21/10/2019
Volvo C70 folding metal roofVolvo C70 convertibleVolvo C70 roof folding downVolvo C70 interiorDriving the Volvo C70Volvo C70 roof down frontVolvo C70 roof down rearVolvo C70 corneringVolvo C70 rear cornering3.5 star Volvo C70
To our eyes, the new Volvo C70 is much more successfully styled than some recent coupé-convertibles, with none of the dumpiness around the rear three-quarter that afflicts the Peugeot 307 CC, say.
Volvo claims that it first designed the C70 as a coupé, only setting out to make it a hard-roofed convertible later. And it shows. If there’s a downside to this approach, it’s that the C70’s boot space is limited when the roof is stowed.
Although it has a fairly large load area of 404 litres with the hood up, lower the roof and maximum space falls to just 200 litres. Worse still, access to that space is through a narrow gap beneath the C70’s loadbay divider. This must be locked into position to separate the boot into two spaces; one for luggage, one for the roof mechanism. Lowering the roof turns a spacious, wide and deep boot into something suitable only for a couple of squashy bags.
The roof mechanism has been, as with so many coupé-convertible models, developed in conjunction with Italian design house Pininfarina. In the C70’s case, it’s a three-piece item – one comprising the rear window and surrounds, with the two other pieces making up the lengthy roof. To raise or lower the roof you just have to press a button on the centre console: one for up, one for down. The operation takes about 30 seconds either way.
The C70 is a full four-seater, so the roof is longer than that of a 2+2 coupé-cabriolet. With so much of the structure unable to boost structural strength with the roof down, it is an enormous challenge to retain rigidity in the bodyshell.
Volvo C70 folding metal roofVolvo C70 convertibleVolvo C70 roof folding downVolvo C70 interiorDriving the Volvo C70Volvo C70 roof down frontVolvo C70 roof down rearVolvo C70 corneringVolvo C70 rear cornering3.5 star Volvo C70
Interior fit and finish is beyond criticism in the C70, but, although the cabin materials are respectable, some plastics and switches lack the extra edge of classiness or softness to cut it at the premium level. At first, it appears sparsely trimmed, but study it and you appreciate the clean sweep of the fascia, the subtle deployment of aluminium décor and Volvo's trademark floating console.
As with so many Volvos, though, it manages an ‘almost-premium’ feel without being totally convincing. The ergonomics are as good as we’ve come to expect from Volvo and the cabin’s lighting is wonderfully seductive.
The driving position is excellent, and there’s a huge range of adjustment on both the seat and steering wheel. The pedals are well spaced and nicely weighted, and the minor controls are well laid out. Due to the harshness of Scandinavian winters, Volvo develops switchgear to be easily operated by gloved hands.
Passengers, meanwhile, will find that there’s adequate space for two adults in the back, but legroom is a touch limited, and it feels a bit claustrophobic with the roof in place. With it shut, wind and road noise are kept to acceptable coupé-like levels. With it open, there’s little buffeting should you be in a front seat, even at motorway speeds, and an acceptable amount in the rear.
