The antithesis of the old boxy Volvo
By Thom Blackett
|
January 31, 2006
Introduction
Maui, Hawaii – More often than not, truth in advertising is nothing more than wishful thinking – that burger at the fast-food joint never looks like the artistic piece of cuisine pictured in the poster out front, a pair of $200 cross-trainers are not, in fact, a direct path to fitness, and your significant other won’t simply dismiss all of your faults and transgressions because you smell like an ocean breeze.Living in such a world, it would be easy to view life through a scope of doubt, but just then you find yourself in a little place called Hana on the Hawaiian island of Maui. In particular, you’re at the Hotel Hana-Maui, sipping on Mai Tais and feasting on heavenly sweet pineapple. For once, there is some commonality between the travel brochure and reality. Not so coincidentally, the purpose of this excursion is to get a good look at and some seat time in the 2006 Volvo C70, an innovative and sexy hardtop convertible company exec’s claim perfectly exemplifies the brand’s three greatest strengths – design, innovation, and safety.
Even before tossing back a few too many of those frou-frou drinks with umbrellas in the hollowed coconuts, it’s clear that the C70 stands a good chance of living up to high expectations. Indeed, with a starting price below $40,000, a lively turbocharged engine, gorgeous styling, and a usable interior, Volvo shouldn’t have any problems getting a heartfelt “Mahalo” from the 8,000-10,000 buyers it hopes to attract each year.
Features
Features Starting at $39,405, the 2006 Volvo C70 includes a dual-zone climate control system, power front seats, a six-disc CD changer, 17-inch alloys, and a host of power features.
When it hits showrooms in April of 2006, the Volvo C70 will be available in one trim, the T5. With a base price of $39,405, including a $695 destination charge, the C70 comes with a lot more than its power retractable hardtop. Among the standard features are a dual-zone climate control system, power front seats with manual lumbar and driver’s side memory, a host of power features such as power windows with automatic up/down door glass, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and an eight-speaker, 160-watt sound system with a six-disc CD changer. Controls for the radio and standard cruise control are featured on the thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel. That sub-$40,000 starting point also buys front fog lights, dual chrome exhaust tips, an exterior temperature gauge, and power heated rearview mirrors with memory. Haverdal T-Tec, a synthetic material uniquely designed to withstand abuse from rain and direct sunlight, covers the seats and door panels, while 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/35 tires dress up the exterior.
That’s a nice list, to be sure, but the 2006 Volvo C70 can be equipped with a number of options to suit buyers with more expensive tastes. Three package groups are offered: Climate, Premium, and Dynaudio. The Climate Package, retailing for $695, is a must have since it’s the only way to outfit your convertible with heated seats, a feature that makes those moonlit cruises in the cool night air so enjoyable. Headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers are also included, the latter a feature that would likely be welcome on the meteorologically-schizophrenic strip of asphalt known as the Hana Highway. In exchange for $1,395, the Premium Package offers leather seats, a universal garage door opener, and a compass in the rearview mirror. Keep in mind that getting heated leather seats, a feature favored by many open-top enthusiasts, requires purchasing the Climate and Premium packages, for a total outlay of about $2,100. Last, there’s the $1,550 Dynaudio Package that packs a deafening output of 910 watts through fourteen speakers and a Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround sound system. Like the base unit, a six-disc CD changer is included. Of special note, an auxiliary jack for items like an iPod should be forthcoming for the 2007 model year.
Stand-alone options include a DVD-based navigation system, 18-inch alloy wheels rolling on 235/40 tires, xenon headlights, a rear parking sensor, a rear wind blocker that clicks in just behind the front seats, and special silver metallic or white pearl paint. A five-speed automatic transmission can also be chosen to replace the standard six-speed manual.
For our drive through the Hawaiian tropics, Volvo provided two versions of the 2006 C70 – one with a six-speed manual transmission and the optional 18-inch alloys for an as-tested price of $40,400, and another with the Premium Package, the Dynaudio Package, and the automatic transmission for a total of $43,600. The latter example represents what the company expects most buyers will opt for, with six-speed models comprising 12- to 15-percent of total sales at the most.
