Overview
Introduced in Europe in late 1996 for the 1997 model year and later in the US for the 1998 model year, the Volvo S70 is an updated version of the Volvo 850 saloon. The S70 features more rounded exterior styling than its predecessor. Changes included a redesigned front end with new lights, fully colour-coded bumpers and side trim, and clear indicator lenses for the rear lights, as well as a redesigned interior. According to Volvo, a total of 1800 changes were made.
Standard equipment included remote central locking, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electric windows. Four airbags were standard on US-market models for the 1998 model year.
Trim levels and standard equipment varied by market. In the United States, the S70 was offered in base, GLT and T5 versions, which differed in engine output and standard equipment. In the United Kingdom, Volvo offered different specification levels, equipment packs and optional extras. The T5 and R were the range's high-performance variants.
For the 1999 model year, the S70 received minor exterior updates and more extensive mechanical changes. Exterior changes included a revised Volvo badge on the front grille and side-mounted indicators on the front wings of US-market models.
Volvo introduced its second-generation Side Impact Protection System side airbag (SIPS-BAG II), which was enlarged to provide protection for the head as well as the chest. Turbocharged petrol engines received new engine management systems with electronic throttle control. An upgraded traction control system, known as Stability and Traction Control (STC), was introduced on front-wheel-drive T5 models, using both brake intervention and engine torque reduction to limit wheelspin. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) was upgraded from three to four channels. Automatic transmissions received adaptive shift logic, while manual-transmission models gained a starter interlock.
Later-production all-wheel-drive models received thicker rear brake discs and redesigned rear calipers.
For the 2000 model year, a new five-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift logic was introduced, available on naturally aspirated, front-wheel-drive models in North America. The 10-valve petrol engine variants were phased out in favour of lower-output 20-valve versions in some European markets. Non-turbocharged petrol engines also featured electronic throttle control.
Volvo's Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), designed to reduce the risk of neck injuries in rear-end collisions, became standard equipment for the 2000 model year.
Models
S70
Production of the S70 was lower than that of its estate counterpart, the V70, with 243,078 S70 saloons built compared with 319,832 first-generation V70 estates.
The S70 was available with petrol engines, as well as diesel and Bi-Fuel variants in certain markets. A contemporary British-market brochure listed engine outputs ranging from 126 to 250 bhp.
The S70 was also used as a police vehicle in several countries. In the United Kingdom, T5 saloons were used by various police forces.
In Canada, VehiTech offered police-package versions of the S70 and V70, with police equipment installed at its facility in Longueuil, Quebec. In August 2001, Canadian news outlet TVA Nouvelles reported that the Saint-Adolphe-d'Howard police department operated an S70 patrol car.
In the United States, the California Highway Patrol evaluated the S70 as a potential patrol vehicle in 1999. The vehicles featured upgraded chassis components and brakes compared with civilian models, and further on-road testing was planned to determine their suitability for police service.
Volvo S70 (AU)
Volvo S70 (AU)
S70 AWD
Announced in 1998, the S70 AWD was the all-wheel-drive variant of the S70, remaining available until the model's discontinuation in 2000. It shared its chassis configuration and viscous-coupling all-wheel-drive system with the V70 AWD. Some examples featured self-levelling rear suspension using Nivomat shock absorbers.
The S70 AWD was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre five-cylinder petrol engine producing 193 PS (142 kW). Transmission options included a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual, depending on specification.
S70 R
The S70 R was introduced in 1997 as the highest-performance variant of the S70. The model was offered for the 1998 model year. Available exclusively with front-wheel drive, it featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre five-cylinder petrol engine producing 250 metric horsepower (184 kW; 247 hp) and 350 newton-metres (258 lb⋅ft) when paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and a viscous-coupling limited-slip differential. Models equipped with a four-speed automatic gearbox produced 240 metric horsepower (177 kW; 237 hp) and 330 newton-metres (243 lb⋅ft).
The S70 R featured a lowered sports chassis with revised anti-roll bars and shock absorbers. Interior features included leather and quilted Alcantara upholstery, aluminium trim and blue-backed instruments. Exterior features included 17-inch Comet alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. Standard equipment also included electronic climate control, electrically adjustable front seats and an upgraded SC900 stereo system. Available paint colours included Saffron, black, silver, dark blue and ruby red.
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