After a relatively short hiatus, open air motoring returns to Volvo courtesy of a totally redesigned C70. Offering the best of both worlds, the all-new Volvo C70 is a modern convertible with classic proportions, four seats and a three-piece retractable hardtop. By employing a hardtop, Volvo has provided the C70 with impressive top-up styling, a much quieter cabin, and improved visibility.
Based on the successful S40 sedan platform, the all-new Volvo C70 is slightly shorter and lower than its predecessor and overall width is slightly wider. Combined with its slightly shorter nose, this gives the car a more athletic stance.
The all-new Volvo C70 can be transformed seamlessly from a coupe into a convertible; the retractable hardtop folding away quickly and smoothly into the trunk.
As expected, though, the three-piece hardtop takes up valuable cargo room when motoring with the top down.
Top up, the cabin is quiet and feels more like a coupe than a convertible. The hardtop makes the C70 suitable for all-weather driving. In fact, there's a "ski hatch" in the backrest of the rear seat that makes it possible to transport long items.
Powering the C70 is a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that produces 218 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Mated to the engine is a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
Our C70 tester was fitted with the manual gearbox. We thoroughly enjoyed its operation. The clutch is very smooth and the gearing is so nicely spaced that I had passengers thinking it was an automatic transmission making the shifts.
The manual gearbox makes driving more fun when carving up twisty country roads. Power goes to the front wheels and I noticed a bit of torque steer when accelerating hard. Also, I found it easy to break the front tires loose while accelerating on slippery pavement. The standard Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) system seemed a bit late at making corrections.
The C70 is fun to drive, especially top down, but it's not a powerful performer. Convertible enthusiasts will enjoy the C70, but performance enthusiasts may want to look elsewhere.
The interior of the all-new Volvo C70 is marked by Volvo's modern and innovative design features, inspired by Scandinavian tradition with clean surfaces, genuine materials and good functionality.
The super-thin center stack, introduced in the Volvo S40 sport sedan can also be found in the all-new Volvo C70. Adding to the all-new C70's individuality, special upholstery has been developed. The standard Vulcaflex interior is a synthetic material with a skin-like surface and a high-tech feel. Full leather upholstery is an option.
Audiophiles will enjoy the C70's optional Dynaudio Premium sound system. This system includes a 5x130-watt digital amplifier, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and fourteen speakers, including dual 9-inch subwoofers. Each subwoofer has an integrated 130-watt amplifier. In total, the Premium Sound system with double subwoofers has an output of 910 watts of power.
As one would expect, the C70 employs many impressive safety features. An important part of the side impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain. In addition to the inflatable curtain, the passengers in the front seat have side impact airbags, the size of which is adapted to cover both the chest and hip areas.
As with its predecessor, the all-new Volvo C70 has powerful metal bars that come up behind the passengers in the rear seat to provide extra protection should the car roll over. The bars, which are part of the Rollover Protection System (ROPS), have been developed further in several areas. They have been made stronger and are activated with the aid of a pyrotechnic charge, which means that they come into effect much more quickly than previously.
Hardtop convertibles typically cost thousands more than the C70, kudos to Volvo for producing this new generation with a retractable roof and keeping the cost under $40,000.
2006 Volvo C70 T5
Engine 2.5-liter (218 hp) turbocharged I5
Transmission 6-speed manual
Drive Type FWD
Fuel Economy 20 city/29 highway
Base Price $38,710
As Tested $40,400 (includes $695 for destination)
Website http://www.volvocars.com |
