MERCEDES-BENZ VITO L2 DIESEL RWD 119CDI Pro Crew Van 9G-Tronic

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

Before the advent of people carriers, sports utility vehicles and crossovers, if you wanted a vehicle with a serious amount of space inside, you need a large Volvo estate. From the turn of the century, Gothenburg's large station wagon was badged 'V70' for the modern era and continued to be as uncompromisingly big and practical as ever, bridging the gap between medium range Mondeo-sized estates and the very largest fully-fledged Executive-shaped station wagons. Here, we're going to focus on the very last MK3 V70 variants produced between 2013 and 2016. Choose your model carefully from this era and you'll get yourself a car fitted with Volvo's efficient 'Drive-E' engine technology. With that kind of powerplant beneath the bonnet, a used V70 can make a lot of sense.

Models

5dr estate (1.6, 2.0, 2.4 diesel [D2,D3,D4,D5])

History

Volvo has a long and illustrious heritage in producing spacious estate cars, one which stretches all the way back to 1953 and the Duett PV445 wagon. That was replaced with the classic Amazon model in 1962 which in turn gave way to the 145 series in 1967, but the big Volvo estate that many remember is the big-bumpered 245/265 series of 1974, the car that upwardly mobile Margo and Jerry Ledbetter drove in the BBC sitcom 'The Good Life'. Every middle class Surbiton couple had to have one. So did every antiques dealer. In 1985, we got the ugly US-inspired 740/760 models, restyled in 1990 and sold as the 940/960 series. Only with the introduction of front wheel drive in the 850 estate of 1993 however, did things really take a step forward, a car re-launched as the V70 in 1996. The first proper purpose-designed V70 followed in 2000, replaced in 2007 by the third generation version. That MK3 model was heavily updated in 2010 with a package of changes that carried the V70 through to the post-2013 period where Volvo was able to start plumbing in some of its own engines rather than using Ford-derived units. It's the 2013 to 2016 period V70 models we're going to look at here. In 2016, the V70 was finally replaced b the all-new V90 model.

What You Get

As a brand, Volvo's design language has become significantly more trendy in recent years, but with this V70, the approach was more cautious. For one thing, the brand felt that loyal buyers of this model wouldn't hold with ultimate carriage capacity being compromised in the way it had had to be with the brand's slightly smaller V60 range. Producing a more dynamic shape would have run the risk of alienating them, with no guarantee of attracting those who would normally shop for an Audi or a BMW. So the practical, square-backed silhouette that most people expect any big Volvo estate to offer remained here, with its bluff, vertical tailgate. Look a little closer though and the careful details please, like the way that the climbing waistline creates a forward-leaning, dynamic stance that's further reinforced with the help of the black pillars between the side windows. Small aesthetic changes were made to these later MK3 V70 models, but you'd really have to know this Volvo model line very well to appreciate them. Owners of earlier third generation models may notice the smarter front grille with its larger brand badge, the Daytime Running Lights and the added chrome touches that aimed to give the car a more upmarket and luxurious feel. The rear end meanwhile, featured a completely redesigned bumper, along with smarter tail lights. Overall though, with these last V70 models, Volvo wasn't diverted from this car's raison d'etre - lugging gear. Raise the tailgate (power assistance was offered to original owners as an option) and a 575-litre boot is revealed. True, that might not be as much as you'd get from, say, estate versions of the Volkswagen Passat or the Skoda Superb but there's still quite as much room here as any normal family, equestrian rider or antique dealer will ever need. Let us put Volvo's case over in practical terms: there's room enough here for a washing machine with all its packaging or, according to the Swedish brand, five large suitcases plus an extra medium one and two rucksacks. If you're going to be carrying heavy items regularly, try and find a V70 whose original owner specified the optional load-compensating suspension option. Just as important is the way you can use all that space. We especially like the shallow hinged compartment on the top of the boot floor. Lift up the flap and you can mess up that floor with muddy stuff. Then when you remove your wellies or whatever, the flap goes down again and you don't have to worry about cleaning the cargo area carpet. Well not immediately anyway: out of sight, out of mind and all that. Original buyers could also specify a reversible waterproof mat to cover the entire base of the luggage area. But if you have this feature and put the mat down, then you won't be able to use the aluminium rails and movable anchoring points that are featured on a cargo area floor. Original buyers could specify this floor in sliding form to help them get heavy items in and out more easily. Practical touches include a handy flip-up load divider to restrain smaller objects, plus you'll also find luggage nets and hooks to help secure any items with wayward tendencies. There's a 40:20:40 split in the rear bench so that long items like skis can be poked through, one of no fewer than 16 different loading combinations. And if you completely flatten the rear bench (a process that as an option can be electrically powered), up to 1,600-litres of space is freed up if you stack to the roof. If that still isn't enough, then there's a fold-forward front passenger seat so you can take longer items like kayaks and surfboards. So it's good for packages. But what about for people? Take a seat in the rear and you'll find that three fully-sized adults will just about fit comfortably, enjoying decent standards of leg, head and knee-room, as well as neat vents in the B-pillars. For parents, Volvo offered original buyers the useful option of two integrated child booster cushions, one on each side of the rear seat. Where fitted, these can be set at two different heights, thereby accommodating a wide range of child weights and ages. Slip behind the wheel and you'll be treated to an example of Scandinavian design at its very best with this car's trademark super-slim floating centre console, simple instruments and switchgear ergonomics that are a match for anything from Audi or Mercedes. The idea is that, like IKEA furniture, this cabin should be typically Scandinavian, comfortable, simple, intuitive and visually pleasing. A subtle redesign for these later V70 models introduced smarter materials and silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls, plus a re-designed gear knob and lovely touches like a frameless rear view mirror. Our only gripe lies with the rather fiddly electronic handbrake. One of the nicest touches that original buyers could shell out a little extra for was the hi-tech TFT instrument display. With the flick of a switch, this presents the driver with the choice between three different dial layouts - an amber back-lit 'elegance' setting for comfort-orientated day-to-day motoring, an green back-lit 'eco' setting to help you drive more economically and a red back-lit 'performance' mode to better suit for more spirited driving. That'll be new to buyers who may have owned an early version of this third generation model. As will be the clever 'Sensus Connect' infotainment system with its 7-inch colour screen. As a driver, you've the choice of going online either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or by using your own mobile phone. Hi-tech features include a voice-activation system that works on all music sources and the industry's first in-dash, fully integrated, voice search Spotify application. It's also possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car. Of course, it's possible to get carried away with gadgetry like this and forget more crucial considerations. The seats for example. It's remarkable how little importance we attach to the things we'll be sitting on in our cars, given that we'll be spending many hundreds or thousands of hours in the things, and down the years Volvo has quietly earned a reputation for making the comfiest chairs in the business. This V70 continued that form line with what have to be the most supportive yet wonderfully pillowy seats in the executive estate sector from this era.

What You Pay

Please contact us for an exact up-to-date valuation.

What to Look For

Most of the V70 owners we surveyed were very happy with their cars - as you'd expect they would be. By this time, most of the earlier faults on third generation V70 models had been ironed out. However, as you'd expect, there were some issues. One owner reported that his car rapidly got through brake pads, these having had to be replaced 4 times in 7 years. The same buyer also reported his V70 to be something of a tyre-eater, front tyres in that case lasting only a year or around 12,000 miles. Another owner we found had experienced Electronic Management Unit problems, while another had had to replace an engine flywheel. Over the course of V70 production, there have been various reports of auto transmission shifting problems: usually, these seem to have been caused by software issues, so get this checked out before agreeing to full mechanical replacements. There have been a couple of reports of door assembly failures and one owner reported that the engine idled over roughly due to a broken vacuum hose near the power steering point. Another owner reported an abnormal noise from the front suspension due to worn control arm bushings.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2014 V70 D4) An air filter sits in the £18 to £32 bracket, an oil filter costs around £5 and a fuel filter costs in the £13 to £22 bracket. Brake pads sit in the £18 to £30 bracket for a set, though you could pay up to around £38 to £50 for a pricier brand. Brake discs sit in the £83 to £105 bracket. You'll pay around £15 for a drive belt. Tyres sit in the £35 to £45 bracket. Wiper blades cost in the £4 to £20 bracket, though you could pay up to £34 to £37 for pricier brands. The wing mirror glass is priced in the £10 to £22 bracket, though you could pay up to around £41 for a pricier brand.

On the Road

So what should your expectations be when it comes to driving one of these? On one hand, moaning that a big Volvo estate can't be thrown round the lanes like a sports saloon seems a bit ridiculous. Yet as the Swedish maker well knows, only slightly pricier German rivals like BMW's 5 Series Touring and Audi's A6 Avant have shown that it really is possible to produce a car like this with plenty of carriage capacity, yet at the same time, quite an accomplished dynamic repertoire. By 2013, it simply wasn't good enough for the Scandinavian marque to produce tank-like handling. Which is why this late third generation V70 model was a bit more accomplished than its predecessors in this regard. As a result, you might be pleasantly surprised at the speed at which this big car can be hustled around tight corners. But that doesn't make it a BMW. The word 'Volvo' is literally translated from the Latin as 'I roll' and sure enough, around sharper bends where the steering can feel rather vague, the lean is more pronounced than that you'd find in one of the German alternatives. Original buyers who wanted to do something about this could specify the optional 'Four-C active chassis system' which allows the driver to manually select between three suspension settings to suit both mood and road. Few original customers bothered with this system though - and rightly so. Even with this feature fitted, other rivals do the whole executive sports estate thing do much better. This car has a more relaxed demeanour and as speeds rise, is more of a dynamic match for Audi and BMW with well controlled body movements, supple suspension and impressive refinement. On to engines, which by this point in the MK3 model V70's lie were all diesel-powered. The main enhancement to the V70 model range in 2013 was the introduction of the brand's own engine technology to replace the previous dependence on Ford-derived units. This arrived in the form of the 2.0-litre 'Drive-E' diesel unit that in 181bhp guise was fitted from 2013 to the V70 D4. In 2015, a 150bhp version of this engine was fitted to the 'D3' variant. That apart, all the engines you'll find in V70s made between 2013 and 2016 were less efficient Ford-derived units, so make sure you know what you're buying. At the foot of the range, the V70 D2 had to make do with a 115bhp 1.6-litre diesel borrowed from a Ford Focus: not surprisingly, this little unit struggled a bit in moving this big Volvo along. The next option up was the 136bhp 2.4-litre five cylinder diesel that was fitted to D3 models until the 150bhp 'Drive-E' engine came along in 2015. Finally, at the top of the range, the same 2.4-litre five cylinder diesel put out 215bhp in the D5 variant - or 230bhp if it was ordered with the optional 'Polestar Performance Pack'. As for transmission choice, well even though the standard 6-speed manual gearshift was decently slick, most V70 buyers got themselves a car fitted with one of the three automatic gearbox options. A 'Powershift' 6-speed auto was fitted as standard on the D2, while a more conventional 6-speed auto was offered as an option on D3 and D5 models. Finally, there was a more modern 8-speed auto offered as an option on the D4.

Overall

By 2013, this third generation V70 had been in production for six years and Volvo had ironed out most of the issues with it. By this time, the car was smarter, better-equipped and more media-savvy but the key change to this model line came with the introduction of the Gothenburg brand's 'Drive-E' engine technology. If you're looking at buying this car secondhand and focusing on a model from the 2013 to 2016 era, we'd strongly recommend that you get yourself a variant fitted with the 'Dive-E' tech. In this guide, we've given you some details on that. Virtually all D4 models from this period had this new unit and from 2015, D3 variants got a de-tuned version of this powerplant too. Otherwise, the V70s from this time that you'll come across will be fitted with the older Ford-derived engines, so make sure you know what you're buying. Even one of these can make sense though, if it's been well looked after and is being offered at the right price. How to sum up then? Well, here's a car that'll probably out-last you. A car that'll become part of the family as it takes ballet lessons, boating trips and skiing adventures in its stride. MPVs and SUVs might sound cleverer but there's still little to touch this Volvo when it comes to doing what big estates need to do. If you're looking for the definitive example of the breed, look no further.

Body Glass

Heat insulating glass

Window front left, fixed, in sidewall / sliding door

Window in tailgate with wipe-wash system

Shaded black glass in rear

Window front right, fixed, in sidewall / sliding door

Brakes

Traction control

Hill start assist

Active brake assist

Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist System

Anti-lock Brake System/Electronic Stability Programme/Anti slip regulation

Mechanical parking brake

Doors

Twin side loading doors

Tailgate

Driver Aids

Blind spot assist

Comfort overhead control panel

Active lane keeping assist

Cruise control with speed limiter

PAS

Driver Information

Wireless tyre pressure monitoring

Pre installation for navigation

Modern instrument cluster with 5.5" TFT color display

Driving Mirrors

Electrically heated and adjustable wing mirrors

Engine

Diesel particulate filter

24 litre larger AdBlue tanks

70 litre fuel tank

Entertainment

Digital radio (DAB)

2 way front and rear loudspeakers

MBUX multimedia system with 10.25" touchscreen

Exterior Body Features

Chrome radiator grille

Colour coded front and rear bumpers

Weld nuts, sidewall for conversions

Detachable body parts painted body colour

Exterior Lights

Headlight assistant

Front fog lights

Third rear brake light

Daytime running lights

Adaptive brake lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Ventilation nozzles

Interior Features

Multifunctional steering wheel

Leather steering wheel

Ashtray

Interior panelling higher execution

Grab handles in rear

Cigarette lighter

Locking glove compartment

Height and rake adjustable steering wheel

Electrical component for trailer socket

F

Load Area

Plastic flooring, TPO in passenger compartment

Packs

Smartphone integration package - Vito

Anti theft protection pack - Vito

Safety

Attention assist

Driver's airbag

Accident recovery and breakdown management

Mercedes-Benz emergency call system

Crosswind assist

3 point seatbelts for all seats

Co-driver airbag

Child safety locks on passenger compartment doors

Seats

3 seat bench in 1st row with folding outer seat

Driver's seat lumbar support

Comfort driver's seat

Security

Central locking with remote control

Immobiliser

Transmission

9G tronic automatic gearbox

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 195

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 1950

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Fuel Type: DIESEL

Gears: 9 SPEED

Engine Make: N

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Automatic Transmission: No

Manual Transmission: 0

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 9.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 38.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 36.7

WLTP - MPG - High: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Low: 30.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 38.2

General

Insurance Group 1: N

Insurance Group 2: N

Vin/Frame No.: N

Coin Series: N

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Battery Volts: 12

Battery AH: 95

Alternator Amps: 250

Did at least one aspect of this vehicles safety give cause for concern?: 0

Coin Wheelbase Description Code: N

Coin Wheelbase Name Code: N

Coin Gross Vehicle Weight Code: N

Coin Power Output Code: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Running Cost League Headings: MEDIUM

This vehicle is classed as a car for VED purposes: N

Ghost model for valuation purposes: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: 90

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 190

Vehicle Homologation Class: N1

Generation Mark: 3

NCAP Overall Rating - LCV: Platinum

Relative Height: H1

Relative Length: L2

Performance

BHP: 190

PS: No

Engine Power KW: 140

Engine Power RPM: 3800

Engine Torque LBS.FT: 325

Engine Torque NM: 440

Engine Torque RPM: 1350

Engine Torque MKG: 44.9

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/55 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 225/55 R17

Tyre Size Spare: FULL SIZE

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 20 SPOKE

Tyre Make: N

Plated 3rd Axle: N

Plated 4th Axle: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Automatic Clutch: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5140

Width (excluding mirrors): 1928

Wheelbase: 3200

Width (including mirrors): 2244

Height: 1908

Load Length: 1664

Load Width: 1709

Load Height: 1252

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Front Overhang: 895

Rear Overhang: 1045

Side Load Door Height: 1252

Lower Rear Door Width: 1391

Rear Door Height: 1258

Load Deck Height: 554

Load Space Width Between Wheel Arches: 1270

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2147

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3000

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Payload: 853

Load Space Volume: 3.6

Boot Capacity Saloons: N

Luggage Capacity - 2nd Row Seats Up: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Up: N

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Down: N

Luggage Capacity - 2nd Row Seats Removed: N

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Removed: N

No. of Seats: 6

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): N

Gross Train Weight: 5000

Body Glass

Heated windscreen washer system

Black tinted windows in rear

Chassis/Suspension

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) - 2800kg

Communication

Wireless charger for mobile devices

Doors

Sliding window in left sliding door

Sliding window in right sliding door

Driver Aids

Reversing warning device

Driver Convenience

Active distance assist DISTRONIC

Driver Information

Traffic sign assist

Navigation system

Driving Mirrors

Electrically folding wing mirrors

Exterior Body Features

Roof rails

Metallic paint

Exterior Lights

Blinker lights behind on roof

Multibeam LED with highbeam assist plus

LED tail lamps, brake lamps and indicators

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Diesel powered auxiliary air heater

Thermotronic automatic climate control

Interior Features

Velour floor mats

Centre console with stowage compartment

Leatherette upholstery

Illuminated vanity mirrors with sunvisors

Wood load flooring

Grab handles for drivers and co-driver doors

Interior Lights

Interior ambient lighting

Load Area

LED light strip in load compartment

Packs

Driving assistance package - Vito

Parking package with reversing camera - Vito

Winter package - Vito

Mirror pack - Vito

Chrome interior appointment pack - Vito

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Obsidian black

Metallic - Kalahari gold

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Hyacinth red

Metallic - Hightech silver

Metallic - Sodalite blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arctic white

Solid - Steel blue

Solid - Jupiter red

Solid - Alpine grey

Solid - Vintage blue

Safety

Driver thorax, pelvis and side airbag

Jack

Pre safe anticipatory occupant protection system

Driver and co-driver window airbags

First aid kit

Co-driver thorax, pelvis and side airbag

Warning triangle

Seats

Driver's seat plus with level sitting surface

Comfort co-driver's seat

Co-driver seat plus with level sitting surface

Heated driver's seat

Co-driver's seat lumbar support

Heated dual co-driver's seat

Security

Two additional master keys

Towing

Trailer coupling ball headed removable

Trailer coupling rigid coupling head

Uprated trailer load - 2500kg

Trim - Cloth

Caluma fabric - Black

Trim - Leather

Leatherette - Black

Wheels

All season tyres

17" steel wheels

17" full wheel cover

Mud and slush winter tyres

Wheels - Alloys

17" 5 twin spoke design alloy wheels