The Volvo V70 III, particularly the facelifted model produced from 2013 to 2016, represents the third generation of Volvo’s popular station wagon. Positioned within the mid-size executive car segment, the V70 aimed to combine practicality, safety, and Scandinavian design. This iteration, specifically the 1.6 T4F variant with 180 horsepower and an automatic transmission, was notable for its flexible-fuel capability, designed to run on both gasoline and ethanol (E85). While not widely sold in the United States, the V70 held a significant position in the European market as a premium, family-oriented vehicle, competing with models like the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate.
Volvo V70 III (2013-2016) 1.6 T4F: An Overview
The V70 III facelift, introduced in 2013, brought subtle but important updates to the exterior and interior, enhancing the car’s aesthetic appeal and technological features. The 1.6 T4F engine, a key component of this model, was designed to balance performance with fuel efficiency, and the availability of ethanol compatibility offered an environmentally conscious alternative for drivers in regions where E85 was readily available. The V70 continued Volvo’s long-standing tradition of prioritizing passenger safety, incorporating advanced safety systems and a robust chassis construction.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2013-2016 Volvo V70 1.6 T4F is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated the B4164T2. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger to produce 180 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 240 Nm (177.01 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1600 and 5000 rpm. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 112.8 hp/l. The flexible-fuel capability allows the engine to operate on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol up to E85, offering drivers a choice based on fuel availability and cost. When running on E85, fuel consumption increases to 9.8 l/100 km, but CO2 emissions are slightly reduced to 162 g/km. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.9 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 9.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph).
Design & Features
The Volvo V70 III is a five-door station wagon (estate) designed with a focus on practicality and comfort. Its exterior styling is characterized by clean lines, a sloping roofline, and a distinctive Volvo grille. The interior offers seating for five passengers and boasts a spacious cabin with a focus on ergonomic design. The facelifted model features updated interior trim and improved infotainment systems. A key feature of the V70 is its generous cargo capacity, offering 555 liters (19.6 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up and expanding to 1580 liters (55.8 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety is paramount in Volvo design, 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 vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4814 mm (189.53 in), width 1907 mm (75.08 in), height 1547 mm (60.91 in), and wheelbase 2816 mm (110.87 in). Ride height (ground clearance) is 151 mm (5.94 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V70 |
| Generation | V70 III (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 T4F (180 Hp) Ethanol Automatic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (Ethanol – E85) | 9.8 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 168 g/km |
| CO2 emissions (Ethanol – E85) | 162 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Power | 180 Hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Power per litre | 112.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1600-5000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1600-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B4164T2 |
| Engine displacement | 1596 cm3 (97.39 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.4 mm (3.2 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.1 l (4.33 US qt | 3.61 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.8 l (10.36 US qt | 8.62 UK qt) |
| 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) |
| 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 (Back) track | 1586-1576 mm (62.44 – 62.05 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 151 mm (5.94 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.7 – 12.7 m (38.39 – 41.67 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 |
| 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 |
