For immediate release
The security of all-wheel-drive returns to North America's most popular premium wagon with the availability of a special order Volvo V70 for 2002.
The V70 AWD will be a limited production vehicle with appeal to families seeking the security of all-weather traction in a premium wagon. Utilizing the proven viscous coupling system employed by the Volvo Cross Country, the V70 AWD delivers power to all four wheels when the system senses that the front drive wheels have lost traction. With distinctive alloy wheels, power from the proven 5-cylinder 2.4-litre engine with low pressure turbocharging and 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Geartronic shifting, the V70 AWD will have a suggested retail price of $45,495.
Four versions of the popular wagon will be available in 2002: base V70 2.4, V70 2.4T, V70 AWD and sporty V70 T5.
All versions share the innovative safety technology that made the V70 Volvo=s safest wagons, including Asmart@ front air bags with dual-stage deployment, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side air bags and Volvo-designed Inflatable Curtain (IC) side impact protection, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) seats and many other safety features.
The extensive list of standard equipment on the Volvo V70 has been upgraded for 2002 with the addition of a standard cargo cover and CD player, while "sport leather" is standard equipment in the T5. A new Family Package includes the popular dual integrated child booster seats with folding table and waste bin.
Safe, versatile and built without compromise as a wagon, the V70 is designed around Volvo's P2 large car platform but is not a derivative of an existing sedan. Despite its five-door configuration, the V70 has exceptional torsional rigidity which permits the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension to deliver remarkable and predictable handling, regardless of the load it carries.
A trio of 5-cylinder engines and two transmission choices provide V70 with performance in keeping with a fine European wagon. A normally-aspirated, 168 hp 2.4-litre version mated to a smooth 5-speed manual transmission or available 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic are the heart of the base V70 2.4. The engine in the V70 2.4T and V70 AWD generates 197 hp from the same 2.4-litres, thanks to a low pressure turbocharger with intercooling. The 5-speed automatic is standard equipment. The exhilarating V70 T5 delivers 247 hp performance from 2.3-litres with high pressure intercooled turbo and 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic with sequential shifting Geartronic feature.
For 2002, the turbocharged engines enjoy improved throttle response and driveability. Improvements have also been made to the TRACS traction control system and to the Stability & Traction Control (STC) enhanced stability system.
Other enhancements for 2002 include improved Volvo Navigation System with DVD, larger screen and remote control (Jan. '02).
The V70 advances the commitment of Volvo Car Corporation to mitigate the impact of automobiles on the environment. In addition to the PremAir™ radiator that converts up to 75 per cent of the ground level ozone it encounters into oxygen and the use of Öko-Tex certified materials inside the car, the V70 2.4 meets the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standard while the 2.4T and T5 are classified as Low Emission Vehicles (LEV). All Volvo V70s come with an Environmental Product Declaration, a cradle-to-grave report on the environmental management measures taken by the company in the design, manufacture, use and subsequent recycling of the car.
The Volvo V70 is available through authorized Volvo retailers in major markets across Canada, and is protected by a comprehensive 48-month roadside assistance program.
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Information:
Lisa Graham
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
grahaml@mail.volvo.com
(416)490-5834
Doug Mepham
MacDonald & Co.
doug.mepham@sympatico.ca
(416)975-1572
