Volvo S70 first generation

The Volvo S70 first generation (1998–2000): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 15 versions in the United States and Canada.
Model codes: P80
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,720 mm RDW | – | 4,722 mm |
| Width | 1,760 mm RDW | – | 1,760 mm |
| Height | 1,400 mm RDW | – | 1,402–1,448 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm RDW | – | 2,654–2,664 mm |
| Front track | 1,521 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,468–1,491 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,384–1,449 kg RDW | – | 1,428–1,635 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,484–1,549 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,890–1,930 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,600 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 500 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Boot space | – | – | 470 L |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 396–425 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,775 L EPA | – |
| Fuel tank | – | – | 69 L |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 195–225 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 206–350 Nm ASTRA | – | 170–340 Nm |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 195/60R15, 185/65R15, 205/50R16, 205/55R15, 205/45R17
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, pl, sv), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 72.1% (68.9–75.1) | 69.2% | 792 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 37.1% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 34.0% | 36.4% |
| Tyres | 25.8% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 25.0% | 28.8% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 21.0% | 18.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 15.3% | 17.1% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
584 complaints for model years 1998–2000. 31 crashes · 5 fires · 37 injuries
- Speed control 135
- Electrical system 103
- Engine 57
- Brakes 47
- Lights 22
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 15 versions of the Volvo S70 first generation
Show all 15 versions
United States 10 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2000CLKUP | 2.3 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 1998–2000 | 2.3 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 19–21 MPG (11.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 263–291 g/km |
| 1999–2000CLKUP | 2.4 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 1999–2000CLKUP | 2.4 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 2000CLKUP | 2.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 1998–2000 | 2.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | 21–22 MPG (10.7–11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 251–263 g/km |
| 1999CLKUP | 2.3 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Four- or all-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 1998–19992MODE CLKUP · CLKUP | 2.4 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 19982MODE CLKUP | 2.3 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 19982MODE CLKUP | 2.4 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
Canada 5 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–2000Mid-size | 2.3 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 11.6–12.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 267–290 g/km |
| 1998–2000Mid-size | 2.3 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.3–12.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 260–285 g/km |
| 2000Mid-size | 2.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 262 g/km |
| 1998–2000Mid-size | 2.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.9–11.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 251–262 g/km |
| 1998–2000Mid-size | 2.4 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 11.3–12.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 260–288 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.





