For 2005, the Volvo V70 receives several changes. The T5 receives a performance boost, getting a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine that replaces the 2.3 of 2004, which gives it an additional 10 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque. It also receives a new turbocharger derived from the high-performance R model, variable intake valve timing, an optional six-speed manual transmission, new electronic controls on the Geartronic-equipped five-speed automatic for faster gear changes, and larger brake discs.

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Volvo

All models receive cosmetic changes. There are now headlights with clear plastic lenses, clear taillight lenses, high-pressure headlight washers instead of wipers, new colour-coordinated bumpers, door and lower sill mouldings, a new bumper design, new “waterfall” grille, new flat-blade windshield wipers, water-repellent coating on the side mirrors and optional on side windows, five new alloy wheels, and two new exterior colours. On the inside, there are new-generation Volvo seats, a new tunnel console and centre stack, cloth-covered A-pillars and sun visors, sport leather and T-Tec split upholstery on the T5, and sport seats with the optional Sport Package. A Dolby Pro-Logic II 5.1 Surround System with six-CD changer and 13 speakers is standard on the R and available on all others.

The V70 is available as the 2.4, 2.5T, 2.5T AWD, T5 and R.

The 2.4 uses a 2.4-litre five-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual gearbox (a five-speed automatic is available) and includes Stability and Traction Control System (STC), four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires, heated mirrors with puddle lights, halogen headlights, rear fog light, headlight washers, cloth upholstery, manually-adjustable heated front seats, fold-flat passenger seat, 60/40 split rear seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, CD player with six speakers, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, electronic dual-zone climate control, power windows, rear wiper/washer, cruise control and cargo cover.

The 2.5T uses a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine with five-speed automatic transmission (a five-speed Geartronic manual-mode is available) and adds a power driver’s seat with memory, and leather-wrapped shifter knob.

The 2.5T AWD adds electronically-controlled all-wheel-drive, plus a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and Traction Control System.

The T5 uses a turbocharged 2.4-litre five-cylinder engine with a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox (a five-speed Geartronic automatic is available) and adds Stability and Traction Control System (STC), 16-inch alloy wheels with Continental Touring tires, front fog lights, sport leather/cloth upholstery, power passenger seat, aluminum inlays, and six-CD system with nine speakers.

The V70R uses a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine with close-ratio six-speed manual transmission (a five-speed Geartronic automatic is available), and adds an electronically-controlled all-wheel-drive system, four-piston Brembo brake calipers with four ventilated discs, 17-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires, “Four-C” active chassis with automatic shock absorber damping, power sunroof, bi-Xenon headlights, roof spoiler, full leather upholstery, high-support sport seats with heat, power adjust and memory, R-specific wheel and instrument gauges, Dolby Pro Logic II sound system, laminated water-repellent side glass, rain sensor, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and Homelink garage door opener.

Many consider the V70 the archetypal Volvo: its wagon configuration is very practical, the company’s new sleek styling suits it perfectly, and of course it’s stuffed with all the safety features that made Volvo famous. Interior space is such that this might be considered a viable alternative to a smaller SUV, while the R variation should satisfy those who like their wagons to be fiery as well as family-friendly.

The V70 is built in Göteborg, Sweden.