2007 Volvo C70 Review
Fun convertible that turns into a coupe.
Overview
The Volvo C70 is a four-seat coupe that turns into a convertible with the press of a button. Its retractable hardtop help started a trend of coupe/convertibles. The sleek steel top retracts into the trunk in 30 seconds.
The C70 is based on the S40 sedan, but has a wider track and more luscious lines. The engine, suspension and transmission are proven Volvo components, while the chassis has been fortified and re-figured to increase rigidity over the previous generation C70, and meet Volvo's industry-leading safety standards.
We found the C70 to be an excellent highway cruiser, smooth and steady at high speeds, quiet with the steel top up. Its stereo sounds superb. The C70 feels like a sports car. It has a solid feel and strikes an appropriate balance of responsive handling with a smooth, well-controlled ride quality and fade-resistant brakes. We liked it best with the six-speed manual, but the five-speed automatic is crisp and responsive.
The styling is brilliant, with elegant coupe lines, and the retractable hardtop is an engineering masterpiece. The cabin features comfortable seats, the latest in Volvo interior styling and fabrics, and a clever cubby behind the center dash.
Everything operates as it should, and it's a beautiful piece of work. Nothing else on the market offers what the C70 does, priced under $40,000.
Volvo completely redesigned its C70 in 2006, and it remains relatively unchanged for 2007 save for a few audio additions.
New for the 2007 C70 are a few key audio features, including a standard auxiliary audio input plus MP3 playback capability from the in-dash CD changer, and optional Sirius satellite radio.
Model Lineup
The 2007 Volvo C70 comes as one model ($39,090). The retractable hardtop is standard. The C70 comes standard with a six-speed manual; a five-speed automatic is optional ($1,250).
Standard features include power front seats, leather steering wheel with controls, and an in-dash six-disc CD changer that includes new MP3 playback capability with eight speakers and four amplifiers.
Optional packages include leather interior with HomeLink ($1,395), and a climate package with heated front seats, headlamp washers and rain-sensing wipers ($675). The Dynaudio sound system ($1,550) features 14 speakers, five amplifiers and two subwoofer amplifiers blasting 910 watts via Dolby ProLogic II Surround Sound. Standalone options include high-intensity discharge headlamps ($700), navigation system ($2,120), silver metallic paint ($475) and pearlescent white paint ($625). The 17-inch Sadira alloy wheels come standard, while 18-inch Mirzam alloy wheels are optional ($995).
Safety features include electronic stability control with traction control and anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution. In addition to the required front airbags, there are side airbags in front, and air curtains which activate upwards from the doors, even with the windows rolled down. The Rollover Protection System, a pop-up rollbar, is activated by a pyrotechnic charge, which will smash the rollbars through the glass when the roof is on.
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2007 Volvo C70, click here: 2007 Volvo C70.
