Most drivers will find that the 2013 Volvo C70 convertible looks great and performs flawlessly, whether the removable top is up or down. In this car, every trip is exhilarating for both passengers and passers-by.
With total practicality, comfortable seats and excellent styling, the Volvo C70 stands out from the competition. The beautiful exterior design, smooths out the structural lines that intrude awkwardly on the silhouettes of many hardtop convertibles. On the inside, the cabin is beautifully apportioned and offers very comfortable seats without sacrificing much room in the trunk.
The interior standard package of the T5 includes Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a trip computer, a telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate controls, an eight-speaker sound system, driver seat memory functions and eight way power front seats. The exterior carries fog lights, automatic wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, and a power retractable hardtop.
The available Premier Plus package offers rear parking sensors, keyless ignition, keyless entry and LED running lights. In addition to those features, the Platinum package provides a 14-speaker surround sound system and a navigation system. With the Inscription Edition, one can have unique 18-inch wheels, monogrammed floor mats and front seats, a leather covering for the dash, aluminum sport pedals, a more powerful engine, LED running lights, a sport steering wheel, adaptive xenon lights and a rear spoiler. The Climate package includes an automatic cabin air filter with heated front seats and the Dynamic package has a sport steering wheel, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The C70 sports a 2.5-liter inline-5 turbocharged engine capable of providing 236 pound-feet of torque and 227 horses. Equipping the Inscription Edition package brings a more powerful engine that raises the torque to 273 and the horsepower to 250. The standard options here are a five-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive.
Testing showed that the Inscription-equipped C70 accelerates to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Slightly lower than others in the class, the pickup is more than offset by the impressive fuel economy. Estimated at 19 miles per gallon in the city, 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 22 miles per gallon when combined, the C70 offers performance with fuel efficiency.
All C70 models come with active front head restraints, antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front seat curtain style airbags, front seat mounted side airbags and a rollover bar that automatically deploys. In tests, the C70 came to a halt in 133 feet from 60 mph.
The Swedish touch is obvious in the passenger cabin of the 2013 Volvo C70. The sleek design is accented with the trademark Volvo stack panel that seems to float between the center console and the dash. The effect is accentuated by the quality materials that include aluminum and wood trim along with the leather upholstery. The front seats conform to the body and the Platinum speakers provide sound quality unmatched by other convertibles.
The front seats are very spacious and there is ample legroom in the rear as compared to others in the segment. Volvo offers a generous 12.8 cubic foot truck already, only decreasing it down to 6.0 cubic feet with the top lowered. The trunk space is reduced slightly with the hardtop down, but this is a common with convertibles and compares favorably with competitors.
Most drivers will find the C70 to be a nearly perfect ride. The supple suspension cruises along and the airflow is well managed when the hardtop is down. This car is a pleasure to drive and to own and will turn heads from South Side to Preston Hollow.
The entire 2013 Volvo lineup can be seen at Park Place Volvo Dallas.