The Volvo V70 III 2.5 FT (200 Hp) Ethanol Automatic, produced between 2008 and 2009, represents the third generation of Volvo’s popular station wagon. Positioned within the mid-size executive wagon segment, the V70 aimed to combine practicality, safety, and Scandinavian design. This particular variant was notable for its flexible-fuel capability, designed to run on both gasoline and ethanol (E85), catering to markets with established ethanol infrastructure. While not directly sold in the United States during its production run, the V70 series has a long history in North America, known for its robust build quality and family-oriented features. The V70 III continued this tradition, offering a spacious interior and a focus on passenger comfort.
Volvo V70 III 2.5 FT: A Detailed Overview
The V70 III, built on Volvo’s P24 platform (shared with the S80 of the same generation), was a significant evolution of the V70 line. It represented a move towards a more refined and technologically advanced estate car. The 2.5 FT model, with its 200 horsepower engine and automatic transmission, was a common configuration in European markets, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, particularly when utilizing ethanol fuel. The “FT” designation specifically indicates the flexible-fuel capability.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the V70 III 2.5 FT lies a 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder engine, designated the B5254T8. This naturally aspirated engine produces 200 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 4500 rpm. The engine’s flexible-fuel design allows it to operate on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 85% (E85). When running on E85, fuel consumption increases, as expected, to 14.5 l/100 km. Power delivery is smooth and linear, characteristic of Volvo’s engine design philosophy. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.1 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 6 kg/Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 8.5 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 8.1 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). The engine features a compression ratio of 9:1 and utilizes a four-valve-per-cylinder configuration.
Design & Features
The Volvo V70 III maintains the classic station wagon profile, emphasizing practicality and cargo space. Its exterior design is characterized by clean lines and a relatively understated elegance, typical of Scandinavian automotive aesthetics. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and features five doors for easy access. A key feature is its generous trunk space, offering a minimum capacity of 575 liters (20.31 cu. ft.). With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity expands significantly. Safety was a paramount concern for Volvo, and the V70 III incorporates a comprehensive suite of safety features, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The interior is designed with comfort and functionality in mind, featuring supportive seats and a user-friendly layout. The vehicle’s drag coefficient is 0.31, contributing to reasonable aerodynamic efficiency. The V70 III’s suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent coil spring arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and stable handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V70 |
| Generation | V70 III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 FT (200 Hp) Ethanol Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 10.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (Ethanol – E85) | 14.5 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 247 g/km |
| CO2 emissions (Ethanol – E85) | 238 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1500-4500 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1500-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B5254T8 |
| Engine displacement | 2521 cm3 (153.84 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.2 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1810 kg (3990.37 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2410 kg (5313.14 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 575 l (20.31 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| 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.) |
| Length | 4823 mm (189.88 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1907 mm (75.08 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2106 mm (82.91 in.) |
| Height | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2816 mm (110.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1588 mm (62.52 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 143 mm (5.63 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