Nuts and Bolts
Nuts and Bolts Power for the 3,772-lb. 2006 Volvo C70 comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine pushing 218 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard.
In a way, Volvo’s new hardtop convertible is the polar opposite of the typical super model. Both have seductive, smooth shapes on the outside, but unlike the salad-eating blonde from Australia who doesn’t have the stamina to ride an elevator up six flights, the 2006 C70 is built to be just as pretty at its electronically-controlled top speed of 150 mph as it is sitting under mood lighting in your local dealer’s showroom.
This 3,772-lb. front-driver draws its motivation from a 2.5-liter, dual overhead cam five-cylinder engine pushing 218 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and churning 236 lb.-ft. at 6,500 rpm, while running on premium fuel. A six-speed manual transmission gets things done with the base sticker price, but for an extra $1,250 a manually-interactive, five-speed Geartronic automatic takes the hassle out of shifting gears with a clutch. Volvo estimates 0-60 mph times to be between 7.6 and eight seconds for the manual and automatic, respectively, while top speed is electronically limited to 150 mph.
Even at that quick pace, the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, both aided by stabilizer bars, are designed to keep the 2006 Volvo C70 hunkered down and in control. A speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system aims to keep the driver in tune with road conditions, while the four-wheel antilock disc brake setup with electronic brake-force distribution brings things to a quick halt, hauling the car down from 62 mph in just 123 feet.
Engine and brake stats are important, but what separates the C70 from the pack is its innovative three-piece retractable hardtop, which is part of the reason this convertible offers twice the torsional rigidity of the previous model that departed with the 2004 model year. With the vehicle stopped and the driver’s foot on the brake, a button on the center console signals an electric motor to activate a hydraulic pump that stacks and then lowers all three sections – two steel roof panels and the rear glass – into the cargo area, with the decklid folding down on top, providing a nearly seamless final appearance. A top-up button reverses the process. All told, lowering the roof takes a lengthy 29 seconds, and raising it runs about 30 seconds. That may not sound like a lot, but when Hawaiian raindrops the size of nickels are being fired from above, each successive second takes on significance.
Another issue relevant to this segment is cargo room, and the C70’s designers have done a nice job of making the most of what they had to work with. When the top is up, there’s 12.8 cubic feet of space available for storage, and its wide and fairly low height make it easy to load up. With the top down, the roof panels and rear glass are stored atop one another below the lid, so a button inside the trunk lip raises all three and then a plastic partition can be tilted up to access six cubic feet of space. It’s not a lot, but is comparable to other convertibles.
Design
Design At first glance, many observers may quickly liken the 2006 Volvo C70 to the S40 sedan, though the only part both share is the aluminum hood.
Believe it or not, some people still think of right angles and square shapes at the mention of the Volvo name. If you happen to be one of those folks, it’s time to reacquaint yourself with what the Swedes are offering, including the 2006 C70, the result of a joint-venture between Volvo and the heralded coachbuilder, Pininfarina.
Like all of the brand’s current vehicles, the new C70 features smoked headlight lenses, a sleek body with powerful side haunches, and clean wrap-around taillights. The overall presence is one of powerful elegance. At first glance, many observers may quickly liken the C70 to the S40 sedan, though the only part both share is the aluminum hood. In fact, the headlights are lower and wider, as are the rear lenses that otherwise resemble those on larger Volvo sedans.
Inside, the C70 uses the same slim and precise center stack as found in the S40, a thickly-padded leather steering wheel with an aluminum insert, and generous use of soft-touch materials, though hard plastics are used on the lower dash, parts of the door panels, and on the A-pillars. A gently-contoured one-piece rubberized dash flows naturally into the upper door sills which sweep back to the flush hard tonneau cover, while a mesh headliner stretches overhead when the top is raised. In standard guise, a synthetic material called Haverdal T-Tec, feeling a bit like a rubbery suede, covers the seats and inner armrests, while durable leather is included in the Premium Package. There’s a noticeable absence of glitz and glam here and no chrome or faux wood, with the result being a simple yet upscale interior.
