2007 Volvo C70 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Volvo C70 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Volvo C70 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Volvo C70, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Volvo C70 help you decide if a 2007 Volvo C70 is right for you.

2007 Volvo C70 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Rear-seat entry/exit

Front-seat comfort	Rear-seat room

Acceleration

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
6	6	8.1

Loafs until turbo begins boosting around 3000 rpm, strong thereafter, with very satisfying passing power. Test manual-transmission C70 did 8.0 sec 0-60 mph. Some unwanted wheelspin and torque steer--pulling to the side--tough to avoid in rapid starts. Automatic transmission smooth, alert. Manual action a bit rubbery, but shifts smooth, clean.

Fuel Economy

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
5	5	4.6

Manual-transmission test C70s averaged 15.6-22.0 mpg, depending on city/highway driving mix. Automatic-transmission tester averaged 21.6 mpg. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel for C70.

Ride Quality

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
5	6	4.5

Firm but comfortable with base 17-inch tires, abetted by fairly rigid structure with modest top-down cowl shake. Some testers say ride deteriorates too much with 18-inch tires, with jolting over sharp bumps and pavement breaks.

Steering/Handling/Braking

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
7	7	8.6

Not sports-car nimble, but corners with front-drive assurance, modest body lean, tolerable noseplow. Extra grip of 18-inch tires seems offset by compromised control in bumpy corners. Fine straight-line tracking. Some testers find steering nicely weighted, others judge it a bit light and not that quick. Brakes strong, easy to modulate.

Quietness

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
5	6	4.5

Top-up wind noise modest if not as subdued as true hardtop. Occasional, top-up creaking plagued one test C70. Little top-down wind buffeting. Road roar always audible with 18-inch tires, but isn't overbearing. Engine quiet enough at cruise, but fairly loud at full throttle.

Controls

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6.7

Gauges large, legible, but LCD climate and audio displays lack contrast, wash out in certain light conditions. Stereo panel handy, but climate controls below can be blocked by manual shift lever--and accidentally changed by some testers while shifting. No opportunity yet to test with navigation system.

Details

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7.6

High-quality cabin materials and assembly. Retractable top powers up or down in about 30 sec.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
7	7	5.9

Adult-size room on comfortable, supportive seats. Many seat and steering-wheel adjustments make it easy to find comfortable driving stance. Airy roof styling furnishes better-than-average top-up visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
2	2	.6

Rear seat a token gesture. It's shaped for two only, and scant leg room even with front seats forward makes it very tight for most adults and many teens. Entry/exit is for contortionists.

Cargo Room

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
2	2	2.2

Lowering top cuts ample trunk space in half, though a couple golf bags or medium suitcases still fit. Lockable interior bins enhance top-down security, but small-item storage only so-so; door map pockets barely hold standard gas-station maps.

Value within Class

T5 w/18-in. whls., man.	T5, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.4

It's a step below most like-priced convertibles for all-around performance, but the C70 is a pleasant, stylish, well-built blend of top-down fun and fixed-roof security. A comfortable ride and decent trunk space add to its appeal.

Total Score