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And it is getting in and out where other problems arise. The rear of the cabin loses quite a lot of space to roof mechanism, which surrounds the seats and form large shoulders either side. This means that rear seats are positioned somewhat inboard. The shoulders end at the door edge. Therefore, in order to get into the rear, the front seat has to be pushed forward, as explained and the passenger has to get between it and the bulk of the shoulder. Unfortunately, the 'in laws found it difficult and even quite agile passenger had a bit of trouble, especially when the roof was raised. Having said that, the frameless windows do make it easier.
Rear passengers also complained about the safety belts that pull out from the centre rather than the other way around. They said that they couldn't see to fasten it. Perhaps, because it was quite dark with the hood up.
The C70 is quite a big car. It looks and feels solid and so it should. The name Volvo is synonymous with safety and in a convertible such as this, it is even more important. Apart from the SIPS, Side Impact Protection System inside the chunky doors there is also WHIPS and ROPS. Far from being some strange practice, WHIPS is a whiplash protection system set into the seats. It activates if the car is hit from behind. ROPS stands for Rollover Protection System. It works by triggering two rear safety hoops when sensors detect imminent danger of rolling. Further protect is offered by the safety cage that surrounds the car under the skin. All of this adds weight and a comfortable feeling of safety.
Add to the above, the STC, anti-spin system and ABS with EBD and the C70 has to be one of the safest cars on the road. Stability is taken as read on fast bends and on motorways, the miles just disappear. As I have already said, the test car housed the 2.0T engine the other options for the 'Collection' are the 2.4T and the T5. The test car's performance figures are 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. The official fuel consumption figures stand at 20.9mpg for the urban cycle, 38.2mpg for the extra-urban and the combined is 29.1mpg. Following the Volvo, 'Clean inside and out' ethos, the CO2 emissions are 230g/km.
I haven't yet mentioned the luggage capacities. Boot space is quoted as 8.1cu ft but most of it is under the roof recess and quite difficult to get to, especially if you are short. A cargo net is also a must in order to stop escapee cans hiding in the farthest corners. Another must is to remove the detachable wind deflector when it is not in use, (you really don't need it) because it takes up valuable space. Apart from that, there is very little storage in the cabin save a lidded box on the central tunnel, between the seats and a smallish glovebox.
Despite the niggles, I liked the C70. I enjoyed the feeling of stability and, even though the 0-62 time is not breathtaking, the fact that the top was down most of the time and the underlying sporty nature of the car made it a very enjoyable week.
STATS
Price£26,578
Max speed130 mph
0-62mph 9.9seconds
Combined29.1 mpg
CO2230g/km
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