I'm in the new C70 convertible this week. It's one car that replaces two, namely the hard top and soft top versions of the original C70 Coupe from Volvo.
Slightly smaller than the original, the new C70 features a metal retractable roof. The much-loved 'tin top/drop top' provides better security than a cloth roof, (eg, the C70 won its category at the British Insurance Car Security Awards 2006). Prices start at €51,750, so this new Volvo isn't cheap and for many people the reason to spend more than they would on say an Astra Twintop or Volkswagen EOS with the same number of seats mightn't be all that apparent.
More rounded than the car Val Kilmer drove in 'The Saint' the front view is a little dull but the profile and rear view make up for it. C70 is tasty in an understated way.
The roof lowers in 30 seconds, which isn't really quick enough to make this a party piece to perform when stopped at traffic lights but it is all electric and works well. The roof is made up of three panels that fold up into the boot at the press and hold of a button. Like most roofs that stow in the boot there is virtually no luggage space (200 litres). With the roof down there is next to no access to those 200 litres. With the roof up there is 400 litres of space. A pull-down plastic tray must be in position in order to let the roof be lowered. There is plenty of cubby storage in the cabin and a nice touch is the way Volvo has connected the cubbies to the C70's central locking thereby allowing the contents to be secured with the roof up or down.
Two five-cylinder petrol engines are presently available. The entry level is a 170bhp 2.4 litre. My test car is the top spec 2.5 litre T5 fitted with the optional five-speed 'Geartronic' automatic (a six-speed manual is available). Diesel lovers are served by a 180bhp D5. Sport and SE are the trim levels.
On the go the T5 version (220bhp) has enough power to be a respectable performer with 0-100km/h dispatched in just 7.6 seconds. The C70 doesn't encourage you to lash around the place but cruise instead.
There is one major downside to the front wheel drive C70 and that's the steering. The C70 lacks feel and never feels assured when cornering. The C70 also has a tendency to ‘Torque Steer’, especially when you get back on the power on the exit of a corner. At slow speed the C70 has a tendency to tramline – in other words be inclined to follow any grooves or indentions in the road. The C70's steering is my only serious complaint about an otherwise enjoyable drive.
The level of passive and active safety in the C70 is very impressive. There are roll over hoops, whiplash reducing seats etc. but the most interesting innovation is the curtain airbags that work even when the roof is down! The semi rigid bags are door mounted and deploy upwards.
The Volvo C70 is a welcome addition to the luxury end of the drop top market and just the job for cruising topless without being too in-your-face.
Michael Sheridan
