2008 Volvo C70 Review

Volvo's convertible, the C70, is offered only with the top-performing T5 engine for 2008, a 2.5L five-cylinder engine making 227 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 achieve a top speed of 150 mph.

The C70 has a contemporary appearance consistent with the rest of the Volvo lineup. Most notably, the cockpit features 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 air bag 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. A Convenience Package, new for 2008, bundles rear park assist, keyless drive, and a blind spot information system with power retractable exterior mirrors. Standalone options include a DVD-based navigation system, bi-xenon headlamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Volvo's C70, completely redesigned in 2006, is relatively unchanged for 2008. Safety is further enhanced by the addition of a standard tire pressure monitor, and horsepower ratings rise from 218 to 227. An upscale Sovereign Hide leather seat trim is now available, as are aluminum interior inlays. Meanwhile, a Convenience Package groups such desirable options as rear park assist, keyless drive, a blind spot information system, and power retractable exterior mirrors. see less