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TheCarConnection.com's editors took the wheel of the new Volvo C70 to bring you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com's expert researchers then combed the best of other road tests to produce this conclusive review of the Volvo C70, helping you find the truth where opinions differ.
Likes:
- Trunk space (with the top up)
- Steering feel
- Slick-shifting transmission
- Well-engineered folding hardtop
Dislikes:
- Trunk space (with the top down)
- Very small rear seats
- Lackluster styling
With a hardtop convertible system and a peppy turbocharged engine, the 2010 Volvo C70 is a fun and fast top-down tourer, but limited cargo space and small rear seats mean it's best suited to two adults rather than four. The Volvo C70 is mostly a carry-over from 2009, with a few new options and packages for 2010.
While tThe C70's exterior design is attractive but less than inspiring, particularly with the top up, yet the interior delivers the look you expect from a luxury convertible. The console design is slick, like an audiophile's speaker cabinet, with aluminum trim and a generally modern Scandinavian theme.
Under the hood, a 2.5-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder, 227-horsepower engine delivers power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic. Both gearboxes deliver smooth, easy shifts, and both pair well with the punchy turbo engine. Volvo statespegs the C70's 0-60 mph acceleration at 7.6 seconds for the manual, and an even 8.0 seconds for the automatic. It will carry on to a top speed of 150 mph, yet still manages 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the six-speed stick. The automatic rates 18/26 mpg.
Handling is unexpectedly light, belying its hefty grand-tourer nature, and a tight feel to the steering and the whine of the turbo inspires. The electric power steering is a controversial element, but it's tuned for a linear, realistic feel. The ride is well-controlled thanks to a MacPherson strut front- end and multi-link rear suspension.
