2008 VOLVO C70 In a way the Volvo C70 could qualify as a hybrid, as it’s a hardtop convertible that looks like a coupe when the roof is in place. The C70 shares many of the elements of the S40/V50 duo, notably its platform and power train, but it is a bit longer and slightly wider. This front-wheel-drive is offered in one trim level, T5, which indicates it is powered by a five-cylinder turbo engine. Interior and trunk This being a low vehicle, some flexibility is required to get in and out, especially when the roof is in place. As is almost always the case with Volvo the front seats are very comfortable. Both seats have adjustable lumbar support via a knob that is too close to the centre console and hard to access. For tall individuals, headroom is adequate and legroom is generous. Drivers enjoy a very good driving position. Entering and exiting the rear necessitates a great deal of flexibility. The seat is comfortable for two no more than average-size adults, as headroom and legroom are limited. Luggage space is good when the roof is in place but very tight with the roof retracted into the trunk. In either case it’s best to travel with soft-sided bags to take advantage of all available space. The trunk lid opens wide and, of course, you can always use the backseat for luggage when just two are travelling. Convenience and safety features Even though cabin finish is very good and the quality of materials is good, there were rattles in our test vehicle whether the roof was up or not. The cabin is well soundproofed. Storage spaces are barely adequate in terms of total capacity. All it takes to transform from coupe to convertible and back is to push a button and wait about 30 seconds. It’s as simple and effortless as that. Gauges and controls are sensibly laid out, except for the turn signal and windshield wiper levers that are too close to the wheel and too easy to bump, especially when wearing winter gloves. Some radio and climate control buttons are a tad small. Everything is illuminated at night. The climate control system lacks power: you have to set this system at 18°C to obtain the cool air that most others deliver when set at 20°C. Safety equipment includes six airbags (two front, two side, and two curtain airbags integrated into the doors), four head restraints, the WHIPS whiplash protection system, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and skid control. Visibility is good in all directions except to the rear, when backing up, making it difficult to judge distances. The two rear head restraints are suitable only for people of average height or less. The headlights lack intensity and especially range in the low-beam position. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the C70 a Good rating, its highest, for driver protection in an offset frontal collision and for all-occupant protection in case of a side or a rear impact. Engine and transmission The 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo engine pumps out 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, enough to power the vehicle quite easily and provide relatively energetic acceleration and pickup. This engine is more about suppleness and smoothness than raw power, due in large part to the generous torque available between 1500 and 5000 rpm. As torque is produced at low rpm’s, there is practically no turbo lag. You have to watch for torque steer when accelerating hard out of a curve. This engine meets ULEV 2 ultra-low emissions vehicle standards. The six-speed manual transmission is easy and pleasant to use as well as precise. Gearing is well spaced. Clutch engagement is progressive and a bit firm. On the road The four-wheel independent suspension provides a very smooth ride. In fact, it is silky smooth except on some bumpy surfaces where the 45-profile tires can hammer down a bit and set off a firm reaction. Road holding is more than adequate but this Volvo won’t worry a BMW. In fact, it is more at home on the highway or on a winding road driven at moderate speeds than on a racetrack. Behind the wheel this car has a solid feel. The power steering is very well tuned, stable, precise and relatively quick. It sends back some road feel. The turning circle is a bit wide. Braking is powerful, with good fade resistance. Inspection An inspection of the C70 at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre showed that its sturdy platform is well protected against corrosion. The emergency brake design is good. However, the wiper fluid tank, which holds 6.5 litres, is on the left front of the engine compartment, which is not the safest for roadside fill-ups. The overhead camshafts are chain driven. Conclusion The C70 is a comfortable vehicle that is fun to drive twelve months a year. Of course, you have to respect that it is meant more for tripping around than for a slalom competition. Front-wheel drive and a hardtop make winter driving a breeze, and in summer, popping the top takes just 30 seconds. PROS: smooth ride, comfortable seats, pleasant manual transmission, well-turned steering, smooth engine, hard convertible top CONS: weak air conditioning, low-beams lack power, tight trunk capacity with top down, rear access, wiper lever too close to steering wheel, limited headroom in back 2008 VOLVO C70 Engine: 20-valve, 2.5-litre 5-cylinder Horsepower: 227 hp at 5,000 rpm Torque: 236 lb-ft from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: 264 cm Length: 458.2 cm Width: 202.5 cm (with mirrors) Height: 140 cm Weight: 1,731 kg Tires: 235/45R17; 235/40R18 Maximum towing capacity: 900 kg Airbags: dual front, plus two side and two curtain airbags Fuel consumption with manual transmission: Natural Resources Canada rating: City: 11.3 L/100 km (25mpg) Highway: 7.3 L/100 km (38 mpg) Test result: 9.5 L/100 km (30 mpg) Test temperature: 16°C to 28°C CO2 emissions: 4,608 kg/20,000 km Fuel tank capacity: 60 litres Fuel requirement: premium grade gasoline Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 8.3 seconds 60–100 km/h: 5.7 seconds Competition: Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz CLK, Saab 9-3, Volkswagen Eos Warranty: Full basic coverage: 4 years/80,000 km Powertrain: 4 years/80,000 km Surface corrosion: 1 year/20,000 km Perforation damage: 12 years/unlimited km Emissions control system: 4 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system). Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $721 Front brake disc: $118 Brake pads: $108 Muffler: $518 Front fender: $509 Price according to trim level: $56,795 Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,500 Premium Group: $2,850 DynAudio Group: $2,250 Sport Package: $5,000 Navigation Group: $2,500 Price as tested: $61,895 Freight and preparation: $1,615 Dealers: Quebec: 13 Canada: 56 © August 2008. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec .