The Volvo V70 II, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2004, represents Volvo’s commitment to the premium station wagon segment. Positioned above the S60 sedan, the V70 offered a compelling blend of practicality, safety, and Scandinavian design. This generation, produced from 2000 to 2007 (with the facelift from 2004-2007), was a significant evolution of the original V70, offering increased space, improved refinement, and a wider range of engine options. The 2.4 Bi-Fuel variant, equipped with Volvo’s Geartronic automatic transmission, was a notable offering, particularly in European markets where alternative fuel vehicles were gaining traction. While not widely sold in the United States, the V70 held a strong position as a versatile and family-oriented vehicle in Europe.
Volvo V70 II (2004-2007) 2.4 Bi-Fuel: An Overview
The 2004-2007 Volvo V70 II facelift refined the already successful second-generation V70. The Bi-Fuel model, powered by a 2.4-liter engine capable of running on both gasoline and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), catered to environmentally conscious buyers and those seeking to reduce fuel costs. This model combined the spaciousness expected of a Volvo estate car with the flexibility of dual-fuel capability. The Geartronic transmission, a five-speed automatic, provided smooth and convenient shifting, enhancing the overall driving experience. The V70’s reputation for safety remained a core selling point, with a comprehensive suite of safety features standard across the range.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the V70 II 2.4 Bi-Fuel is a 2.4-liter inline five-cylinder engine. This engine produces 140 horsepower at 4500 rpm and 220 Nm (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3300 rpm when running on gasoline. When operating on CNG, the engine maintains the same 140 horsepower output, albeit at a slightly higher 5800 rpm, with torque reduced to 192 Nm (141.7 lb.-ft.) at 4500 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.4 seconds on gasoline, and 11.9 seconds on CNG. Top speed is electronically limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The engine’s transverse front-wheel-drive layout contributes to its balanced handling characteristics. The power-to-weight ratio is 11.3 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.2 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The V70 II is a five-door station wagon (estate) designed with a focus on practicality and comfort. Its long roofline maximizes cargo space, offering a minimum of 485 liters (17.13 cu. ft.) and expanding to a substantial 1641 liters (57.95 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The interior is typically Scandinavian in its design – clean, functional, and focused on passenger well-being. The 2004 facelift brought subtle styling updates, including revised front and rear fascias, updated interior trim, and improved safety features. Standard features included ABS, power steering, and a comfortable seating arrangement for five passengers. The Geartronic transmission offered manual shift control for a more engaging driving experience. The V70 prioritized safety, incorporating features like side impact protection system (SIPS) and a robust chassis designed to absorb impact energy.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V70 |
| Generation | V70 II (facelift 2004) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 (140 Hp) Bi-Fuel Geartronic |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 10 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (CNG) (NEDC) | 8.6 kg/100 km |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 240 g/km |
| CO2 emissions (CNG) (NEDC) | 183 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / CNG |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (CNG) | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated by Auto-Data.net) | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.5 Hp/l |
| Power (CNG) | 140 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre (CNG) | 57.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 3300 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 3300 rpm) |
| Torque (CNG) | 192 Nm @ 4500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B5244SG |
| Engine displacement | 2435 cm3 (148.59 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.8 l (9.3 US qt | 7.74 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1587 kg (3498.74 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2150 kg (4739.94 lbs.) |
| Max load | 563 kg (1241.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 485 l (17.13 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1641 l (57.95 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 29 l (7.66 US gal | 6.38 UK gal) |
| CNG cylinder capacity | 17.6 kg |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4710 mm (185.43 in.) |
| Width | 1804 mm (71.02 in.) |
| Height | 1468 mm (57.8 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2755 mm (108.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1548 mm (60.94 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Geartronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| 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 | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |

