Once again, Volvo is flipping its lid

Last spring Volvo launched an all-new second generation C70 for the ’06 model year after a two-year hiatus. Replacing two models with one, the retractable hardtop ’06 C70 serves as both a coupe and convertible.

The best thing about the new 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. 

Until now, the biggest challenge has been affordability, because Lexus, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz were the only manufacturers to offer hardtop convertibles. Last spring the C70 became the first true four-seat convertible available with a retractable roof.  And, it’s affordable too, spurring a trend, it seems, as both Pontiac and Volkswagen now offer a four-seat retractable model. 

Only one trim level is currently available, 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 is rated at 218 but it felt and drove 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.

The 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.  Eight colors are offered; red or black are standard and the only choices that don’t cost an extra $475.

The new 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.

The C70’s instrument panel is a duplicate of what’s found in the S40 and V50, including the wafer-thin brushed aluminum center stack that’s open in back for additional storage. I like the look. 

There’s plenty of room up front for driver and passenger and the leather seats feel great, comfortable.

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. 

The C70, as expected, 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.  It has not been crash tested.

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 $39,090 the C70 is considerably less expensive than the luxury retractable brands.  But one has to wonder if it’s that much better than the new Volkswagen Eos retractable that I tested last month.  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.