The V70 line has expanded both up and down for 2002.
At base-level now is a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) version, powered by a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine that develops 168 horsepower. Badged simply V70, it retails for $30,025 with a five-speed manual transmission, and $1000 more with a five-speed automatic. Either way, the price includes power four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, and a long list of luxury, safety, and convenience features.
Returning for 2002 is the V70 2.4T ($34,225), which uses light-pressure turbocharging with intercooling to coax 197 horsepower from the same basic engine. The five-speed automatic is standard on this model, while Volvo's Geartronic automatic with manual override is a $200 option. Befitting its extra brawn, the 2.4T comes with wider tires on larger wheels, and adds a power glass sunroof plus a memory function for power seats and mirrors.
Also returning is the V70 T5 ($36,425), whose 2.3-liter inline-five with high-pressure turbocharging musters 247 horsepower through a five-speed manual gearbox. The Geartronic is the only automatic available, and it costs $1200. The T5 also comes with firmer suspension settings and even wider tires for a sporty flavor, and adds a few more comfort/convenience items to the standard-equipment list. Traction control is standard as well.
The other new model for 2002 is an all-wheel-drive version of the 2.4T, which lists for $35,975. The V70 2.4T AWD normally sends 95 percent of its driving torque to its front wheels, but uses a viscous coupling to direct power to the rear wheels when necessary. The rear differential is open, but an electronic system called TRACS can selectively brake either rear wheel to control slipping. The V70 2.4T AWD can be identified by a slightly higher ground clearance and by special seven-spoke alloy wheels, and the only transmission available is the Geartronic. Otherwise it's equipped the same as the front-drive V70 2.4T
Additionally, Volvo manufactures the V70 XC, or Cross Country, an SUV-like cross-over vehicle based on the V70 much the same way that the Subaru Outback is based on the all-wheel-drive Legacy Wagon. (See review of the Cross Country in a separate NewCarTestDrive.com report.
Volvo's computer-linked Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system may be added to any of the 2.4-liter models for $1100. A navigation system is offered as well.
All V70s uphold Volvo's tradition of safety, with dual-threshold front airbags, dual side-impact airbags, front and rear head-curtain airbags, WHIPS active whiplash protection, and both ISO-FIX and LATCH anchors for child seats.