2010 Volvo C70 Review
Price
from: RM345,381
to: RM399,362
Installment
from: RM3,294/mth
to: RM3,809/mth
2010 Volvo C70 at a glance
There is much to like about the 2010 Volvo C70—from its sleek looks, the high-tech metal roof, the classy cabin, to the able engines. But the 2010 Volvo C70's only two metal-roof rivals drive better and make stronger cases overall.
2010 Volvo C70 quick specs
| Body Style | Convertible |
| Class | Compact Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2+2 |
2010 Volvo C70 ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The familiar Volvo design language is once again in place. The front and rear ends are minimally restyled from the Volvo S60's. While the minimalist interior styling featuring the stylish “floating” centre console is shared with the Volvo S40, Volvo V50 and Volvo C30. We reckon the 2010 Volvo C70 will be spending lots of time topless, so it is great that it looks sleek with the roof down, taking some attention away from the over-familiar Volvo front and rear ends.
Handling
Based on the platform that spawns the Ford Focus, Volvo S40, Volvo V50 and Volvo C30, the Volvo C70 is certainly competent, proving agile over twisty roads and stable on highways. The 2010 Volvo C70 grips on strongly and remains composed for the most parts, but the light steering lacks feel and body roll is more prominent than found in some rivals. The 2010 Volvo C70 is more comfortable cruising than tackling twisty roads, but some rivals are adept in both.
Comfort
Scuttle shake is not apparent, and minor bumps are well absorbed, but sharper bumps can send shudders through to the cabin. Refinement is good, as the metal roof keeps out wind and road noise well enough, and there is also minimal wind buffeting when the roof is down. The dashboard is dominated by the stylish “floating” centre console, which has clearly labelled but small controls, and a digital information display that could be sharper. Otherwise, the cosseting seats, ample adjustments and sound ergonomics make for an inviting cabin.
Quality + Reliability
The 2010 Volvo C70 feels built to last, carrying over the minimalist, classy interior from the Volvo S40, Volvo V50 and Volvo C30. The solid fit-and-finish are matched by appealing materials used. The cabin quality however still sits one notch below what premium rivals such as the BMW 3-Series Convertible are offering. The underlying mechanicals are proven and should remain reliable. Given the depth of Volvo's engineering, the complicated metal roof folding mechanism should also be trouble-free, although the roof has been known to rattle when in place.
Performance
Two refined in-line five-cylinder engines are available: a 2.4-litre with 168 bhp and 230 Nm; and a 2.5-litre turbocharged with 217 bhp and 320 Nm. Both are mated to a slick five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. On the roads, the 2.4-litre is punchy, but it is the more powerful T5 that impresses, thanks to massive pull from just 1500 rpm. The T5 C70 is quick, taking 8.0 seconds to complete the century sprint, while the 2.4i C70 needs two more seconds.
Roominess
The 2010 Volvo C70 is built around the driver and front passenger, and so the front is roomy, but the rear two seats are stingy on legroom, and are better left for smaller-sized adults or kids. With the roof in place, the 400-litre boot is well-sized against rivals'. The three-piece metal roof folds away in under 30 seconds. But because the metal roof takes up more space when folded than fabric roofs, the boot space is halved with the roof down.
Running Costs
The 2.4i and T5 return fuel economy of 10.4 km/litre and 10.2 km/litre respectively. Like for other luxury brands, servicing and repairs are costly. Volvo models normally tend to depreciate heavily compared to models from leading luxury brands like BMW, but we expect the relatively small number of Volvo C70s on the market to improve that situation. Still, BMW 3-Series Convertibles should hold their values even better.
Value for Money
There is much to like about the Volvo C70—from its sleek looks, the high-tech metal roof, the classy cabin, to the able engines. The 2010 Volvo C70 may edge out the soft-top Saab 9-3 Convertible in overall abilities and appeal, but pales when compared to the class-leader BMW 3-Series Convertible. The Volkswagen Eos beats the 2010 Volvo C70 in most aspects, too, and yet costs significantly less.
Equipment
The 2.4i gets 16" alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, leather steering wheel with audio/cruise control switches, 8-speaker audio system with 4x40W amplifier, 6-disc in-dash CD player, electronic climate control, power front seats with memory settings, retractable side mirrors and rear park assist. The T5 adds 17" alloy wheels, aluminium/leather steering wheel with controls, 12-speaker audio system with 5x130W amplifier, and rain sensor. The class-leading safety equipments include a full set of airbags, stability control and Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) among others.
Environment
The 2010 Volvo C70 is not “green” by any measure, but neither are rivals. Carbon dioxide emissions of 229 grams/km and 234 grams/km are lacklustre numbers, and so are the considerable fuel consumption figures. Topless style and “greenness” still do not coexist in the 2010 Volvo C70.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Sleek looks with roof down
High-tech metal roof
Classy cabin
Not fun to drive
Sharper bumps are felt vividly
Rivals make stronger cases
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