From a comfort and utility perspective, the 2006 Volvo C70’s interior is admirable. Front and rear buckets, accommodating up to four passengers, use thick bolsters to keep bodies relatively still and firm cushions provide necessary support. Each front chair includes standard power recline, fore and aft movement, and seat bottom tilt; manual lumbar is also standard, as are four headrests. Getting into the somewhat tight rear seat involves lifting a tab on the front seat back to tilt it forward, while a power button slides the seat toward the dash and then returns it to its original position. With the top up, getting in back still requires some flexibility, but this setup helps tremendously. Once seated, it doesn’t take long to notice the lack of legroom and footroom, though headroom is adequate for someone no taller than five-feet, eight-inches. Those situated out back have access to two center-mounted cupholders and covered storage bins built into the side panels, each large enough to hold a decent-sized water bottle. Front passengers get a center armrest with storage space for a cell phone or a wallet, a deep but short glovebox, a small cubby behind the center panel, and covered door pockets that lock with the central locking system.
Safety
Safety Typical for Volvo, the 2006 C70 features a reinforced chassis and body, standard stability and traction control systems, and innovative door-mounted side-curtain airbags.
Certain automakers are tied to various qualities or traits – Subaru has all-wheel drive, Saturn has no-haggle pricing, and Volvo has typically stood for safety, a point the 2006 C70 is sure to solidify in shoppers’ minds. The body has been reinforced throughout, with heavy emphasis added to the A- and B-pillars, a new front subframe designed to better absorb crash energy, a bolstered rear cross brace, and thick aluminum beams within the doors to add extra support. Also beefed up is the chassis, including added strength in the center tunnel, which, unfortunately, squeezes out the necessary room for an all-wheel-drive system’s rear driveshaft – the Volvo C70 is destined to remain a front-driver.
Stability and traction control systems are standard, as are new door-mounted side-curtain airbags that inflate upward in the event of an accident. Rollover bars, part of Volvo’s Rollover Protection System (ROPS), behind the rear seats rise up during a rollover or rear impact. The three-panel roof system is constructed of steel, and active front headrests are standard.
Driving Impressions
Driving Impressions All in all, there’s enough power under the 2006 Volvo C70’s aluminum hood, but a juiced up version (for the record, there are no plans for a racier R model anytime soon, if ever) would help the Volvo rise to equal or better competitors from BMW and Audi.
When Ford Mustangs are pushing 300 ponies and even Hyundai Sonatas are putting out as much as 235 horsepower, a premium convertible with fewer than 220 horses may not sound terribly impressive. And, in fact, the 2006 Volvo C70’s 218 horsepower at 5,000 rpm is a little less than exhilarating, though 236 lb.-ft. of torque rolling on as low as 1,500 rpm adds some needed punch to off-the-line performance. After getting past the initial dead spot behind the accelerator, the driver doesn’t really feel any increase in power until about 1,800 rpm, but once the turbocharger gets the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine worked up the C70 moves out with decent authority and minimal torque-steer. With the tach needle spinning higher and higher, the inline five resonates with its inherent groan, while not exactly as intoxicating as the rumble of a V8, and has a certain appeal in this application. All in all, there’s enough power under the C70’s aluminum hood, but a juiced up version (for the record, there are no plans for a racier R model anytime soon, if ever) would help the Volvo rise to equal or better competitors from BMW and Audi. Though the new C70 has 26 fewer ponies than the 2004 model it replaces, Volvo claims that the 2.5-liter engine, with its maximum torque available at a lower rpm, actually offsets the lower horsepower by providing a more immediate response, just what most drivers want when bolting from one red light to the next.
For managing the C70’s power, buyers can opt for the standard six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic to get the front wheels rolling. Enthusiasts will want the manual, which features a light-effort clutch, fairly short throws, and a comfortable shift knob, though rowing through the gears feels a bit rubbery. Nonetheless, we had a blast flicking the tranny between second and third gears as we jumped on any opportunity to flog the Volvo on the twisty and tourist-congested Hana Highway. The optional five-speed automatic provides clean, almost seamless shifts, and offered nary a hint of hunting during the ascent up the winding roads of Haleakala National Park. Pushing the shifter to the right allows for manual shifts, but there’s no real fun here as there’s a lengthy delay before the gears actually change.
If the ride up Haleakala was a test for the transmission, the 38-mile descent provided a good look at brake performance, as did the frequent sudden stops behind flatlanders mindlessly halting mid-road for a deer-in-the-headlights gaze at yet another waterfall. In both instances, the four-wheel antilock disc setup worked flawlessly, offering consistent and measurable feedback and exhibiting no fade.
Considering the law-limited speed on Maui seems to be 45 mph, and the abundance of aforementioned stop-and-crawl tourists, there was plenty of time to casually move along and evaluate the 2006 Volvo C70’s ride. Though not as stiff as a BMW, the C70 feels tight and secure, providing a good balance between comfort and impressive handling. The steering is a touch vague and could do a better job of relaying road feel, but pot holes and irregular pavement are well-absorbed and offer little intrusion into the cabin. Issues like body roll and understeer were hard to fully gauge at our relatively slow speeds, but a few quick corners indicated that all was in check.
That leaves a few points specific to convertibles that require discussion, the first being cowl shake. Put simply, the 2006 Volvo C70 is about as tight as convertibles get, with almost no shake or vibration while driving with the top down and the feeling that you’re driving a genuine hardtop with the roof raised. And aside from raindrops sounding like missiles as they land on the steel panels overhead, the interior is surprisingly quiet. Visibility, often a touchy subject when it comes to drop tops, is better than most if not all soft tops thanks to the large rear glass panel and expansive side glass. Demerits are given for small side mirrors, obtrusive rear headrests, and a rising rear beltline that makes backing up without doing damage a challenge – $400 for the rear parking sensor may be well worth it, especially considering that fancy hardtop is stacked tightly in the trunk.
FAQs
FAQs The 2006 Volvo C70 is smaller than the model it replaces, carries a lower equipped price than most of its competitors, and is sure to lure shoppers with its nifty retractable top and sleek styling.
In terms of size, how does the 2006 Volvo C70 compare to the 2004 model?
Though it’s more than 300 pounds heavier, the 2006 Volvo C70 is a smaller car than the previous model. It has lost about an inch in height, more than five inches in length, an inch in the wheelbase, an inch of front headroom, more than two inches of rear headroom, and about an inch of rear legroom. Gains include about an inch in front and rear track width, and about an inch in front legroom.
How does the 2006 Volvo C70’s price compare to its key competitors?
When comparably equipped, the 2006 Volvo C70 is a few thousand dollars more than a Saab 9-3 Linear convertible, and about a grand more than an Audi A4 1.8T Cabriolet – but both of those cars have soft tops rather than a retractable hardtop like the Volvo. The C70 does come in lower than the BMW 325 and 330 convertibles, Saab 9-3 Aero convertible, and Audi A4 3.0 convertible.
What are the 2006 Volvo C70’s main selling points?
That retractable hardtop is one slick piece of work – while it takes more time to raise and lower than we’d like, it does so seamlessly with the simple touch of a button, and allows for beautiful styling as a coupe or a convertible. The styling, combining sex appeal with a conservative touch, is also a strong point, as is the simple yet contemporary interior design.
Specifications
Specifications Competitors for the 2006 Volvo C70 include the Audi A4 Cabriolet, BMW 3 Series Convertible, and the Saab 9-3 Convertible
Test Vehicle: 2006 Volvo C70
Base Price: $39,405 (including a $695 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder
Engine Horsepower: 218 at 5,000 rpm
Engine Torque: 236 lb.-ft. at 1,500 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Curb Weight, lbs. : 3,772
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway) : N/A
Observed Fuel Economy: 20.9 mpg
Length: 180.4 inches
Width: 71.7 inches
Wheelbase: 103.9 inches
Height: 55.1 inches
Legroom (front/rear): 42.3/33.9 inches
Headroom (front/rear): 38.2/36.4 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Four
Max. Cargo Volume: 12.8 cubic feet with top up; 6.0 cubic feet with top down Competitors: Audi A4 Cabriolet, BMW 3 Series Convertible, Saab 9-3 Convertible
Features Starting at $39,405, the 2006 Volvo C70 includes a dual-zone climate control system, power front seats, a six-disc CD changer, 17-inch alloys, and a host of power features.
When it hits showrooms in April of 2006, the Volvo C70 will be available in one trim, the T5. With a base price of $39,405, including a $695 destination charge, the C70 comes with a lot more than its power retractable hardtop. Among the standard features are a dual-zone climate control system, power front seats with manual lumbar and driver’s side memory, a host of power features such as power windows with automatic up/down door glass, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and an eight-speaker, 160-watt sound system with a six-disc CD changer. Controls for the radio and standard cruise control are featured on the thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel. That sub-$40,000 starting point also buys front fog lights, dual chrome exhaust tips, an exterior temperature gauge, and power heated rearview mirrors with memory. Haverdal T-Tec, a synthetic material uniquely designed to withstand abuse from rain and direct sunlight, covers the seats and door panels, while 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/35 tires dress up the exterior.
That’s a nice list, to be sure, but the 2006 Volvo C70 can be equipped with a number of options to suit buyers with more expensive tastes. Three package groups are offered: Climate, Premium, and Dynaudio. The Climate Package, retailing for $695, is a must have since it’s the only way to outfit your convertible with heated seats, a feature that makes those moonlit cruises in the cool night air so enjoyable. Headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers are also included, the latter a feature that would likely be welcome on the meteorologically-schizophrenic strip of asphalt known as the Hana Highway. In exchange for $1,395, the Premium Package offers leather seats, a universal garage door opener, and a compass in the rearview mirror. Keep in mind that getting heated leather seats, a feature favored by many open-top enthusiasts, requires purchasing the Climate and Premium packages, for a total outlay of about $2,100. Last, there’s the $1,550 Dynaudio Package that packs a deafening output of 910 watts through fourteen speakers and a Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround sound system. Like the base unit, a six-disc CD changer is included. Of special note, an auxiliary jack for items like an iPod should be forthcoming for the 2007 model year.
Stand-alone options include a DVD-based navigation system, 18-inch alloy wheels rolling on 235/40 tires, xenon headlights, a rear parking sensor, a rear wind blocker that clicks in just behind the front seats, and special silver metallic or white pearl paint. A five-speed automatic transmission can also be chosen to replace the standard six-speed manual.
For our drive through the Hawaiian tropics, Volvo provided two versions of the 2006 C70 – one with a six-speed manual transmission and the optional 18-inch alloys for an as-tested price of $40,400, and another with the Premium Package, the Dynaudio Package, and the automatic transmission for a total of $43,600. The latter example represents what the company expects most buyers will opt for, with six-speed models comprising 12- to 15-percent of total sales at the most.
Nuts and Bolts
Nuts and Bolts Power for the 3,772-lb. 2006 Volvo C70 comes from a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine pushing 218 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard.
In a way, Volvo’s new hardtop convertible is the polar opposite of the typical super model. Both have seductive, smooth shapes on the outside, but unlike the salad-eating blonde from Australia who doesn’t have the stamina to ride an elevator up six flights, the 2006 C70 is built to be just as pretty at its electronically-controlled top speed of 150 mph as it is sitting under mood lighting in your local dealer’s showroom.
This 3,772-lb. front-driver draws its motivation from a 2.5-liter, dual overhead cam five-cylinder engine pushing 218 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and churning 236 lb.-ft. at 6,500 rpm, while running on premium fuel. A six-speed manual transmission gets things done with the base sticker price, but for an extra $1,250 a manually-interactive, five-speed Geartronic automatic takes the hassle out of shifting gears with a clutch. Volvo estimates 0-60 mph times to be between 7.6 and eight seconds for the manual and automatic, respectively, while top speed is electronically limited to 150 mph.
Even at that quick pace, the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, both aided by stabilizer bars, are designed to keep the 2006 Volvo C70 hunkered down and in control. A speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system aims to keep the driver in tune with road conditions, while the four-wheel antilock disc brake setup with electronic brake-force distribution brings things to a quick halt, hauling the car down from 62 mph in just 123 feet.
Engine and brake stats are important, but what separates the C70 from the pack is its innovative three-piece retractable hardtop, which is part of the reason this convertible offers twice the torsional rigidity of the previous model that departed with the 2004 model year. With the vehicle stopped and the driver’s foot on the brake, a button on the center console signals an electric motor to activate a hydraulic pump that stacks and then lowers all three sections – two steel roof panels and the rear glass – into the cargo area, with the decklid folding down on top, providing a nearly seamless final appearance. A top-up button reverses the process. All told, lowering the roof takes a lengthy 29 seconds, and raising it runs about 30 seconds. That may not sound like a lot, but when Hawaiian raindrops the size of nickels are being fired from above, each successive second takes on significance.
Another issue relevant to this segment is cargo room, and the C70’s designers have done a nice job of making the most of what they had to work with. When the top is up, there’s 12.8 cubic feet of space available for storage, and its wide and fairly low height make it easy to load up. With the top down, the roof panels and rear glass are stored atop one another below the lid, so a button inside the trunk lip raises all three and then a plastic partition can be tilted up to access six cubic feet of space. It’s not a lot, but is comparable to other convertibles.
Design
Design At first glance, many observers may quickly liken the 2006 Volvo C70 to the S40 sedan, though the only part both share is the aluminum hood.
Believe it or not, some people still think of right angles and square shapes at the mention of the Volvo name. If you happen to be one of those folks, it’s time to reacquaint yourself with what the Swedes are offering, including the 2006 C70, the result of a joint-venture between Volvo and the heralded coachbuilder, Pininfarina.
Like all of the brand’s current vehicles, the new C70 features smoked headlight lenses, a sleek body with powerful side haunches, and clean wrap-around taillights. The overall presence is one of powerful elegance. At first glance, many observers may quickly liken the C70 to the S40 sedan, though the only part both share is the aluminum hood. In fact, the headlights are lower and wider, as are the rear lenses that otherwise resemble those on larger Volvo sedans.
Inside, the C70 uses the same slim and precise center stack as found in the S40, a thickly-padded leather steering wheel with an aluminum insert, and generous use of soft-touch materials, though hard plastics are used on the lower dash, parts of the door panels, and on the A-pillars. A gently-contoured one-piece rubberized dash flows naturally into the upper door sills which sweep back to the flush hard tonneau cover, while a mesh headliner stretches overhead when the top is raised. In standard guise, a synthetic material called Haverdal T-Tec, feeling a bit like a rubbery suede, covers the seats and inner armrests, while durable leather is included in the Premium Package. There’s a noticeable absence of glitz and glam here and no chrome or faux wood, with the result being a simple yet upscale interior.
