Comfort comes first for drop-top Volvo C70 T5
Published Thursday October 30th, 2008
Could this be the sneakiest convertible on the road? Except for some minor visual cues, Volvo's C70 could pass effortlessly as a big coupe. It's as sleek as Volvo's blocky styling will allow, and the roof integrates so cleanly with the rest of the body that it appears fixed in place.
C70 gives owners two cars in one: an open-air four-seater for when it's nice out, and a roomy coupe for when it isn't.
Top up, wind-noise is better than your average family sedan with minimal air leaking past the seams and seals, even at healthy speeds. Keep your velocity down, and you'll be treated to a remarkably quiet ride.
With the top down after 30 seconds of intricate mechanical roof articulation, turbulence is kept within respectable limits- though cabin heat is free to escape out the vast opening left behind. Unlike some two-seat drop-tops, you won't be going topless in this one much past late September. There's an occasional jiggle to the body on rougher roads, too- a side effect when a car loses its roof.
The $2,250 Dynaudio stereo kit employs 14 speakers and twin-subwoofers to send bass-laced shockwaves through entire intersections while delivering magnificent power and very clean sound reproduction. It'll put the custom sound system in your 17-year-old's hot-hatch to shame.
C70 offers surprisingly comfortable seating for 4 occupants, each of whom get a cupholder, storage compartment and a smooth, plush seat trimmed in 'passion' leather thanks to the premium package.
The trunk boasts generous storage space, though it's cut in half with the roof stacked inside. To help access your cargo with the roof on top of it, the folded segments lift a few inches out of the way at the push of a button. It's a very thoughtful touch, and one of many you'll find.
Though certainly well equipped, at over $62,000 shoppers may feel disappointed at the lack of features like a Bluetooth phone, intelligent key or xenon lighting. These gadgets are increasingly common on cars half this price.
Seat-mounted side airbags, door-mounted curtain airbags, stability control, advanced braking systems and other self-defense hardware are all present and on full alert. There are even pop-up roll-bars that engage automatically in case drivers fail to keep the shiny side of the car facing upwards.
Safety here is much more than a list of abbreviated gadgets in a brochure, as it feels apparent in every inch of the C70.
From the door handles to the switches to the ride itself, everything feels solid, heavy and substantial. There's nothing flimsy to be found, and it's as if the entire C70 was honed from a solid piece of marble.
The feeling of vault-like sturdiness imparts a high-quality sensation too. This is matched in full by the beautifully trimmed interior with its contrasting colors and textures, and the sophisticated, inviting atmosphere.
Motivating all C70 models is a turbocharged, 2.5 litre five cylinder engine with 227 horsepower. It's got to lug around over 3,800 lbs. of roof panels and Swedish leather- so it's far from lightning quick, though things get moving along impressively when drivers drop a few gears from the six-speed stick and wind things up to pass. In the process, the turbocharger muffles much of the engine's exhaust sound, and the sound deadening traps most of what's left.
The end result is that the engine makes scarcely a peep. It's also so smooth that you could easily forget to shift up. Remember to, and mileage will average around 10L / 100km.
Like the engine, the steering does its job with little effort or notable sensation.
There's minimal feedback, and you may find yourself occasionally correcting the wheel after a lane-change or passing maneuver as C70 sometimes feels hesitant to lock onto the driver's requested trajectory.
The ride favors a laid back approach, too. It's perfect for cruising hundreds of miles in comfort, but like the steering and engine, there isn't much more than an isolated and relaxed sensation for the driver to enjoy.
Should you be looking for something to excite the senses and set your driving-enthusiasts soul on fire, this probably isn't the car for you. However, if you're after a tranquil, safe and top-optional environment where 4 occupants can relax while touring, C70 hits the bull's eye.
Volvo C70
Engine: 2.5 litre inline five cylinder, turbocharged
Drivetrain: front wheel drive
Observed Average Mileage: 10L / 100km
Transmission: six-speed manual
Features: Dynaudio stereo, headlight washers, heated memory seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror
What's Hot: safe and solid ride, very comfortable, incredible stereo, decent mileage
What's Not: could use a few more features at its price, steering can feel vague at higher speeds
Starting Price: $56,795
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