Car Test
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R0283 | |
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See also
R0224
R0067
November 2002 |
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| Brief Test | Volvo V70 | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: D5 S Automatic | |
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Whatever your choice of engine: petrol, diesel or gas, Volvo can deliver. But while the jury is still out as to the financial and practical benefits of LPG and CNG-powered models, fleet managers, high-mileage company car drivers and contract hire companies continue to give their vote of confidence to diesels. And not least to this D5.
This is the first diesel car engine that Volvo has designed and produced, and it’s made an excellent job of it. The all-alloy, five-cylinder unit uses common-rail fuelling and a high-tech turbocharger, and boasts impressive power and torque figures that exceed even those of its close rivals, the Audi/VW 2.5TDi V6. From its muffled rumble on start-up, you’re aware that this V70 isn’t petrol powered, and when the engine is pulling hard, a raspy offbeat combustion noise is apparent. Otherwise, it’s a quiet performer that’s particularly hushed when cruising at speed. It earns further high praise by completely avoiding the unpleasant low-rev vibration and harshness periods that can affect four-cylinder diesels. In this case, though, the optional automatic transmission (£1100 extra) won’t let you experience the manual version’s lovely low-speed lugging power. But that’s OK, because it’s an excellent transmission that distinguishes itself with well-timed part-throttle downchanges and shifts that are barely perceptible (they’re the next best thing to CVT), even though it lacks the sophistication of Volvo’s Geartronic system that offers sequential manual shifting. So far so good, but if you’re buying this diesel for economy, stick to the manual. While the auto ‘box only marginally blunts the V70’s acceleration (it’s about half a second slower from 30 to 70mph), it puts a 20 per cent dent in the mpg figures. However, it’s still reasonable to expect 38mpg on a motorway trip and over 40mpg in gentle touring. It’s worth noting, however, that (according to Volvo’s figures), while in manual form the diesel manage an 11mpg improvement over the equivalent petrol model, this drops to just 6mpg when they’re automatics. And with petrol manual versus diesel auto, the saving is just 3mpg. The diesel engine adds a not inconsiderable 93kg to the V70’s weight, but does little to compromise its masterful road manners. If anything, it’s of benefit in quelling the slightly under-damped feeling we’ve previously reported. Then as now the V70 displays a fidgety firmness on broken tarmac, but rides with well composed authority on main roads and motorways. Road noise is well suppressed, too. It doesn’t handle with the enthusiasm of an S60, but, with traction control on hand, it feels stable and grippy in the turns, with steering that’s fluid and nicely weighted. The turning circles are unimpressive, however. As ever, Volvo’s cabin design is clean and functional and everything feels superbly engineered and carefully crafted. There are several option packs to choose from and you can tailor your V70 just the way you want it. |
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