2002 Volvo V70 T5

Cargo loading and unloading is eased by a large hatch that has a bumper-level cutout. Folding the rear seats increases cargo capacity from 37.5 to 71.5 cubic feet.

All V70 models come well equipped. Even the entry-level V70 2.4, which opens at just over $30,000, boasts air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless entry, anti-theft system, dual 12V power points, alloy wheels, 60/40 split folding rear seat, front/rear washers/wipers/defoggers, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering column and a power tailgate release.


As ever, safety remains a Volvo signature design feature. Here too, the entire V70 lineup shines. Dual-stage front airbags are augmented with the firm's SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) that brings side airbags and an inflatable head curtain, WHIPS (Anti-Whiplash Seats/Headrests), pretensioner and force-limiter equipped three-point belts in all passenger positions, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, 4-wheel power disc brakes with ABS plus electronic brake force distribution, and basic stability and traction-control systems.


Although taking possession of a T5 key will set you back a minimum of $36,425 (excluding destination charge), that extra tariff brings a load of additional goodies. They include a power moonroof, automatic climate control, trip computer, 8-way dual power front seats, single-slot CD player, automatic-dimming day/night inside mirror, HomeLink, and Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DTSC) along with its more potent powertrain. While our fairly loaded tester lacked the DVD-based navigation system and top-line sound system, it did feature leather upholstery, the Touring Package (laminated side glass, Interior Air Quality System, rear cargo net, grocery-bag holder, supplemental 12V powerpoint, dash cupholder), Cold-Weather package (seat heaters, headlamp washer/wipers), 5-speed Geartronic automatic transmission in place of the base 5-speed manual gearbox, 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45VR17 rubber in place of the standard 16-inch 215/55VR16 tires, and metallic paint. Those extras bumped it to $41,750 out-the-door, including $625 in destination. Admittedly not cheap, but a relative bargain when compared feature-for-feature to its counterparts from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

In T5 models, the turbocharged-and-intercooled 2.3-liter inline-five engine uses 11.7 pounds of boost to produce an impressive 247 horsepower.

The V70 engine hierarchy encompasses three distinct variations, all derived from Volvo's all-aluminum DOHC inline five-cylinder. The competent but far-from-compelling naturally aspirated 2.4-liter in the base front-drive 2.4 makes 168 horsepower. But step up to either the 2.4T or 2.4T AWD turbo models and that motivator is replaced by a low-pressure T-charged alternative of the same size that churns out 197 horses and 210 lb.-ft. of torque. While providing a good deal more off-the-line snap and passing power, it pales by comparison to the T5 engine. This high-pressure huffer displaces only 2.3 liters, but uses an extra measure of boost (11.7 vs. 5.6 psi) to pump pony count to 247 and torque to 243 lb.-ft. With 90% of that latter commodity available from 2,400 rpm all the way up to the 5,200 rpm redline, an autoshifted T5 will run 0-60 mph in under 7.0 seconds. Equally impressive are the T5's brakes. Despite a slightly softish pedal, modulation is good, fade is minimal and distances reassuringly short.