Volvo C70 D5 : OIL'S SLICK IN THE OPEN C

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There was a time when diesel convertibles were supplied with ear defenders and a gas mask in the glovebox. Not any more. Steve Walker tries Volvo's C70 D5â€¦

The very concept of a diesel-powered convertible car was a big no no until relatively recently. Then came the diesel revolution fuelled by new technology which added cleanliness and refinement to the oil-burning engine's list of qualities. Today, most buyers wouldn't think twice about driving a drop-top that drinks from the black pump. In fact, in the case of cars like Volvo's languid C70 convertible, the diesel option may well be preferable to good old unleaded.

Small convertibles are all about exhilaration and adrenaline but Volvo's C70 is very much a big convertible. The car majors on luxury and relaxed style: it's high street cruiser rather than B-road bruiser. As a result, the C70 and Volvo's 178bhp 2.4-litre D5 diesel engine look a good match - on paper at least. The D5 is common-rail turbo diesel with a five cylinder configuration. The 178bhp output indicates strong performance and the 0-60mph sprint of 8.8s is very rapid for a vehicle of the C70's bulk but it's the engine's hefty torque output that defines its on-road character. A muscular 350Nm is generated between 1,750 and 3,250Nm and this endows the car with strong and instantly available acceleration across a wide range of engine speeds. It also helps the D5 work nicely with its 5-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The gearbox doesn't have to work hard to keep the engine on the boil and it all adds to the tranquil atmosphere inside the C70. The car produces a 38.7mpg combined fuel economy figure and CO2 emissions are pegged at 193g/km. If you don't need all that power, have a lower budget and want to improve emissions, a four cylinder 136bhp 2.0D diesel version is on offer priced from around £26,000. 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.

"This car majors on luxury and relaxed styleâ€¦"

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. 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 it will double the sales of its predecessor, which shifted 7,000 units in 2004 - its best ever sales year - with 1,500 of those being accounted for by the UK, the C70's second biggest market after the US. The D5 is expected to account for around 35% of Volvo C70 sales across the three trim levels. Buyers can select from Sport, SE or SE Lux models at prices that range from £29,695 to £33,170. 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 D5 diesel engine is well suited to the C70's relaxed character with its abundant torque making for effortless cruising and decent straight-line performance. The C70 D5 is an understated choice that does the things a big convertible should do with some aplomb.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Volvo C70 D5
PRICES: £29,695-£33,170 - on the road
CO2 EMISSIONS: 193g/km
INSURANCE GROUP: 16
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 140mph/ 0-60mph 8.8s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 28mpg / (extra urban) 49.6mpg / (combined) 38.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and IC airbags, ABS, SIPS WILL IT FIT INTO YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4582/1820/1410mm