Volvo C70 2.0D : C70 SENSE

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Volvo's only four cylinder C70 could be the one to have. Jonathan Crouch on the 2.0D variantâ€¦.

It wasn't very long ago that the concept of a diesel-powered convertible was a very foreign one. How things have changed. Now, the best diesel drop-tops are usually preferable to their petrol-powered counterparts. Volvo's C70 is a case in point. The variant to have in this line-up is the 178bhp D5 version. The only problem is that you'll need a £30,000 budget to own one. Better then perhaps to consider the 136bhp 2.0D variant for which you'll need a much more reasonable £26,000.

This 2.0D engine is used across almost every other model that Volvo makes but it's especially well suited to the C70, with plenty of lazy torque - 320Nm to be exact. You can expect a top speed of 127mph and 0 to 62mph in 11 seconds. At the pumps, this older engine doesn't quite match up to its more powerful D5 stablemate, recordingÂ a 46.3mpg combined fuel consumption but CO2 emissions are much better at 161g/km. Like all Volvo C70s, this one is available in four trim levels - S, Sport, SE and SE Lux. Many owners will order their cars with Volvo's clever Powershift gearbox. Available on the 2.0D engine only, it reaches 0-60mph in 10.5 seconds, features a combined mpg of 44.8 and boasts a 167g/km CO2 figure. This Powershift six-speed unit features twin wet clutches to provide the gear changing comfort of a fully-automatic transmission with the performance of a manual gearbox. As well as offering gear changing comfort and high performance, Powershift also contributes to delivering improved fuel efficiency. The C70 is no slouch but it's not a particularly rewarding car to drive fast. The pleasure with the C70 is to be gleaned from folding that roof down and going for a leisurely cruise on a sunny day. The throttle response is quite lethargic and the steering isn't particularly sharp but wind-buffeting is minimal when the roof is stowed and engine noise is far from intrusive. Volvo's designers have done a commendable job of styling the C70. With the hood in place, you probably wouldn't guess that the car is capable of flipping its lid at all. The rear deck isn't overly long (the usual giveaway) and the roofline is smooth and beautifully integrated with the rest of the bodywork. The old C70 coupe used to sell within five seconds of customers clapping eyes on it and there's no reason to think this car will be any different. After all, many of the basic ingredients are much the same. The stance and proportioning are similar, it'll still sit four adults in comfort and it still adheres to Volvo's impeccably high safety standards. Volvo has developed the C70 to offer new standards of preventive and protective safety in the convertible market, the car includes an advanced body structure, greater torsional rigidity and several innovations that make it unique among open-top cars.

"This 2.0D engine is used across almost every other model that Volvo makes but it's especially well suited to the C70â€¦"

An example of this is the door-mounted Inflatable Curtain (IC), part of the C70's integrated Side Impact Protection System (SIPS). As the IC cannot be fitted in the roof, as with the rest of the Volvo range, it has been innovatively fitted in the door to inflate upwards instead of downwards. Volvo's safety engineers have also fine-tuned the IC to be extra stiff, so it can stay upright and help protect the head more effectively. In addition, the curtain then deflates more slowly to provide additional protection if the car rolls over. Volvo claim the C70 to be the only four-seater premium convertible with a folding steel roof and as such, the Swedes believe they've stolen an important march on any perceived competition. Indeed, top brass reckon that the range as a whole will continue to double the sales of its predecessor and that the UK will continue to be the C70's second biggest market after the US. The standard equipment levels on the C70 leave little cause for complaint. If the British weather does its worst and the hood has to remain in place, there's electronic climate control to fall back on. All models also receive cruise control, powered heated door mirrors, 17" alloy wheels and a good quality CD stereo. Over and above the Sport, the SE adds an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a powered driver's seat with memory functions, wood trim, leather upholstery, a CD autochanger and rain sensing wipers. The SE Lux lays on a cargo net, a ski bag, a powered passenger's seat, a further upgraded stereo, 18" alloys which look great but firm the ride-up considerably and folding door mirrors with lights to illuminate the ground as you exit the vehicle. The generous specifications are extremely well integrated in to the C70's high quality interior. Build quality is solid throughout and the controls are refreshingly easy to use without recourse to the owner's manual. The latest models feature a multi-function storage area between the front seats and a more compact handbrake design. In the C70, Volvo have produced an extremely well-executed luxury convertible with a beautifully unhurried feel to it. Buyers seeking real dynamism and sharp handling from their drop-top may need to look elsewhere but in terms of refinement, build quality, safety and style, the big Swede comes up trumps. The 2.0D diesel engine is well suited to the C70's relaxed character with its abundant torque making for effortless cruising and decent straight-line performance. Overall? Well the only four cylinder engine in the C70 line-up could well be the one to have.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Volvo C70 2.0D
PRICES: £25,995-£30,220 - on the road
CO2 EMISSIONS: 161g/km
INSURANCE GROUP: 15
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 127mph/ 0-60mph 11.0s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 46.3mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and IC airbags, ABS, SIPS WILL IT FIT INTO YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4582/1820/1410mm