Spotted: Volvo V70 R
Big, fast Volvo estates are a cult favourite. But does this 'new boy' count?
V70 R hides its lamp under a bushel well
‘Ah,’ said the Swedes, ‘so this is how you do it.’ They renamed the road-going version of the Turbo the T5, to make more noise about its five-cylinder, 20-valve engine, and in 1995, added a high-performance T5R variant. The rest, as they say, is history. The Volvo R badge was born, and it soon became a hit with people who wanted thumping turbocharged performance in a left-field package.
Fast-forward to 2003, and it has to be said that the R models’ popularity was on the wane. With huge advances in power and dynamics being made by the German manufacturers, Volvo found itself a little left behind, and the Rs (if you’ll pardon the way that sounds when spoken aloud) struggled to compete. As a result, the second-gen V70 R faded into obscurity; not even a mid-life suspension revamp at the hands of chassis guru Richard Parry-Jones could rescue it.
Admit it; you'd love to be this comfy right now.
But live with the ride issues, and this generation of V70 R was a rewarding thing to own. It handled tidily after RPJ’s chassis tweaks, and with the all-wheel-drive system, there was a vast amount of grip on hand. Coupled to 300hp from the turbocharged five-pot, the result was a deeply respectable 5.4-second 0-60 time, and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.
All of which makes this one, at £6,350, seem rather tempting. It’s hard to imagine this much performance and grip being had for this little cash in a car this new elsewhere. And even though its cred isn’t perhaps as high as the earlier V70 and 850 R models, it’s still a handsome thing, with subtle cosmetics giving it a Q-car appeal. Throw in an extended Volvo warranty through until August, a full history and reasonable mileage (if a touch on the high side) and we reckon you’re probably onto a winner. It might even rediscover some kudos as the Polestar Volvos gain more notoriety. Don't quote us, though.
VOLVO V70 R AWD
Engine: 2,521cc 5-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power (hp): 295
Torque(lb ft): 295
MPG: 26mpg
CO2: 256g/km
First registered: 2006
Recorded mileage: 92,000
Price new: £38,133
Yours for: £6,350
See the original advert here
The engine in the 2.4 T5 is still the same block as the earlier 2.3 litre T5 so is tough as old boots, much stronger than the R's 2.5 engine which has been known to split the cylinder liners. The extra capacity over the 2.3 T5 comes from changes to the pistons so it's not to be confused with the 2.4T engine which is a very different beast. The 2.4 T5 has all the go-faster bits (turbo, manifolds, induction) from the R and it also has the bigger brakes from the XC90 fitted. It's also very, very receptive to a good remap - over 300bhp is no problem at all.
In fact, I did go for one of those instead
I've not had the 'R', but the current family hack is the later 2.5 T AWD, which has many of the same qualities and can be mapped to some extra fun.
It happily shuffles along the road. It's always going to struggle a tad off the mark due to sheer weight (and let's face it these are family cars - ours is almost always 4 up plus baby crap and dog).
During the crap weather it's been amazing - with winter tyres (not going to start that one!) it's been unstoppable and has felt very surefooted - and a nice safe place to be.
Great cars, Shame about the Chocolate AWD system. 
The engine in the 2.4 T5 is still the same block as the earlier 2.3 litre T5 so is tough as old boots, much stronger than the R's 2.5 engine which has been known to split the cylinder liners. The extra capacity over the 2.3 T5 comes from changes to the pistons so it's not to be confused with the 2.4T engine which is a very different beast. The 2.4 T5 has all the go-faster bits (turbo, manifolds, induction) from the R and it also has the bigger brakes from the XC90 fitted. It's also very, very receptive to a good remap - over 300bhp is no problem at all.
In fact, I did go for one of those instead
It is rapid, but has had a few things done under warranty.
With a good warranty these really are loads of fast, comfy car for the money.
Fwd versions are nowhere near as accomplished, I have an S60 2.4T and even that begs for awd let alone a T5.
The engine in the 2.4 T5 is still the same block as the earlier 2.3 litre T5 so is tough as old boots, much stronger than the R's 2.5 engine which has been known to split the cylinder liners. The extra capacity over the 2.3 T5 comes from changes to the pistons so it's not to be confused with the 2.4T engine which is a very different beast. The 2.4 T5 has all the go-faster bits (turbo, manifolds, induction) from the R and it also has the bigger brakes from the XC90 fitted. It's also very, very receptive to a good remap - over 300bhp is no problem at all.
In fact, I did go for one of those instead
Buy a 2.4 T5 instead and then go talk to Kalmar Union about their tuning potential. They'll go up to the mapped levels a R can reach with no further mods - namely 340bhp.
The later 2.4 T5's also had the 2005/06 revised 4c system as an option. To be honest, none of the three modes it offers are particularly good. But as a straight line bruiser with immense mid-range, they are fab.
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