The front-wheel drive V70 Classic Estate (1997-2000) is really a second-generation 850. The exterior of the V70 has a softer styling than its predecessor, but still carried a strong Volvo identity including the typical almost vertical rear end. Inside the car, the dashboard was new, as was most of the interior. As regards safety, a number of important improvements were also made. So the station wagon adopted V (for Versatility), S (for Saloon) and C (for the new Coupé).

However, the V70 is a comfortable, sturdy and practical car for drivers who appreciate it’s honest abilities. There were 1,800 improved and new parts in the design from the original 850, including upgraded passive and active safety, better handling and new engines, but as a whole this was the same car. In 2000 the range but was replaced by the S80-based V70, hence the badging of end-of-line models "Classic".

There was a huge choice of engines and equipment to suit almost anyone. My V70 is an automatic and has the basic 5 cylinder B5252S DOHC 10 valve 140 bhp petrol version and does the job well.

The V70 is very easy to handle and it's very responsive without being twitchy, and the roadholding is excellent. The cabin layout is user-friendly, driving position excellent, visibility good and overall, the V70 is extremely manoeuvrable for such a big car.

Driver. passenger and side airbags (SIPS) are fitted, also ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD. The boot and loadspace is massive, with fully folding seats.

Some of the engine versions that were available on the V70 Classic range:

B5202S,   10 valve, 1984cc, 126hp, 170Nm
B5252S,   10 valve, 2435cc, 140hp, 206Nm
B5244S1, 20 valve, 2435cc, 140hp, 206Nm
B5244S2, 20 valve, 2435cc, 170hp, 220Nm
B5254S2, 20 valve, 2435cc, 170hp, 220Nm
B5254T2, 20 valve, 2435cc, 193hp, 270Nm
B5234T3, 20 valve, 2319cc, 240hp, 330Nm
B5234T5, 20 valve, 2319cc, 250hp, 350Nm
B5234T6, 20 valve, 2319cc, 240hp, 310Nm
B5234T8, 20 valve, 2319cc, 265hp,
D5252T,   10 valve, 2460cc, 140hp, 290Nm