V70R Estate - Phase 3 model
Please Wait....
4WD 2.4L 20V Turbo 265 bhp. Super low mileage. Simply Perfect.
2b8c2179-1e93-4118-8318-162cdb471dbb
Share this Vehicle
DETAILS
Sold
MODEL HISTORY
Launched in May 1997 to replace the outgoing & much-revered 850R, the V70R is considered by those who know to be one of the best fast estates of the ’90s. These are capable of offering a long service life with high mileages and reliability if well maintained. A sign of good design is a shape that doesn't age over time but always looks fresh. This was the last Volvo designed by Volvo before Ford bought the company... There's a very interesting article, examined through its adverts, which charter Volvo's performance & safety branding and what happened after this model was released. Click here to read it: https://jalopnik.com/how-volvo-lost-the-plot-1796486519 For improved safety, a WHIPS" (Whiplash protection) system and larger SIPS side-airbags were added to maximize head protection in the event of a side impact.
EQUIPMENT
There were 3 phases of the 1st generation V70R, with the best - as usual, saved for last. Phase 3 was produced for just a short run from September 1999 till March 2000 (UK: V - W reg). A new 2.4L engine 2435cc / Engine Code B5244RT) was introduced and power increased from (250 bhp - phase 2) to 265 bhp by use of a larger (19T) turbo and all-new variable valve timing. Torque was now up to 400N.m (300 lb·ft) @2500 rpm. The engine was uprated with stronger internal components to cope with this added power and torque. A fly-by-wire ME7 engine management system was also introduced along with a 5-Speed Adaptive Automatic gearbox combined with an advanced system 4WD. Phase 3 V70R's were distinguishable by their twin exhaust silencers with a specially designed rear bumper - twin exhausts helping improve high rev gas-flow (The first time Volvo had fitted a twin-silencer system to any of their cars). Rear brakes were also upgraded to include vented discs. Featured 5-spoke alloy wheels are Volvo's 17” R design - again, unique to this model. Externally, Halogen headlights with wash/wipe and a new roof rail design completed the feature changes to previous phase 1 & 2 models. None of the usual Q-car manufacturers had expected Volvo to make a very fast 4WD estate (To replace the preceeding FWD 850R), but the perhaps entertaining truth found by those who challenged it was that this model was capable of embarrassing other seemingly fast cars, whether on a typically damp UK country roads or on Motorways. To this day the Volvo V70R AWD remains a superb & versatile performance car capable of handling anything from the weekly shop, to being used as a car for business, offering tough, reliable spacious and comfortable practicality with the ability to dispatch 0-60 in just 7.2 seconds and go on to top out at (a restricted) 155mph. An impressive list of standard equipment showed that Volvo had thought of everything: ABS, SRS airbags for both front seat occupants and VIPS side airbags, WHIPS (Whiplash protection) system, red warning lights on all 4 side doors, factory fitted tinted glass, tilt / slide electric glass sunroof, roof rails, unmarked grey leather & Alcantara interior with (almost instant & very warm!) heating for front & rear seats, electric front seats with memory, veneer trim panels, split - foldable rear seats, dual climate control air conditioning, cruise control, trip computer, Original 8-speaker sound system, "R" fitted floor mat set, remote controlled door mirrors with retract mode & heated door mirror glass with anti blind spot glass on driver's side, remote central locking, remote fuel & tailgate release, pre-tensioned seat belts, headlights with wash/wipe, deep front spoiler with integrated driving lights, high-level rear spoiler, rear wash-wipe, mud flaps for all 4 wheels.
EXTERIOR
This V70R Phase 3 finished in Silver metallic, is clearly an example in unique condition throughout. It has been owned & used since new only on Japan's salt-free & pristinely maintained roads. Paintwork is visibly stunning on this example. Highly reflective with a deep glossy shine, it's evident this V70R has always been kept under a carport or garaged by its previous mature owner and was cared for throughout its life in Japan. The Silver metallic paint suits this car very well looking discreet, yet rather purposeful for a modern classic Volvo. Note that it's completely rust free throughout inclusive of the underside. Underneath its like new (See pictures of the underside condition & original (yes, after 18 years!) - standard exhausts). Original alloys also still have ZERO corrosion on them (Near new Michelin sports tyres of 215/45R17 size are fitted). As pictures show this is a car that's got pin straight lines on its flanks. There are zero pin dents, which is a testimony to the care this car's had. It's so well preserved throughout, it still looks & drives like new 20 years after it rolled off the production line.
INTERIOR
The interior as the pictures show, is in fantastic condition throughout showing virtually no wear and a great patina. The heated leather/Alcantara diamond stitched seats are in superb condition, there are no cigarette burns or stains either. The steering wheel is unworn, as is the shift lever - similarly near new. Ashtrays have had no use and no cigar lighter was included from the factory. As a one owner car since new, it's simply been a non-smoker's car since day 1. Floor mats are also in excellent condition, which indicates to us that this car was mainly used in the city and the carpet on the boot floor is still like new, indicating this car wasn't used for load carrying much - if ever.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
These engines produce a unique & distinctive 5 cylinder thrum. More than ample power whenever summoned, coupled with a responsive 5-speed adaptive automatic gearbox shifting smoothly and precisely. The drive train conspires to produce a pleasurable and confidence-inspiring car to drive at speed, whilst also offering a pleasantly smooth and responsive engine note when just ambling along during regular use.