Volvo V70 I 2.5 20V (165 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volvo V70:
The Volvo V70 is an executive car manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars from 1996 to 2016 across three generations. The name V70 combines the letter V, standing for versatility, and 70, denoting relative platform size.
The first generation debuted in November 1996. It was based on the P80 platform and was available with front and all-wheel drive , the latter marketed as the V70 AWD. In September 1997, a crossover version called the V70 XC or V70 Cross Country was introduced. The sedan model was called Volvo S70....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Volvo V70 (I). With 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 209 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volvo V70 I generation was not formally tested by Euro NCAP during its production run. However, Volvo has a long-standing reputation for pioneering safety innovations, and the V70 I was designed with occupant protection as a paramount concern, featuring robust construction and advanced safety systems for its era.
2.5 20V (165 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and adequate for daily driving, but not sporty. Reliable naturally aspirated option.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 10.5 l/100 km is moderate for a non-turbo petrol of this size.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

4.3 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 30 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional build quality and durability
- • Spacious and practical interior with large cargo capacity
- • Renowned Volvo safety features for its time
- • Comfortable ride quality, ideal for long journeys
- • Wide range of powerful and characterful 5-cylinder engines
- • Good value on the used car market
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high on turbo petrol models
- • Some interior plastics can show wear over time
- • Older models may require significant maintenance due to age
- • Handling is more comfort-oriented than sporty (except R models)
- • Automatic transmissions can be slow and less efficient
- • Lack of modern safety tech (expected for its age)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(XC: 1997 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volvo |
| Model: | V70 |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 20V (165 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 165 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67.8 Hp/l [3mm less] |
| Torque: | 220 Nm @ 4700 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B5254S More details about the engine B5254S |
| Engine displacement: | 2435 |
| Number of cylinders: | 5 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.8 l |
| Coolant: | 7.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 83 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.0 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 209 km/h |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1580 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 420 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4730 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [100mm less] |
| Height: | 1430 mm mm [132mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2660 mm mm [103mm less] |
| Front track: | 1521 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1468 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |















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