Volvo V70 D5 – Long Test Drive

Bologna (Italy) – It is always a pleasure for Infomotori.co.uk to test and drive such great cars like thin all new Volvo V70. This vehicle 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 than 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. 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. As well as speed-sensitive powered steering with three 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. 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 285 PS 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 238 PS 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. 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). 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 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 mm, rear knee clearance has grown by 21 mm, front shoulder room by 30 mm, while the distance from front to rear passengers has been extended by 21 mm. 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; 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 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. Safety As you’d expect, the all new Volvo V70 was developed and engineered to be the safest car in its segment. 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. 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 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 to 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. On the road We already drove it at the International press presentation in Köln (Germany), but our second meeting with the all- new Volvo V70 was even more positive. We left Bologna to go to the little Republic of San Marino, a little town near Bologna, in the Northern-centre of Italy. Our trip allowed us to study and test the behaviour on the road of this luxury premium car. Good finishes, well refined interior, simple and complete instrument panel. The driving position is comfortable, seats ergonomy is well studied and the gear position too. The T6 fuel unit is so powerful: acceleration and torque are excellent, such as the pleasant noise. The V70 is steady on the road, even thanks to its weight and to the outstanding performance of the AWD wheel-drive. The car can reach a top speed of 245 km/h and its consumptions are 11,3 litres per 100 km.

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