Volvo C70 History
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The Volvo C70 is a mid-size luxury convertible model. More luxurious and sporty than the Toyota Solara or Chrysler Sebring, the C70 slots between those models and sportier models like the BMW 3-Series Convertible and new Lexus IS C. Its closest rivals include the Saab 9-3, Audi A4 Cabriolet, and Volkswagen Eos.
The front-wheel-drive C70 was first introduced for 1998, as Volvo was pushing its image a bit upscale. Compared to the boxy, utilitarian, and sometimes dowdy designs that the brand had been selling in recent years, the C70 was a bit sexy and more daring than anything else in the lineup. But even though it garnered attention from a design standpoint, the driving experience was decidedly understated. The turbocharged five-cylinder engine, whether in lower-pressure 190-hp or higher-boost 236-hp form, provided gutsy straight-line performance, but the C70's suspension was softly calibrated and it didn't feel like a aporty vehicle from behind the wheel. Interior appointments also felt rather conservative, though the power-operated soft top was one of the tightest, best-insulated arrangements of the time and the back seat was usable by adults.
The current version of the C70 was introduced in 2006. While the turbocharged in-line five-cylinder engine was carried over, it now made 227 hp and was paired with a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Once again, acceleration is strong with this powertrain but the C70 is more of a cruiser than a tight-handling sport machine. Front seats are very comfortable, as is the case with those in most Volvos, but the back seat is cramped—perhaps more so than the last generation.
A new retractable hardtop setup provides an even quieter, more weather-tight setup that can fold down and stow in the trunk in 30 seconds. However the hardtop cuts trunk space down to about 6 cubic feet with the top down, and visibility still isn't great with the top up, especially when parking. Safety hasn't been sacrificed, though; Volvo has fitted a pop-up roll bar, and electronic stability control and six airbags are standard. The IIHS has even rated the C70 'good' in frontal and side protection.
Volvo has tweaked its standard-equipment list for the C70 seemingly every year, in recent model years, but over the past several years the convertible has come with most typical luxury features plus a nice 160-watt CD/MP3 sound system, plus Bluetooth and an iPod/USB connector. A Multimedia Package upgrades to an even stronger Dynaudio surround-sound system and hard-drive-based nav system with Real Time Traffic. Among several minor changes, Volvo introduced new wheel designs and a new front headrest design for 2010.