From a comfort and utility perspective, the 2006 Volvo C70’s interior is admirable. Front and rear buckets, accommodating up to four passengers, use thick bolsters to keep bodies relatively still and firm cushions provide necessary support. Each front chair includes standard power recline, fore and aft movement, and seat bottom tilt; manual lumbar is also standard, as are four headrests. Getting into the somewhat tight rear seat involves lifting a tab on the front seat back to tilt it forward, while a power button slides the seat toward the dash and then returns it to its original position. With the top up, getting in back still requires some flexibility, but this setup helps tremendously. Once seated, it doesn’t take long to notice the lack of legroom and footroom, though headroom is adequate for someone no taller than five-feet, eight-inches. Those situated out back have access to two center-mounted cupholders and covered storage bins built into the side panels, each large enough to hold a decent-sized water bottle. Front passengers get a center armrest with storage space for a cell phone or a wallet, a deep but short glovebox, a small cubby behind the center panel, and covered door pockets that lock with the central locking system.
Safety
Safety Typical for Volvo, the 2006 C70 features a reinforced chassis and body, standard stability and traction control systems, and innovative door-mounted side-curtain airbags.
Certain automakers are tied to various qualities or traits – Subaru has all-wheel drive, Saturn has no-haggle pricing, and Volvo has typically stood for safety, a point the 2006 C70 is sure to solidify in shoppers’ minds. The body has been reinforced throughout, with heavy emphasis added to the A- and B-pillars, a new front subframe designed to better absorb crash energy, a bolstered rear cross brace, and thick aluminum beams within the doors to add extra support. Also beefed up is the chassis, including added strength in the center tunnel, which, unfortunately, squeezes out the necessary room for an all-wheel-drive system’s rear driveshaft – the Volvo C70 is destined to remain a front-driver.
Stability and traction control systems are standard, as are new door-mounted side-curtain airbags that inflate upward in the event of an accident. Rollover bars, part of Volvo’s Rollover Protection System (ROPS), behind the rear seats rise up during a rollover or rear impact. The three-panel roof system is constructed of steel, and active front headrests are standard.
Driving Impressions
Driving Impressions All in all, there’s enough power under the 2006 Volvo C70’s aluminum hood, but a juiced up version (for the record, there are no plans for a racier R model anytime soon, if ever) would help the Volvo rise to equal or better competitors from BMW and Audi.
When Ford Mustangs are pushing 300 ponies and even Hyundai Sonatas are putting out as much as 235 horsepower, a premium convertible with fewer than 220 horses may not sound terribly impressive. And, in fact, the 2006 Volvo C70’s 218 horsepower at 5,000 rpm is a little less than exhilarating, though 236 lb.-ft. of torque rolling on as low as 1,500 rpm adds some needed punch to off-the-line performance. After getting past the initial dead spot behind the accelerator, the driver doesn’t really feel any increase in power until about 1,800 rpm, but once the turbocharger gets the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine worked up the C70 moves out with decent authority and minimal torque-steer. With the tach needle spinning higher and higher, the inline five resonates with its inherent groan, while not exactly as intoxicating as the rumble of a V8, and has a certain appeal in this application. All in all, there’s enough power under the C70’s aluminum hood, but a juiced up version (for the record, there are no plans for a racier R model anytime soon, if ever) would help the Volvo rise to equal or better competitors from BMW and Audi. Though the new C70 has 26 fewer ponies than the 2004 model it replaces, Volvo claims that the 2.5-liter engine, with its maximum torque available at a lower rpm, actually offsets the lower horsepower by providing a more immediate response, just what most drivers want when bolting from one red light to the next.
For managing the C70’s power, buyers can opt for the standard six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic to get the front wheels rolling. Enthusiasts will want the manual, which features a light-effort clutch, fairly short throws, and a comfortable shift knob, though rowing through the gears feels a bit rubbery. Nonetheless, we had a blast flicking the tranny between second and third gears as we jumped on any opportunity to flog the Volvo on the twisty and tourist-congested Hana Highway. The optional five-speed automatic provides clean, almost seamless shifts, and offered nary a hint of hunting during the ascent up the winding roads of Haleakala National Park. Pushing the shifter to the right allows for manual shifts, but there’s no real fun here as there’s a lengthy delay before the gears actually change.
