Four major models comprise the Volvo 70 series of wagons: the V70 2.4, the 2.5T, the V70R, and the XC70 Cross Country. They differ in terms of engines, suspensions and packaging but share attributes.
The V70 2.4 ($29,445) is powered by a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine that develops 168 horsepower (165 in California) and drives the front wheels. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is optional ($1000). Standard equipment includes power four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, 15-inch aluminum wheels, and a long list of luxury, safety, and convenience features.
V70 2.5T ($32,765) has more power, using light-pressure turbocharging with intercooling to coax 208 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque from the same basic engine. The 2.5T comes standard with Volvo's Geartronic automatic transmission, wider tires on 16-inch wheels, power seats and automatic climate control.
V70R ($39,545) gets a turbocharged, twin-intercooled 300-horsepower version of the 2.3-liter engine, featuring bigger brakes with four-piston Brembo calibers, a six-speed close-ratio gearbox, and the technically advanced Four-C active suspension system. Instant Traction all-wheel drive comes standard on the V70R for 2006. A six-speed Geartronix microprocessor-controlled automatic with an auto-stick function is optional ($1,250).
XC70 Cross Country ($35,700) is powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 engine as the 2.5T, and comes standard with the Geartronic automatic transmission. The Cross Country features a Haldex all-wheel-drive system improved for 2006 with Instant Traction, which maintains a constant torque load on the rear wheels to maximize traction response in slippery conditions. The off-road capabilities are enhanced with higher ground clearance, and front and rear skid plates. The XC70 comes standard with a traction control system called TRACS; the more sophisticated Dynamic Stability and Traction Control is optional ($695). A sophisticated active chassis system of adjustable shock absorbers, called Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) is optional ($995). The Cross Country comes with slightly taller P215/65R16 tires than the other models.
The V70 T5 model has been discontinued.
Many options and option packages are available. Premium Packages for each variation add leather upholstery, a sunroof and features that come standard on higher-level models. Leather upholstery is available as a stand-alone option for the XC70 ($1450) and V70R ($1550). A navigation system ($2120) is optional on all models.
Safety features include ABS with traction control, dual-threshold front airbags, dual side-impact airbags, front and rear head-curtain airbags, WHIPS active whiplash protection, and ISO-FIX and LATCH anchors for child seats. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) may be added to the 2.4, 2.5T and XC70 ($695).