2007 Volvo C70 Review | Buyer Guide
Volvo Scores With Hardtop Convertible
There’s a new trend in the auto business, retractable hardtop convertibles, and Volvo has a good example of one. Their latest C70 convertible offers the best of both worlds. In good weather, it provides an open air driving experience for four passengers, and when the climate changes, it turns into a secure hardtop. Folks who have always wanted a convertible, but have been a little leery of them, should find the C70 a tempting choice.
The C70 is based on Volvo’s compact S40 sedan and V50 wagon, but it is longer and wider than both, and of course, sleeker looking. Its most distinctive feature is its roofline, which curves in a gentle arc from the base of the windshield to the edge of the trunk lid. The C70 is one of those rare convertibles that looks just as good with the top up, as it does with it down.
Volvo’s hardtop convertible seats four adults. Passengers up front have the typically supportive Volvo seats. They are power operated, and have three memory positions on each side. Passengers in the rear don’t fare badly either. These seats are comfortably contoured and have adequate headroom. Foot space is tight, but acceptable. Power switches near the front seat headrests facilitate access.
The interior décor is simple and understated. The low-luster charcoal surfaces on my test car were almost somber. However, providing a striking contrast was the brushed-silver center control panel that extended down, freeform-style, from the dash to the center console. It looked like a piece of modern art. Also worthy of note was the sporty steering wheel, which was not only leather-wrapped but had aluminum inlays on the inside surface.
The C70 gets the expected luxury features like an eight-speaker sound system, an in-dash CD changer, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer, and automatic climate control. Of course, being a Volvo, the C70 gets a wide array of safety features too. Side impact airbags (and side curtain airbags,) stability control, a rollover protection system and an anti-theft immobilizer are all standard.
However, what really makes the C70 special is its convertible hardtop roof. Watching the roof retract is like witnessing a well-choreographed ballet. The deck lid pops open; the roof folds in three sections and then stacks horizontally in the trunk. Trunk space is meager (6 cu-ft) with the top down, but when it’s up, you can easily fit several bags of vacation luggage.
Volvo powers the C70 with its trusty 2.4-liter, turbocharged, five-cylinder engine. Its 218 horsepower won’t give you whiplash when you hit the gas, but it pulls well climbing hills at just 2000 rpm. This is a quiet and flexible engine. My test car had the standard six-speed manual gearbox, and I didn’t feel pressed to shift gears all the time. The six-speed, by the way, features a light clutch and easy throws from gear to gear. A five-speed automatic is a $1,250 option.
You might expect a Volvo convertible to be ponderous out on the road, but quite the opposite is true. While the C70 is considerably stronger than its predecessor, it feels light and agile. This is especially noticeable with the steering. It takes only a touch of the wheel to change direction. The C70 is also easy to maneuver, with a modest 38.7-ft. turning radius.
Although the Volvo C70 isn’t as sharp in the turns as a BMW, it’s a credible performer, and more than competent on a twisty road.
Furthermore, it’s a comfortable car. The ride is slightly firm, but still compliant. And the C70 is quiet. With the top up, it’s like being in a Volvo sedan. Even with the top down, (but the windows up) the noise level on the freeway is well controlled. This is a civilized, and fun convertible.
Snapshot Review
Sleek Styling
Clever Convertible Hardtop
Smooth Engine
Fun to Drive
Specifications
Base Price $39,785
Engine 2.4-ltr, turbo, 5-cyl
Horsepower 218
Transmission 6-sp manual
Brakes disc, ABS
Gas Mileage 20-29 mpg
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