Once again, Volvo is flipping its lid

In 2006, Volvo launched an all-new second generation C70 following a two-year hiatus. Replacing two models with one, the retractable hardtop C70 serves as both a coupe and convertible.

The best thing about the C70 is the multi-faceted roof.  With our agreeable Arizona weather, most of us have considered owning a convertible at one time or another. However, it’s too hot to drop the top in summer. And even with the top raised and the air conditioner blasting, a canvas top convertible can’t stand up to the heat radiating through the cloth roof nor sufficiently block traffic noise. The retractable hardtop eliminates these obstacles. 

In the past, the biggest challenge to hard-top convertibles has been affordability, because Lexus, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz were the only manufacturers to offer them. In 2006, C70 became the first true four-seat convertible available with a retractable roof.  And, it was affordable too, spurring a trend, it seemed, as both Pontiac and Volkswagen quickly followed with their own four-seat retractable models. 

The C70 is offered in only one trim level, T5, and it comes standard with 17-inch wheels; keyless entry; automatic dual-zone climate control; AM/FM/6-CD stereo; power steering, brakes, windows, mirrors, locks and seats; tilt-adjustable and telescoping steering column; headlight washers; front/rear fog lights; remote keyless entry; and cruise control. 

My test car had the optional five-speed automatic transmission with the Auto-stick mode.  A six-speed manual is standard and you might want to choose it for a sportier feel. 

The only engine available is a 2.5-liter five-cylinder with what Volvo calls a light-pressure turbo setup.  Horsepower gets bumped up from 218 to 227 for 2008, but it feels and drives like more.  A couple of gripes here: there is some turbo lag under full pedal and a mild torque steer from the front-wheel-drive C70. Disappointingly, these problems are not corrected in the 2008 model.

My tester had the optional Premium Package that includes leather seating, a rearview mirror compass, and Homelink equipment all for $1,395. The Dynaudio Package at $1,550 includes a collection of 12 speakers, larger general and center amplifiers, and subwoofers.  For 2008, the C70 is offered in seven colors; red, black and white are standard and the only choices that don’t cost an extra $475.

The C70 is smaller than the last model and is built on the same chassis platform used for the S40 and V50 wagon. The reduced space is especially evident in the back seat, unfit for adults.  There isn’t much of a trunk with the top retracted either.  If you’re packing for a longer trip, you’ll need to keep the top up or stow luggage and gear in the back seat.  Power buttons slide the front seats forward to provide greater access to the back.

In 2006, C70’s instrument panel was a duplicate of what was found in the S40 and V50, including  the wafer-thin brushed aluminum center stack that was open in back for additional storage. For 2008, Volvo has dropped the brushed aluminum in favor of laminated oak trim.  There’s plenty of room up front for driver and passenger and the leather seats feel great.

My week driving the C70 was fun and delightfully rewarding.  It was a joy driving, especially with the top down.  It takes about 30 seconds to completely fold the top so there’s not enough time to go through the calisthenics at a traffic light.  Everything is done from the drivers seat, there’s no convertible boot to pull/stretch into place.

As expected, the C70 was very quiet with the steel top up.  Driving with the top down was another matter though; there was a bit more wind turbulence than I expected and it seemed noisier than other convertibles.  However, I didn’t notice cowl shake that is common to most convertibles — especially on rough roads — a tribute to solid Volvo construction and improved chassis stiffening.

Standard safety equipment includes stability and traction control; rollover protection system with pop-up rear roll bars behind the rear seats; anti-lock brakes; front, side and head protection impact airbags; whiplash protection head restraints; and safety belts.  For 2008, the C70 gets a tire pressure monitoring system and emergency brake lights, which illuminate brighter under hard braking.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the C70 its highest rating of “Good” for front, side and rear crash test results.

The C70 is built in Udevella, Sweden.  Basic warranty is 4 years/50,000.  Volvo expects to import about 6,000 per year to the U.S.  Premium fuel is required.

With a base price of $39,240, the C70 is considerably less expensive than the luxury retractable brands.  But one has to wonder if it’s that much better than the Volkswagen Eos retractable.  I thought the Eos was near-perfect, giving it a rating of 9.5 out of a possible 10, and the starting price at $27,990 is nearly a third less than the Volvo.  Eos also offers a 3.2-liter 250hp V6 engine that’s a lot more powerful than Volvo. 

Overall I think Volvo is right on target with the C70.  It’s nicely presented, loaded with safety features and is a blast to drive.