2006-2008 Volvo C70: Road Test

Acceleration potential varies with speed. Basically, the C70's engine loafs until the turbocharger begins boosting at around 3000 rpm. Performance is strong thereafter, with very satisfying passing power. A test manual-shift C70 accelerated to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds. Some unwanted wheelspin and torque steer--pulling to the side--is difficult to avoid in rapid starts. Volvo's automatic transmission is smooth and alert. Manual-shift action is a bit rubbery, but shifts are smooth and clean. Manual-transmission test C70s have averaged 15.6 to 22.0 mpg, depending on the proportion of city to highway driving. An automatic-transmission model averaged 21.6 mpg. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel. Ride quality ranks as firm but comfortable with the base 17-inch tires, abetted by a fairly rigid structure with modest top-down cowl shake. Some testers have felt that the ride deteriorates too much with 18-inch tires, with jolting over sharp bumps and pavement breaks. Sports-car nimbleness is not the C70's forte, but this hardtop corners with front-drive assurance, modest body lean, and tolerable noseplow. Extra grip of the available 18-inch tires seems offset by compromised control in harsh corners. Straightline tracking is fine. Some testers have found the steering to be nicely weighted, but others have judged it a bit light and not that quick. Brakes are strong and easy to modulate. Top-up wind noise is modest, if not as subdued as a true hardtop. Occasional top-up creaking plagued one test C70, but there's little top-down wind buffeting. Road roar is always audible with 18-inch tires, but it's not overbearing. The turbo engine is quiet enough at cruise, but fairly loud at full throttle. Gauges are large and legible, but LCD climate and audio displays lack contrast and wash out in certain light conditions. The stereo panel is handy, but climate controls below can be blocked by the manual-shift lever--and have been accidentally changed by some testers while shifting. Volvo's retractable top powers up or down in about 30 seconds. High-quality cabin materials and assembly are the rule here. Expect adult-size room up front on comfortable, supportive seats. Abundant seat and steering-wheel adjustments make it easy to find a comfortable driving stance. Airy roof styling furnishes better-than-average top-up visibility. On the other hand, the rear seat is a token gesture. Shaped only for two, it provides scant legroom, even with front seats forward. That makes it very tight for most adults and many teens. Entry/exit is for contortionists. Lowering the top cuts the C70's ample trunk space in half, though a couple of golf bags or medium suitcases still fit inside. Lockable interior bins enhance top-down security, but small-items storage is only so-so. Door map pockets barely hold standard gas-station maps.

Value for the Money
Although it ranks a step below most like-priced convertibles for all-around performance, the C70 is a pleasant, stylish, well-built blend of top-down fun and fixed-roof security. A comfortable ride and decent trunk space (with top up) add to its appeal. However, strong resale value tends to keep secondhand prices on the high side.