Driving Impressions

Volvo's C70 Convertible feels silky smooth with the standard Low Pressure Turbo engine. This 190-horsepower engine provides a broad power band. When cruising around, it delivers robust throttle response at any engine speed. It feels powerful, in other words. Punch it, and the Convertible accelerates quickly and smoothly, with no time spent waiting for the turbo to spool. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph takes less than 8 seconds and the car boasts a top speed of 130 mph. When equipped with the more powerful High Pressure Turbo engine, the C70 Convertible and Coupe boast excellent acceleration performance. The automatic transmission is responsive, shifting down quickly to the appropriate gear with the precision you would expect in finely engineered machinery. The suspension provides sharp handling response. This car has that feel of a fine European sports sedan. The driver immediately feels connected to the car and to the road, which instills confidence in corners. The optional traction control system enhances control in slippery conditions. The brakes are built to match the C70's potential for speed: They provide good pedal feel and did not fade while descending steep grades. The Convertible does a good job of managing the wind. Even in light snow high, we were able to keep the top down with only the slightest intrusion of moisture. There is a fair amount of cowl shake, however, a trade-off with the less-rigid body of the convertible. When it began to snow more heavily, we pulled to the side of the road, set the parking brake and pushed the button to put the top up. A half-minute later, it was safely anchored to the reinforced window frame and we were back on the road.

Final Word

Whether Coupe or Convertible, the Volvo C70 is a stylish car. While Volvo has maintained its reputation for safety, the C70 led the company away from its traditionally stodgy, boxy look in favor of a fresher image. More than any other model in its lineup, the sporty and free-spirited C70 Convertible represents the winds of change blowing through the company.