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2003 Volvo V70
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| The SUV alternative |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:22:34 |
| Rating |
 73 ( -10 -13.69% ) | | Author | Brian Chee |
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Description:
2002 and 2003 Volvo V70
The SUV alternative
Writer's Notes
Reviewed: 2002 Volvo V70
MSRP: $30,870
MPG: 20/26
Engine: 2.4L 5 Cylinder 197 hp Turbo Gas
Safety: ABS Brakes / Driver-Passenger-Side airbags
Tran: 5 Speed Automatic
Drive: FWD
Seats: 5
What's new for the 2003 Volvo V70 and V70 2.4
Single in-dash CD audio system is now standard.
Leather steering wheel and gearshift knob are standard.
Two new colors, Ruby Red metallic (replaces Venetian Red) and Titanium Grey are available.
A new 2.4-liter naturally aspirated SULEV+ (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) engine with 165 horsepower. Torque is unchanged. This engine will only be offered in California.
A variant without moonroof or leather for both manual and automatic is now available.
Then there is safety, and the V70 - sort of a flagship for Volvo's core demographic - gets most of the safety bells and whistles.
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
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Some things in life just don't make sense. Like California drivers in the rain. Earthquake weather. Englishmen and the noon-day sun. Sudden, unexpected traffic jams when there's no accident.
And here's another one: People and their love for SUVs. The boxy shape, the minus 15 mpg…the lumbering ride, the clumsy handling, the bus-like stopping capability, all of this and not much more interior space than a well-designed wagon that performs like a sporty sedan and has a little style to it.
Hmmm. Sounds like the Volvo V70, and yes, indeed, it is. The Volvo V70 is the SUV alternative, and deliverance to all those who thought they had to choose between a box and a rectangle.
The V70 is neither, though the design is quintessley Volvo with its cut-off back and sharply-lined front. It's an attractive wagon, and the overall look fits better here than on other Volvos - including the S60. You can get used to the look - it's handsome and stands out from the crowd.
The style of the V70 grows on you even faster when you get behind the wheel. The V70 handles. It accelerates. It offers top-end power. It has plenty of interior space, with excellent sight lines and few visual black holes. It is a high performance, wagon-practical vehicle that offers little compromise. It combines a comfortable interior, impeccable safety character, premium performance - all with a back that can fit most anything you'll ever want to haul. There's also a V70 AWD for all-weather traction. Utilizing the viscous coupling system employed by the Volvo Cross Country, the V70 AWD delivers power to all four wheels when the system senses that the front drive wheels have lost traction. Standard features for the V70 include distinctive alloy wheels, power from the proven 5-cylinder 2.4-litre engine with low pressure turbocharging and 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Geartronic shifting. A choice of three models in two-wheel drive configuration (2.4, 2.4T, T5,) give the V70 wide appeal. Additional standard features include: Stability Traction Control (STC) for 2.4 and 2.4T models and the T5 gets Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) for 2002 model year. Spirited naturally aspirated or turbocharged power plant are incorporated into a drive train that features ABS braking, 4-wheel independent suspension, responsive rack and pinion steering with a turning radius that literally runs circles inside SUVs.
This is a driver's car, for drivers with families and things to haul. Large, distinct analog gauges and instruments offer quick and easy access to information. Controls lie within a natural and comfortable range of hands and fingers.
This is a driver's car, for drivers with families and things to haul. Large, distinct analog gauges and instruments offer quick and easy access to information. Controls lie within a natural and comfortable range of hands and fingers. Seating is comfortable and the material is durable enough to battle spilled drinks, crayons and just about any other upholstery weapon your child may wield. Two-position, split 60/40 fold down rear seating, fold down front passenger seat and up to 71.4 cu. ft. of carpeted cargo area allow for maximum flexibility.
Then there is safety, and the V70 - sort of a flagship for Volvo's core demographic - gets most of the safety bells and whistles. The V70 safety features include standard Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable Curtain (IC), Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS), seat belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners in all seating positions, dual-stage front airbags (SRS), Volvo's safety cage construction and the ISO-FIX attachment for rearward-facing child safety seats. The V70 is also safer to the environment, with the addition of the PremAirâ„¢ radiator, which converts up to 75 percent of the ground level ozone it encounters into oxygen. The V70 also uses Oko-Tex certified materials inside the car. All Volvo V70s come with an Environmental Product Declaration, a cradle-to-grave report on the environmental management measures taken by the company in the design, manufacture, use and subsequent recycling of the car.
An SUV alternative that offers an environmental upside. Some things make perfect sense.
What's new for the 2003 Volvo V70 and V70 2.4
Single in-dash CD audio system is now standard.
Leather steering wheel and gearshift knob are standard.
Two new colors, Ruby Red metallic (replaces Venetian Red) and Titanium Grey are available.
A new 2.4-liter naturally aspirated SULEV+ (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) engine with 165 horsepower. Torque is unchanged. This engine will only be offered in California.
A variant without moonroof or leather for both manual and automatic is now available.
Premium Package
The 2003 Premium Package now includes ECC, wood trim and trip computer in addition to moonroof, leather and power driver's seat.
Touring Package
Now includes IAQS, Interior Air Quality Sensor.
Versatility Package
12-volt outlet located next to third seat replaces former trash bin.
Climate Package
The Cold Weather Package has been renamed the Climate Package. It now includes a new option known as Rainsensor. Rainsensor replaces the intermittent wiper control and automatically adjusts wiper speed bases on the amount of water sensed on the windshield.
Other Options
The Volvo On Call Plus telematics/mobile phone is a new option for 2003. A 12-month subscription is included.
V70 2.4T, 2.5T AWD
Single in-dash CD audio system is now standard.
Leather steering wheel with Volvo ironmark symbol and wood trim are now standard.
The electronic Haldex all-wheel drive system from the S60 and XC90 replaces the former viscous coupling all-wheel-drive system.
Two new colors, Ruby Red metallic (replaces Venetian Red) and Titanium Grey are available.
A new 2.5-liter light pressure turbo engine with 208 horsepower and 236 ft. lbs. of torque at 1500 rpm replaces the former 197 horsepower 2.4-liter engine in the AWD variants only.
A variant without moonroof or leather is now available.
Premium Package
The 2003 Premium Package now includes moonroof and trip computer in addition to leather and power passenger seat.
Versatility Package
12-volt outlet located next to third seat replaces former trash bin
Climate Package (standard on 2.5T AWD)
The Cold Weather Package has been renamed the Climate Package. It now includes a new option known as Rainsensor. Rainsensor replaces the intermittent wiper control and automatically adjusts wiper speed based on the amount of water sensed on the windshield. The Climate Package is an option on 2.4T and is standard on 2.5T AWD.
Other Options
The Volvo On Call Plus telematics/mobile phone is a new option for 2003. Includes 12-month subscription.
Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound stereo system with in-dash 4-CD player is available on both models.
--Story by Brian Chee
Prior to joining Autobytel, Brian spent 15 years working as a writer in the southern California area. His work has appeared in a wide variety of regional newspapers and online publications, including the Orange County Register and OCnow.com. Brian's appreciation for automobiles began when he attended his first Long Beach Grand Prix in 1976. Later, his interest in new cars and racing was nurtured while working as a reporter for a chain of Los Angeles-area local city newspapers. Brian is a member of the Automotive Press Association, the Motor Press Guild, the International Motor Press Association and the California State University Advisory Board for Internet Writing. |
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