The Volvo V70 III, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2013, 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 generation, produced from 2007 to 2016, saw significant updates in 2013, refining the exterior styling and enhancing the interior technology. The 2.0 D4 Automatic model, equipped with a 163 horsepower diesel engine, was a common offering in European markets, prioritizing fuel efficiency and comfortable long-distance cruising.
Volvo V70 III (2013-2016) 2.0 D4: An Overview
The V70 has long been a staple of the Volvo lineup, known for its robust build quality and family-oriented design. The third generation, and specifically the 2013 facelift, continued this tradition. While not widely sold in the United States (Volvo largely focused on the XC70 crossover in the US market during this period), the V70 was a significant model in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. The 2.0 D4 variant offered a balance between performance and economy, making it a popular choice for drivers covering substantial mileage.
Engine & Performance
The 2013 Volvo V70 2.0 D4 is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-five cylinder diesel engine, designated the D5204T3. This engine produces 163 horsepower at 3500 rpm and a substantial 400 Nm (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500 and 2800 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.9 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 9.4 seconds. The V70 D4 has a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 6 liters per 100 kilometers (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.
Design & Features
The V70 III is a five-door station wagon (estate) offering seating for five passengers. The 2013 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including a revised front grille, headlights, and bumper. The interior was characterized by Volvo’s typically minimalist and functional design, emphasizing comfort and practicality. Key features included a spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and a large cargo area. Trunk space ranges from 555 liters (19.6 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1580 liters (55.8 cu. ft.) with the seats folded down. Safety was, as always, a paramount concern for Volvo. The V70 III was 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 4814 mm (189.53 in.) in length, 1907 mm (75.08 in.) in width, and 1547 mm (60.91 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2816 mm (110.87 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V70 |
| Generation | V70 III (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 D4 (163 Hp) 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 (combined) | 6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 39.2 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 47.1 UK mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 159 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 82.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1500-2800 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1500-2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D5204T3 |
| Engine displacement | 1984 cm3 (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77 mm (3.03 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) |
| 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 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 Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic 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 Automatic, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, safety, and fuel efficiency. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and reliable station wagon, particularly in European markets where the estate car body style continues to be highly valued.
