EDMUNDS.COM 2004 VOLVO V70 R
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Need a handsome family wagon that''s fast enough to surprise unsuspecting BMW drivers? Looks like you''ve found it.
Pros
Delightful 300-horsepower turbo engine, excellent balance and grip when driven briskly, luxurious interior with lots of utility and safety features, reasonable price, stealth appeal.
Cons
Tight rear legroom.
What''s New for 2004
Volvo creates a 300-horsepower R version of its V70 wagon. Equipped with the company''s Four-C suspension system, which among other things can adjust the shock damping up to 500 times per second, this is one Volvo wagon you''ll want to drive hard.
Overview
Introduction:
Although Volvo enjoys a reputation for turning out Fort Knox-safe, if somewhat boring, cars on this side of the Atlantic, it has a more sporting reputation in Europe. Having won the prestigious British Touring Car Championship in 1998, it is seen as something more than a manufacturer of boxes on wheels. Now, Volvo wants North Americans to get the same message -- hence the new R versions of its midsize sedan and wagon. Actually, we have seen this before in the form of the limited-edition, 240-horsepower 850 R sedan and wagon offered for 1996 and 1997. But there was only so much Volvo engineers could do with the aged 850 chassis.Using the same basic formula as the 850 R (and to a point, today''s T5 models) -- that is, raise the turbo boost level on Volvo''s trademark five-cylinder engine and then add sticky rubber -- the V70 R also sees an incredible array of chassis technology as well as four-wheel drive to make the new performance wagon even more powerful, and more capable, than its tire-spinning predecessor. The new R motor is a bored and stroked version of Volvo''s ubiquitous five-cylinder inline engine equipped with a larger turbocharger and numerous strengthening additions. Output is rated at 300 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque from 1,950 to 5,250 rpm when paired with a close-ratio six-speed manual. (Opt for the five-speed automatic, and torque dips to 258 lb-ft.) Once behind the wheel of the V70 R, low-end torque is prodigious and acceleration remains strong almost all the way to its 6,800 rpm redline. It''s not quite in the same league as BMW''s M3 and Mercedes'' C32 AMG, but it''s closer than we ever thought a Volvo wagon would get. And thanks to the continuously variable valve timing, efficient KKK turbocharger and twin intercoolers, throttle response is excellent with minimal turbo lag. Volvo claims a 5.6-second 0-to-60-mph time for the V70R. For higher-level handling, Volvo has fitted the R cars with its new Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) system, which combines an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system with a semiactive, continuously adjustable suspension system. Four-C is comprised of an impressive array of sensors, new shocks and a powerful microcomputer to process all the information. The heart of the system, though, is a new valve made by Ohlins (a Swedish suspension manufacturer) that lets the shocks change their damping up to 500 times each second. Out on the road, the V70 R can be driven harder than any Volvo in memory. Whether charging out of turns on little-traveled two-lane highways or on a racetrack, the R demonstrates excellent balance and grip, not to mention a playfulness you won''t find in other V70s. With a base price under $40,000, we consider the V70 R an enthusiast''s alternative to the smaller, lower-key Audi A4 and BMW 325i wagons, or the pudgier Volkswagen Passat W8.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Most desirable features come standard on the V70 R. The equipment list includes bi-xenon headlights, 17-inch wheels with 235/45ZR17 tires, leather upholstery, bolstered sport seats, a three-spoke steering wheel with tilt/telescope adjustment, aluminum inlays, dual-zone automatic climate control, a CD player, a trip computer and a split-folding rear seat. On the options list, you''ll find higher-grade Atacama leather upholstery, a sunroof, a four-disc CD changer, a DVD-based navigation system, Volvo''s On Call telematics and an integrated child booster seat.
Powertrains and Performance:
Every V70 R is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder that pumps out 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque when paired with the standard close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic (with automanual functionality) is optional -- buyers should take note that peak torque drops to 258 lb-ft when the automatic is selected. In any case, acceleration is quite brisk in the V70, with ample juice to pick off the occasional unsuspecting BMW driver. Volvo claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 5.4 seconds with the manual gearbox. The company''s Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) system comes standard; it includes an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system, as well as an adaptive suspension that Volvo says can adjust the shock valving up to 500 times per second -- the result of all this is improved grip and balance and reduced body roll. The driver can choose from comfort, sport and advanced modes, depending on how he wants to drive the car.
Safety:
As the V70 R is intended to pull double duty for driving enthusiasts who are also parents, all the usual Volvo safety features are included -- stability control, side-impact airbags for front occupants, full-length head curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing seats. The V70 R is of course based on the standard V70, which has not been crash tested.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the V70 R offers more upscale furnishings than regular V70s, namely laterally bolstered leather sport seats, stylish silver and blue gauges and real aluminum trim. Comfort is exceptional in front, but rear passengers may find legroom a bit tight. The control layout is more complex than in other cars, and new owners may need to sit down with the owner''s manual in order to master everything. Cargo capacity is 37.5 cubic feet; fold down the rear seats and you''ve got 71.5 cubic feet.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Considerably faster than other Volvos, the V70 R is also a much better handler. Taken out on your favorite back roads, the R is ready to play -- its high level of balance and grip instills confidence in the driver. And it still rides comfortably enough to be used as an everyday commuter vehicle. Better yet, the midsize V70 R is priced (under $40,000) and sized right to make it a good value for enthusiasts with families.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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