Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 75%

Historians are likely to look back on 2006 as the year of the coupe cabriolet – so what of Volvo’s effort with the previously soft-topped C70?

Well don’t go expecting it to fade into the background. This is a Volvo that turns heads!

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks

People don’t generally choose Volvos for visual pizzazz. And while the C70 is subtle, we reckon it has more personality than most of the Swedish manufacturer’s range. Our black model turned more heads than our Volvos usually do, which may be down to rarity value or the fact it combines grown-up Merc looks at the rear with a much less daunting front end. We liked it.  Look at me looks but in a nice way.
9/10

2. Looks inside

The all new Volvo C70 (it’s the first to benefit from a retractable hard-top) shares the floating console with other models in the range, and like them, the coupe convertible has a pleasing Zen-like calm to its interior. The display is easy on the eye, red needles and pale green lights and an unfussy steering wheel featuring only the stereo and cruise controls. Just as it should be.  There are central cupholders for front and rear though these can be covered to avoid looking like the comfy seats at your local Odeon.
8/10

3. Practicality

The downside of many of the new hard-top convertibles is the boot-space sacrificed. Not so the C70. Admittedly with the roof down there is just 200 litres of boot space but keep your lid on and there’s a little over double the volume. We found it more than enough to cope with the temptations of the Sainsbury’s hypermarket. However, one annoyance, managing to twice catch the reviewer’s bonce on the boot catch while the boot was raised. Owners will get used to this but watch out when you first get one.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling

The C70 feels like a luxury car. OK, it’s not a roadster, but it doesn’t just feel like a saloon with a lid off. The ride is perfectly comfortable and would stand up to motorway driving as well as being small enough so as not to feel unwieldy in town. The handling could be a little disconcerting when accelerating but we think this is a car more suited to cruising than thrashing.
 6/10

5. Performance

Our T5 automatic geartronic model hits 60mph after 7.4 seconds and boasts a top speed of 146mph. The manual version just shades it with 0-60mph in 7 seconds and a top speed of 150mph. There are three models to choose from, the 2.4litre, T5 and D5 models. Acceleration through the gears has enough oomph to make it feel sporty though there is some delay after you’ve put your foot down.
7/10

6. Running Costs

The model we drove travels a reasonable 31 miles per gallon on average, though this is cut to just over 21 miles per gallon in town.  The insurance is not to be sniffed at with 17E likely to make a bit of a dent in your wallet while car tax for the model we drove comes to £210 a year. The warranty covers the first 60,000 miles or first  three years whichever comes first while service intervals occur after one year or 60,000 miles, whichever is completed first. Owners also get a year’s worth of Volvo Assistance cover in the event of a breakdown. Hopefully, Volvo’s well-earned reputation for reliability should mean you don’t have to call them.
6/10

7. Reliability

The C70 is an all new model so no reports as yet on its reliability. According to our Reliability Index, its predecessor performed averagely with the axle and suspension accounting for almost half of all problems. Electrical faults were responsible for a further quarter.
7/10

8. Safety

Even non-petrol heads know Volvo means safety and the C70 is no exception. The large number of acronyms should be enough to scare off most dangers as each model boasts ABS (Antilock Brakes), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and EBA (Electronic Brake Assistance), DSTC ( Dynamic Stability and Traction Control). And on it goes.  There are no EuroNCAP results as yet but a betting man would have his money on the C70 doing well.
7/10

9. Equipment

More equipment than you could shake a stick at. Our top of the range SE Lux  featured cruise control, front and rear powered windows, electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat, 18 inch alloy wheels and rain sensors as well as a splendid Dynaudio Premium Sound System with 12 (count ‘em TWELVE) speakers. It sounds good.
9/10

10. X-Factor

Looks. Volvo’s don’t usually turn heads but this one does and we reckon it is the contrast of serious and fun styling which should make it appeal to men and women equally rather than aiming at either gender’s wallet.
8/10

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