The Volvo V70 III (facelift 2013) 2.0 D4 (181 Hp) represents a refinement of Volvo’s long-standing tradition of building practical, safe, and comfortable station wagons. Introduced as part of the third-generation V70 series, this facelifted model, produced from 2013 to 2016, continued to serve as Volvo’s flagship estate car in the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, the V70 embodies the Scandinavian design philosophy and engineering prowess that Volvo is known for. It caters to buyers needing a versatile vehicle with ample space, good fuel economy, and a focus on passenger safety. The “D4” designation signifies a diesel engine variant, specifically a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Volvo V70 III (Facelift 2013) 2.0 D4: An Overview
The V70 III, and specifically the 2013 facelift, aimed to modernize the vehicle while retaining its core strengths. The facelift included subtle exterior styling updates, interior enhancements, and improvements to the engine range, focusing on efficiency and reduced emissions. The 2.0 D4 model was a popular choice in Europe due to its balance of performance and fuel economy, making it suitable for long-distance travel and everyday use. It competed with other premium estate cars like the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the V70 III 2.0 D4 is a 1,969 cc (120.16 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the D4204T5. This engine produces 181 horsepower (Hp) at 4,250 rpm and a substantial 400 Newton-meters (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,800 and 2,500 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a diesel commonrail direct injection system. This powertrain configuration allows for a respectable 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8.6 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds, with a maximum speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 15.8:1 contributes to its efficiency. The V70 D4 achieves a combined fuel consumption of 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers (54.7 US mpg or 65.7 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 113 g/km, making it a relatively environmentally friendly option for its class.
Design & Features
The Volvo V70 III is a five-door station wagon (estate) designed with a focus on practicality and Scandinavian aesthetics. Its exterior design is characterized by clean lines, a sloping roofline, and a distinctive Volvo grille. The interior is spacious and well-appointed, offering comfortable seating for five passengers. A key feature of the V70 is its generous cargo capacity. With the rear seats up, the trunk offers 555 liters (19.6 cu. ft.) of space, expanding to a substantial 1,580 liters (55.8 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. Safety is paramount in Volvo’s design philosophy, and the V70 III is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a robust chassis designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The 2013 facelift brought minor cosmetic changes, including updated headlights and taillights, as well as interior trim revisions. The vehicle features a six-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with precise control over the powertrain. The McPherson strut front suspension and independent coil spring rear suspension contribute to a comfortable ride and stable handling.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V70 |
| Generation | V70 III (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 D4 (181 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 113 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 181 Hp @ 4250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 91.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1800-2500 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1800-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4204T5 |
| Engine displacement | 1969 cm3 (120.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.2 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 555 l (19.6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1580 l (55.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4814 mm (189.53 in.) |
| Width | 1907 mm (75.08 in.) |
| Height | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2816 mm (110.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1588-1578 mm (62.52 – 62.13 in.) |
| Rear track | 1586-1576 mm (62.44 – 62.05 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 151 mm (5.94 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.7 – 12.7 m (38.39 – 41.67 ft.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, 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 |
The Volvo V70 III 2.0 D4 (facelift 2013) remains a compelling option for those seeking a practical, safe, and efficient station wagon. Its blend of Scandinavian design, comfortable interior, and capable diesel engine continues to appeal to buyers who prioritize functionality and reliability.
