Model Overview: 2009 Volvo C70

07/01/2008

Volvo

The Volvo C70 continues to offer the best of both worlds. It's a modern convertible with classic proportions, four comfortable seats and a three-piece retractable hardtop. The C70 can be transformed seamlessly from a coupe into a convertible. With the touch of a button, the retractable hardtop folds away quickly and smoothly into the trunk. Apart from the flexibility offered by the retractable hardtop it also makes for a quieter, more comfortable coupe. The large rear window glass offers outstanding outward visibility and improves body rigidity.

For the 2009 model year the C70's sporty cabin receives aluminum inlays for the ultra-slim center control panel, door handle surrounds and gearshift knob. Those seeking to enhance the Scandinavian ambience can opt for the luxury of real wood with Nordic Light Oak inlays. The C70 ups the ante in the technology department with a standard Bluetooth hands-free phone interface. And the optional Volvo 40 gig HDD based navigation system with real time traffic information gains an improved driver interface, extended points of interest and a bird's eye view map with detailed intersection and building footprints. Volvo also breaks some new ground by including an included "Map Care" program that provides the owner with two map data updates, also included in the price of the system.

Driving pleasure excels in the C70 with its standard turbocharged T5 engine. Output for the 2.5-liter light-pressure turbo powerplant is 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm with torque at 236 lb.-ft. from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. The flat torque curve puts the power to the front wheels evenly and makes the car highly responsive. A performance-oriented six-speed manual gearbox is standard. All six forward gears are adapted to combine swift acceleration. The gearbox has triple synchros and a very distinct gear-change feel. A five-speed "Geartronic" micro-processor controlled automatic with "Auto-stick" function is optional.

The C70 is designed to accommodate four adults. The two rear seats have comfortably angled backrests and generous width across the supportive cushions. Like all Volvo cars, the front seats are ergonomically shaped. With a push of a button on the backrest, the front seats move quickly forward to facilitate entry to the rear seat. To more easily accept cargo when the roof is in the stowed position, the Volvo C70 comes standard with Load Assist. At the touch of a trunk-mounted button, the entire roof assembly is lifted several inches, increasing the size of the opening to allow for small tote bags to be dropped into the trunk.

As a Volvo, the C70 is fitted with an impressive roster of safety features. An important part of side impact and rollover protection is the Inflatable Curtain (IC). In the C70 it has been given a unique design. The curtain has an extra stiff construction with double rows of slats that are slightly offset from each other. This allows them to remain upright and offer effective head protection even with the window open. The curtain also deflates slowly to provide protection should the car roll over. This is a unique solution in the automotive world, and a world first for a four-passenger convertible.

Audio systems for the C70 have been developed to offer high-class sound reproduction with the top up or down. The standard high performance system features a 4 x 40 watt amplifier and eight speakers. Those seeking the ultimate audio experience will find it in the optional Dynaudio(R) Premium Sound system. It features an amazing total output of 910 watts of power, plus Dolby(R) Pro Logic II Surround Sound and 14 speakers, including dual eight-inch subwoofers.