2007 Volvo C70 Review

Volvo's convertible, the C70, is offered only with the top-performing T5 engine for 2007, a 2.5L five-cylinder engine making 218 horsepower. It's matched to a standard six-speed manual gearbox with triple synchros for optimum shift feel, and a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with manual shift control is optional. With the manual transmission, Volvo says that the C70 can reach 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 mph.

The C70 was redesigned in 2006, getting a more contemporary appearance that blends in with the rest of the Volvo lineup. Most notably, the interior adopted some of the design features from Volvo's smaller S40 and V50 models, including the super-thin "floating" center stack, which allows a flow-through storage area behind the audio and climate controls. A special synthetic seating material called Vulcaflex is standard on the C70 while leather upholstery is optional.

The retractable hard top system folds away neatly inside the trunk in about 30 seconds, and while the trunk contents are still accessible with the top down, usable cargo space decreases from 12.8 cubic feet to 6.8 cubic feet. The top boasts several other important benefits, though. It offers better outward visibility and a quieter interior than a soft-top convertible, while the top also assures a stiffer body for better handling.

The C70 uses a unique door-mounted inflatable curtain airbag design which offers head protection in side impacts and rollovers even when the windows are down, and offers supplemental protection in the event of a rollover. Automatically deploying pop-up roll bars also protect occupants in the event of a rollover.

A six-disc CD changer (now with MP3 compatibility) comes with the standard sound system, which has eight speakers and 160 watts over four channels. The optional Dynaudio sound system cranks out 910 watts of power and has Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound, 14 speakers, and dual eight-inch woofers.

Several major packages group significant options together. The Premium Package brings leather seating, a remote garage door opener, and a compass, while the Climate Package groups heated front seats, headlamp washers, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Standalone options include a DVD-based navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps, rear park assist, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Volvo's C70 was completely redesigned for 2006, and there are few changes for 2007. An auxiliary radio input jack is now standard, the six-disc in-dash CD changer offers MP3 playback capability, and Sirius Satellite Radio is a new option. see less