Volvo V70 I 2.3 20V T-5 (240 Hp) AWD
Overall Rating
Volvo V70:
The Volvo V70 is an executive car manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars from 1996 to 2016 across three generations. The name V70 combines the letter V, standing for versatility, and 70, denoting relative platform size.
The first generation debuted in November 1996. It was based on the P80 platform and was available with front and all-wheel drive , the latter marketed as the V70 AWD. In September 1997, a crossover version called the V70 XC or V70 Cross Country was introduced. The sedan model was called Volvo S70....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Volvo V70 (I). With 330 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1631 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.1 s). The top speed reaches 225 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volvo V70 I generation was not formally tested by Euro NCAP during its production run. However, Volvo has a long-standing reputation for pioneering safety innovations, and the V70 I was designed with occupant protection as a paramount concern, featuring robust construction and advanced safety systems for its era.
2.3 20V T-5 (240 Hp) AWD Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very strong, quick acceleration, excellent traction from AWD. A true 'sleeper' performance wagon.
Fuel Economy
Expect higher fuel consumption, as is typical for a high-performance AWD model.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

4.1 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 9 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional build quality and durability
- • Spacious and practical interior with large cargo capacity
- • Renowned Volvo safety features for its time
- • Comfortable ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Wide range of powerful and characterful 5-cylinder engines
- • Good value on the used car market
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high on turbo petrol models
- • Some interior plastics can show wear over time
- • Older models may require significant maintenance due to age
- • Handling is more comfort-oriented than sporty (except R models)
- • Automatic transmissions can be slow and less efficient
- • Lack of modern safety tech (expected for its age)
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | V70 |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 20V T-5 (240 Hp) AWD |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 240 Hp @ 5400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 103.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 330 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B5234S |
| Engine displacement: | 2319 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.8 l |
| Coolant: | 7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 225 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.8 kg/Hp, 147.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 202.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1631 |
| Max. weight: | 2150 |
| Max load: | 519 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1580 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 420 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4730 mm mm |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm |
| Height: | 1430 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2660 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1520 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1490 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |













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