2009 Volvo C70: Road Test
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Our road test for the 2009 Volvo C70 includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Volvo C70 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Volvo C70, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Volvo C70 help you decide if a 2009 Volvo C70 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 |
C70 loafs until the turbo begins boosting around 3000 rpm. It's strong thereafter, with very satisfying passing power. A manual-transmission C70 did 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds in our test, which isn't outstanding for a sporty car. Fast takeoffs induce unwanted wheelspin and some torque steer. The automatic transmission is smooth and alert. The manual's shift action is a bit rubbery, but shifts are smooth and clean overall.
FUEL ECONOMY
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission C70s averaged 15.6-22.0 mpg, depending on city/highway driving mix. An automatic-transmission version averaged 21.6 mpg with mostly highway driving. C70 uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 3.7 |
C70 rides firmly but is comfortable with the base 17-inch tires, abetted by a fairly rigid structure with modest top-down cowl shake. Some testers say ride quality deteriorates too much with the 18-inch tires, with jolting over sharp bumps and pavement breaks.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Not sports-car nimble, but C70 corners with front-drive assurance, modest body lean, and tolerable noseplow. Extra grip of the 18-inch tires seems offset by compromised control in bumpy corners. Some testers find the steering nicely weighted, while others judge it a bit light and not that quick. The brakes are strong and easy to modulate.
QUIETNESS
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 3.7 |
Top-up wind noise is modest, if not as subdued as a true hardtop. Occasional top-up creaking plagued one test C70. There's little top-down wind buffeting. Road roar is always audible with the 18-inch tires but isn't overbearing. The engine is quiet enough at cruise but fairly loud at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
The gauges are large and legible, but LCD climate and audio displays lack contrast, causing them to wash out in certain light conditions. C70's stereo panel is handy, but climate controls below can be blocked by the manual shift lever--and accidentally changed by some testers while shifting.
DETAILS
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
The retractable top powers up or down in about 30 seconds. The cabin is solidly assembled with high-quality materials. No C70s with the navigation system have been made available for us to test.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 |
C70 has adult-size room on comfortable, supportive seats. Many seat and steering-wheel adjustments make it easy to find a comfortable driving stance. Airy roof styling furnishes better-than-average top-up visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | .7 |
The rear seat is a token gesture. It's shaped for two only, and scant legroom even with the front seats forward makes it very tight for most adults and many teens. Entry and exit are for contortionists.
CARGO ROOM
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2.2 |
Lowering the 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 is poor. The door map pockets barely hold standard gas-station maps.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
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
| T5 w/18-in wheels, manual | T5, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | 60 | 48.7 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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