The Volvo V70 III 2.4 D5 (215 Hp) Automatic, produced between 2012 and 2013, represents the third generation of Volvo’s popular station wagon, known as the V70. This model occupied a crucial position in Volvo’s lineup as a premium, family-oriented vehicle, primarily aimed at the European market. While not widely sold in the United States, the V70 consistently offered a blend of practicality, safety, and Scandinavian design. The V70 III continued Volvo’s tradition of building robust and comfortable vehicles, emphasizing passenger well-being and cargo capacity. This iteration focused on refining the existing platform with updated technology and improved fuel efficiency, particularly within its diesel engine options.
Volvo V70 III 2.4 D5: A Detailed Overview
The V70 III, built on the Volvo Y20 platform shared with other Volvo models like the S80 and XC70, aimed to provide a sophisticated and versatile vehicle for discerning buyers. The 2.4 D5 variant, equipped with a five-cylinder diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, was a popular choice for those prioritizing fuel economy and torque. It offered a compelling alternative to gasoline-powered options, especially in regions with higher diesel fuel availability and favorable taxation.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the V70 III 2.4 D5 lies a 2.4-liter inline five-cylinder diesel engine, designated the D5244T15. This engine produces 215 horsepower at 4000 rpm and a substantial 440 Nm (324.53 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 3000 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler contribute to both power output and improved efficiency. This configuration allows for brisk acceleration, achieving 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8 seconds and 0-60 mph in a calculated 7.6 seconds. The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 16.5:1 is typical for diesel engines, maximizing combustion efficiency. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 7.3 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 3.6 kg/Nm, contributing to a responsive driving experience. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels.
Design & Features
The Volvo V70 III maintains the classic station wagon profile, characterized by a long roofline and a spacious cargo area. Its design emphasizes clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, reflecting Scandinavian design principles. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and boasts a generous trunk capacity of 575 liters (20.31 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up. Key features of the V70 III include a comfortable and well-appointed interior, a focus on safety technology, and a range of convenience features. Safety features, a hallmark of Volvo, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The V70 III also offers a respectable maximum roof load of 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) and a permitted trailer load of up to 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs) with brakes, enhancing its practicality for families and those with active lifestyles. The drag coefficient of 0.31 contributes to reasonable aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V70 |
| Generation | V70 III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 D5 (215 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 37.9 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 45.6 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 16.1 km/l |
| CO2 emissions | 164 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Power | 215 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm (324.53 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D5244T15 |
| Engine displacement | 2400 cm3 (146.46 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.15 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.9 l (9.4 US qt | 7.83 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1579 kg (3481.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2190 kg (4828.12 lbs.) |
| Max load | 611 kg (1347.02 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%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 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) | 151 mm (5.94 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | 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 |
The Volvo V70 III 2.4 D5 Automatic offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a practical, safe, and efficient station wagon. While not a common sight in the US market, it remains a respected vehicle within its intended European context, embodying Volvo’s commitment to quality and innovation.
