rpm | 270 Nm at 1800-5000 rpm |
| T-5 | 1997-98 | 2319 cc B5234T3 turbo petrol I5 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
176 kW at 5100 rpm | 330 Nm at 2700 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Volvo S70 included dual front airbags, front side airbags and ABS. The T-5 was further equipped with traction control.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1998 Volvo S70 – fitted with dual front airbags and front side airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, protection of the driver’s head, chest and lower left was rated as adequate, but thigh protection was marginal and protection of the driver’s lower right leg and feet were rated as weak. In the side impact test, however, maximum points were awarded.
Features: Volvo S70
Standard features for the Volvo S70 2.5 included a six speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, air conditioning, velour upholstery, remote central locking, power mirrors, power windows and an immobiliser.
The S70 2.5 Bi-Fuel was further equipped with cruise control, while the 2.5 20V added an eight speaker sound system and leather trim. Beyond this, the S70 2.5T added 16-inch alloy wheels, CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a trip computer.
Finally, the performance-oriented Volvo S70 T-5 was distinguished by its power adjustable driver’s seat (with memory settings), front fog lights and rear spoiler.
Review: Volvo Mk.1-II S70 (1999-00)
Overview
Released in July 1999, the Volvo Mk.1 Series II (Mk.1-II) S70 introduced a revised range as the 2.5 and T-5 variants were discontinued. Furthermore, CD and SE editions were introduced to provide easier differentiation with respect to features. Compared to its Mk.1-I predecessor, the automatic transmissions for the Mk.1-II S70 had a self-adaptive feature which monitored driving behaviour and could adjust gearshift patterns accordingly. A new Multiplex electrical wiring system was also introduced across the range.
Safety equipmentSafety equipment for the Volvo Mk.1-II S70 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners. The 2.4T variants were further equipped with traction control. Compared to its predecessor, the Mk.1-II S70 was also fitted with Volvo’s larger SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) side airbags which provided both chest and head protection; the system also included new sensors for more precise airbag deployment. FeaturesStandard features for the Volvo S70 CD included a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather trim, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. The S70 2.4 20V SE was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and woodgrain interior trim. Beyond this, the S70 2.4T SE models also featured a three-disc CD player, power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, heated front seats, front fog lights and a trip computer. Related links
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