2007 Volvo C70: My Take
In his recent review, my Cars.com co-worker Joe Wiesenfelder raves about Volvo’s new retractable hardtop convertible, the C70. I had the same silver tester for a week and found myself enjoying it, but not nearly as much as Joe.
It seems the C70 has become Joe’s favorite Volvo. For me, the XC90 SUV is still Volvo's best product for what it aims to do, but the C70 is a close second. My main gripes with the C70 only had to do with its lackluster driving feel and a bum stereo, not its innovative convertible hardtop.
The steering is not what I’d call responsive. Navigating through twisty roads is about as thrilling as cleaning out your email inbox. Pushing the accelerator isn’t much better. It offers little rush as the foot meets the pedal, and after that initial delay speed comes in a slow, steady climb to acceptable levels. There’s nothing sporty about it, and that bugs me in such a sporty, sexy-looking car. Did I just say that about a Volvo?
Cruising, though — cruising was nice. I took the C70 on a long business trip, and with the roof up felt like I was in any regular hardtop coupe. I often forgot I was driving a convertible at all because the cabin was so quiet. The fun part hit when the top came down. At one point — stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic — I just popped in a favorite CD, hit the button for the roof and enjoyed the pleasant weather. This — this is the good life, and why someone buys a convertible in the first place.
I will say I’m not as high on the $1,550 stereo system as Joe is. It is much too bass-heavy for my taste – mostly obscure indie bands or cliché classic rockers – and I had to adjust it with each new selection. Very annoying. It wasn’t quite as annoying, though, before Joe’s review reminded me of the price. Ouch.
Still, there were plenty of positives. This retractable system is the best I’ve seen and is also the most utilitarian, allowing access to the trunk compartment even when the large roof is stored (shown to the right). With the top up and full trunk space available I even managed a midsize Costco run. Not too shabby.
Now Volvo has two cars in its lineup near the top of their respective segments. In the C70 the company has created a unique offering that buyers won’t feel guilty about buying. It’s a practical convertible. Sounds like Volvo to me.
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The car was not designed to be sporty, but an all around cruiser. I have driven the car and find the steering to be very repsonive and nicely balanced. This car is a worthy entry that should be taken seriously.
The car was not designed to be sporty, but an all around cruiser. I have driven the car and find the steering to be very reponsive and nicely balanced. This car is a worthy entry that should be taken seriously.
That must be one heavy top; I can't help but notice that the front end rises slightly, but perceptibly, when the top is in the trunk. Watch the photos; nothing else in the frame moves at all. Not the trees, not the painted parking line, just the front end of the car. I must have too much time on my hands!
I bought a black 2006 C70 and am quite pleased with it's truely world class design.
Did you know it has 18 computers in it?
(Almost as many as I have in my house...joking)
The black color makes it a stealthier hard top
because the lateral black seals are better
camouflaged. People say: "Nice Car".
I then say: "Did you know it's also a convertible?".
They say: "What?".
I say: "Watch this...". :)
Got it with the, plasma headlights, 18" rims and blue tooth phone system and other assundries.
Since, I am on the road a lot and after owning a Mitsbuhishi (spelled that way on purpose)
Spyder for 6 years and 100,000 miles, going to a hard top 'vertible was the way to go for me.
Having to often go through tunnels here in the mid-atlantic area, I can actually use the phone now where I couldn't in my soft top spyder even with the top up.
I also had to replace that soft top at year 5.
(Ran into Dexter Manley of the Redskins
in the process but that is another story...)
I now have about 2000 miles on the C70 and most of them highway miles. It is a very comfortable car that just wraps around you. Mileage at speed is about 28mph, for real and will hold
4 people in comfort. So, when nice weather hits or the mood strikes, hit the button, drop the top and watch peoples jaws go slack.
I love my C70 no matter it's strengths or weaknesses! It is one hell of a nice car
and probably the safest convertible ever designed. :)
The C70 is a coupe and a cabriolet.
Two cars in one.
Plus, it is built by Pininfarina
(Italian design house that does Maserati and Ferrari make overs..)
in Sweden for Volvo.
Factoid:
Pininfarina owns 60% and Volvo owns 40% of the factory. It is the first car Pininfarina has
ever built outside of Italy.
The C70 has a very unique design pedigree
and is a very collectible car.
Did I think I'd every buy a Volvo? Nope.
But this car was such an amazing convertible
and excellent example of modern engineering,
I just could not resist.
Tim Reyburn
P.S. No, I do not work for Volvo or Pininfarina.
I just like doing my homework. :)
id rather have a pontiac G6 hardtop convertible...
You sure you wouldn't rather have a short bus?
The C70 is the perfect epitome of a car and convertible combined -- it showcases two car designs blended in the most dramatic way giving rise to a new breed of coupe that will make people drool.
Peter:
Agreed.
TPR
Volvo used to have some very very ugly cars, im amazed at the turn around volvo made in style. i wouldnt mind drivin this car to see what its like, i dont really want to own a volvo but yea.
I bought a nice C70 that TURNED out to be my worse nightmare - it started with reocurring deflating tires.. and eventually I had to take the car back to the dealer where they forced me to replace all rims and buy new tires. and the dealer claimed that I created the problem. However, weeks after I had replaced the rims and tires, the same problem occurs. I have called the volvo dealrer but they done seem to care about the problem!
I WILL ADIVISE YOU TO CHECK THIS OUT BECAUSE IN ABOUT 9 MONTHS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE CAR, I HAVE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE JSUT OVER 3K MILES - THE TIRES DEFLATED BECAUSE THE RIMMS BEND.
IT IS A SHAME THAT VOLVO IGNORED MY COMPLAINT AND REFUSED TO HELP ME ---> WHEN I CALLED THE VOLVE CENTRAL OFFICE, THEY REFUSED TO ESCALATE THE PROBLEM AND HERE I AM SCOCK WITH A THAT IS IN MY GARAGE TWO WEEKS NOW... WITH A FLAT TIRE..NO SPARE TIRE AND A RIM THAT IS BENDED...BUT FOR ME TO FIX IT, I HAV TO TOW THE CAR TO THE DEALER...
I have 200 miles on my new (9700 mile) c70. I traded a v70r which was much more fun to drive and didn't rattle and shake. After the r, the c70 lacks performace, handling and braking power. The seats are a disappointment lacking both depth and lateral support. There are several annoying sounds that come from behind the headliner when the top is up. Cycling the top reduced the severity but did not eliminate them altogether. There is a moderate amount of torsional flexing when driving into parking lots and driveways that results in noises around the doors. All not I would expect from Volvo.
That being said the car is drop dead gorgeous. The materials and finish are top notch. When you drop the top...ou-la-la is it sexy.
Maybe Volvo will do a C70R. If they take care of the annoyances with the top it'll certainly be my next ride.