If the ride up Haleakala was a test for the transmission, the 38-mile descent provided a good look at brake performance, as did the frequent sudden stops behind flatlanders mindlessly halting mid-road for a deer-in-the-headlights gaze at yet another waterfall. In both instances, the four-wheel antilock disc setup worked flawlessly, offering consistent and measurable feedback and exhibiting no fade.
Considering the law-limited speed on Maui seems to be 45 mph, and the abundance of aforementioned stop-and-crawl tourists, there was plenty of time to casually move along and evaluate the 2006 Volvo C70’s ride. Though not as stiff as a BMW, the C70 feels tight and secure, providing a good balance between comfort and impressive handling. The steering is a touch vague and could do a better job of relaying road feel, but pot holes and irregular pavement are well-absorbed and offer little intrusion into the cabin. Issues like body roll and understeer were hard to fully gauge at our relatively slow speeds, but a few quick corners indicated that all was in check.
That leaves a few points specific to convertibles that require discussion, the first being cowl shake. Put simply, the 2006 Volvo C70 is about as tight as convertibles get, with almost no shake or vibration while driving with the top down and the feeling that you’re driving a genuine hardtop with the roof raised. And aside from raindrops sounding like missiles as they land on the steel panels overhead, the interior is surprisingly quiet. Visibility, often a touchy subject when it comes to drop tops, is better than most if not all soft tops thanks to the large rear glass panel and expansive side glass. Demerits are given for small side mirrors, obtrusive rear headrests, and a rising rear beltline that makes backing up without doing damage a challenge – $400 for the rear parking sensor may be well worth it, especially considering that fancy hardtop is stacked tightly in the trunk.
FAQs
FAQs The 2006 Volvo C70 is smaller than the model it replaces, carries a lower equipped price than most of its competitors, and is sure to lure shoppers with its nifty retractable top and sleek styling.
In terms of size, how does the 2006 Volvo C70 compare to the 2004 model?
Though it’s more than 300 pounds heavier, the 2006 Volvo C70 is a smaller car than the previous model. It has lost about an inch in height, more than five inches in length, an inch in the wheelbase, an inch of front headroom, more than two inches of rear headroom, and about an inch of rear legroom. Gains include about an inch in front and rear track width, and about an inch in front legroom.
How does the 2006 Volvo C70’s price compare to its key competitors?
When comparably equipped, the 2006 Volvo C70 is a few thousand dollars more than a Saab 9-3 Linear convertible, and about a grand more than an Audi A4 1.8T Cabriolet – but both of those cars have soft tops rather than a retractable hardtop like the Volvo. The C70 does come in lower than the BMW 325 and 330 convertibles, Saab 9-3 Aero convertible, and Audi A4 3.0 convertible.
What are the 2006 Volvo C70’s main selling points?
That retractable hardtop is one slick piece of work – while it takes more time to raise and lower than we’d like, it does so seamlessly with the simple touch of a button, and allows for beautiful styling as a coupe or a convertible. The styling, combining sex appeal with a conservative touch, is also a strong point, as is the simple yet contemporary interior design.
Specifications
Specifications Competitors for the 2006 Volvo C70 include the Audi A4 Cabriolet, BMW 3 Series Convertible, and the Saab 9-3 Convertible
Test Vehicle: 2006 Volvo C70
Base Price: $39,405 (including a $695 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder
Engine Horsepower: 218 at 5,000 rpm
Engine Torque: 236 lb.-ft. at 1,500 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Curb Weight, lbs. : 3,772
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway) : N/A
Observed Fuel Economy: 20.9 mpg
Length: 180.4 inches
Width: 71.7 inches
Wheelbase: 103.9 inches
Height: 55.1 inches
Legroom (front/rear): 42.3/33.9 inches
Headroom (front/rear): 38.2/36.4 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Four
Max. Cargo Volume: 12.8 cubic feet with top up; 6.0 cubic feet with top down Competitors: Audi A4 Cabriolet, BMW 3 Series Convertible, Saab 9-3 Convertible
Photos courtesy of Volvo Cars North America