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It says much for Volvo's marketing skills that for most customers, the S70 saloon and V70 estate range tends to be thought about as being a newish product. In fact of course, it's a revamp of the much older 850, originally launched back in 1993.
Though the 850 was the car that gave the franchise a younger image, by the end of 1996 it was beginning to look a little tired. Hence, British designer Peter Horbury's thoughtful package of upgrades - and the change of name. Like most Volvos, the S70/V70 series makes a good used buy; with the 850 heritage, its problems were well sorted right from the start.
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Full-Sized Executive Cars
What you get
As with the smaller S40 and V40 line-up, 'S' stands for saloon, while 'V' (for versatile) designates the estate. If you haven't tried a modern Volvo recently, you should find the styling inside and out a little more adventurous than older examples of the marque. The look is more purposeful and the quality of the plastics and fabrics - even the click the switches make - is all a match for anything you'd find in an Audi, a BMW or a Mercedes.
As we've said, the S70 and V70 models are of course, direct descendants of the superseded 850 line-up, part of the range which first proved that Volvos could appeal to drivers as well as passengers. In S70 and V70 guise, that dynamic aptitude has been matched by a smarter look. The front grille is low and rounded, the nose sleeker with slimmer headlights.
Equipment levels are comprehensive. Most examples feature air conditioning with climate control, electric windows front and rear, an outside temperature gauge, a quality stereo system and internal releases for the fuel flap and boot.
The V70 is the spacious load carrier you would expect a Volvo estate to be. Lifting the rear hatch reveals some 792 litres of luggage capacity - or 1580 litres with the rear seat folded. Some cars will have the optional fold-out third seat bench in the estate compartment.
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What to look for
You need a full service history with these, as maintenance can be expensive and parts pricey. Check for stressed 2.0-litre examples, especially estates which have been used for towing. Check interiors for family or pet abuse. Look for worn front tyres, especially on T5 models.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a S70 2.0 v ex Vat) A clutch assembly is around £175 and an exhaust system about £270 for the S70 complete, for the V70 the exhaust is around £260 and the mountings £30. Front and rear brake pads will be in the vicinity of £30-170 a set.
A radiator is about £140 for a manual car and £172 for an automatic (prices are for a reconditioned unit), an alternator about £340, a starter motor £145 and a replacement headlamp can be up to £160.
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On the road
On the road - well, it depends upon your expectations. If you haven't driven a Volvo for some time, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The ride has been softened over that of the 850 but you can have the stiffer set-up if you can find a car with the 'low chassis' Sports option (or a sporty T5 or V70R model). This is no BMW 5 Series but you won't have to avoid the country lanes either.
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Overall
As a plush saloon for those who want to get from A to B comfortably, the S70 has something to recommend it. However, the V70 estate has much more in its favour; it's stylish, practical and with a much better image. Build quality is strong, equipment levels are high - and it's even quite good to drive by estate standards.
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