VOLVO C70

Performance

The new Volvo C70 has a straightforward engine line-up, with four similar sized units, starting with the new 2.0 Diesel unit, then 2.4 litre petrol, which is free revving and lively, followed in price order by the 2.4 D5 diesel unit seen across the range, although only available in an automatic in this particular application, and the powerful T5 petrol tops the range. Front wheel drive means the top end T5 can be prone to a little wheelspin, and the diesel model is expected to be the model of choice, giving good mid range acceleration, and still returning mid 40’s mpg.

Ride & Handling

The C70's folding hardtop gives the car an inherent rigidity that you can feel roof up or down, and that means a level of handling not seen in previous generation Volvo C70 models, with stiff suspension and direct, if a little light, steering, and little body roll. The larger alloys of the sport variant increase cornering grip significantly, but combined with the stiffer suspension can lead to a slightly firmer ride.

Reliability

A traditional Volvo trait, the C70 is beautifully built and features high quality materials and soft feel surfaces throughout, along with the Bang & Olufsen style floating centre console. The hard top operates elegantly, and will no doubt be trouble free just like the rest of the car. Mechanicals are well proven along with engines which feature across the range, so along with Volvos reputation for safety, expect years of trouble free motoring.

Specifications

Equipment levels are high across the range, starting with the Sport, featuring Alloys, aluminium trim, half leather seats, climate control, cruise, front foglights and CD player. SE upgrades you to full leather, electric drivers seat and wood trim, while the SE Lux is fully loaded with all the luxuries you’d expect.

Living with the Car

With the Volvos folding roof up, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a traditional coupe, such is the level of refinement. Roof down is equally good, with the large front screen doing an excellent job of deflecting the majority of the wind, keeping the passengers isolated from the majority of any buffeting and noise levels are surprisingly low. Comfort is excellent, with the fantastic front seats, and even rear legroom is good for a convertible. Boot space is class leading with the roof up, although lowering the roof does reduce this a great deal.

Summary

The Volvo C70 is a refined cruiser that feels beautifully built, and expensively crafted. The addition of the elegant folding hardtop has given a new dimension in practicality to this versatile car. It looks as good with the roof up as down, and is sure to attract many admirers. Sensibly priced and well specified, this is a wonderful package that will meet your needs no matter what the vagaries of the british weather have in store.

Learning Resources

For further information on the Volvo Car range visit Volvo Cars UK: Volvo Cars UK Website.

For education and to learn about the history of Volvo Cars see Wikipedia: Wikipedia History of Volvo Cars.