Volvo C70 (2010 – 2013) Review
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Volvo C70 (2010 – 2013) At A Glance
Refined open-top cruiser with a metal folding roof. Classy interior design. Sharper looks after 2010 facelift. Strong diesel engines including D5.
Steering lacks feel. Firm ride. Boot space difficult to get to with the roof down.
The C70 is arguably Volvo's most stylish and desirable model and it's easy to see why. It's a well built and comfortable convertible but rather than using a traditional fabric roof, it features a neat metal folding roof which means it's as comfortable in the winter with the roof up as it is in the summer, when you can enjoy open-air driving.
This 2010 Volvo C70 isn't strictly new, as you'll have guessed from the pictures - it's a facelifted version of the model that was first launched in 2006. The changes are most noticeable at the front, which now has a much sharper look with angular headlights giving the C70 a sleeker appearance overall.
It's not just the exterior that's been revised either in the Volvo C70, the interior has been subtly upgraded but retains the minimalist and clean design that's become a trademark of modern Volvos. This is certainly a model designed for relaxed cruising, rather than enthusiastic driving and that's quickly evident on the move. In corners it feels soft, yet ironically the ride can be too firm, which is most noticeable on poor quality roads, such as city streets.
It's not quite in the same league as the BMW 3 Series Convertible, but the Volvo C70 still has much to recommend it, including a good range of engines and a high quality, stylish interior.
Reviews for Volvo C70 (2010 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
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Volvo C70 (2010 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from D3 Geartronic to T5
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 19–55 mpg
There are two diesel and two petrol engines in the Volvo C70 range but the most economical is the 2.0D - a four-cylinder engine (the rest are all five-cylinder engines) with 136bhp and average fuel economy of 47.1mpg. It's certainly strong enough in the C70, helped by a healthy 320Nm of torque which makes it ideal for relaxed motorway driving and for easy overtaking, plus it's available with the newer Powershift gearbox (shared with Ford). This is a twin-clutch gearbox similar to Volkswagen's DSG system and it's very impressive with extremely fast and smooth gear changes.
The other diesel is the well proven D5 - the 2.4-litre diesel that's used across the Volvo range. It has 180bhp in the C70 and although it's not as smooth or refined as newer diesel engines, it's still very punchy with plenty of character, accelerating from 0-62mph in a brisk 9.0 seconds.
The petrols work well in the Volvo C70 too with the smaller engine a 2.4-litre with 170bhp, however it lacks the torque of the other engines so has to be worked quite hard to get meaningful pace. The T5 is the top of the range choice. The T in the name denotes the fact that it's turbocharged and this results in an impressive power figure of 230bhp from the 2.5-litre unit. It sounds great, especially on start-up and manages 0-62mph in just 7.6 seconds. Economy is fairly poor though at 41.7mpg.
In May 2010 the range was overhauled with new engines and new names. There's a new five-cylinder 2.0D which comes in two different versions - one with 150bhp, which is badged D3, while the more powerful 177bhp version is named D4. Both are cleaner than the old 2.0D with economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 154g/km. The T5 engine is still available but the D5 was dropped from the line-up (effectively replaced by the D4) along with the 2.4-litre petrol.
On the road the C70 is easy and comfortable to drive, but not particularly exciting. The steering is quite light and feels strangely artificial, while potholes and bumps transmit themselves through the steering column. On the plus side, the driving position is good with plenty of reach adjustment and there's very little noise from the road or tyres.
In corners it's composed enough, but there's a fair amount of roll and it's not especially agile. Volvo hasn't changed anything under the skin from the 2006 Volvo C70, so if you're thinking of upgrading and expect big changes, you may be disappointed. The body of the C70 is stiff to make up for the fact that it's a convertible, but that has the adverse effect of making it feel almost too firm and quite crashy over bumpy roads. It's much happier as a relaxed cruiser.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 D | 47 mpg | 11.0 s | 158 g/km |
| 2.4i | 31 mpg | 9.1 s | 215 g/km |
| D3 | 44–48 mpg | 10.8–10.9 s | 154–169 g/km |
| D3 Geartronic | 44 mpg | 10.9 s | 169 g/km |
| D4 | 44–48 mpg | 9.8–9.9 s | 154–169 g/km |
| D4 Geartronic | 44 mpg | 9.9 s | 169 g/km |
| D5 | 43 mpg | 9.0 s | 174 g/km |
| T5 | 31–32 mpg | 7.6 s | 209–217 g/km |
| T5 Geartronic | 30 mpg | 8.0 s | 219 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Volvo C70 (2010 – 2013)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
94%
Real MPG
19–55 mpg
MPGs submitted
114
Volvo C70 (2010 – 2013) interior
- Boot space is 200–404 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4582–4615 mm |
| Width | 1820–1847 mm |
| Height | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm |
The interior of the C70 is similar to other Volvo models with a clean and stylish look that's become somewhat of a trademark for the brand. It has a very Swedish feel to it too, with some neat details and a very simple, yet functional design.
The main instrument panel has been redesigned to give it a wider, sleeker look with an improved finish. The surface has a new texture too that adds to the quality feel plus there's the thin 'floating' centre stack, another unique Volvo design. There's plenty of scope to personalise the interior of the C70 too with a range of different seat materials and colours, while the centre console comes in aluminium, a lovely Nordic light oak or a new Oyster Burst finish.
The quality is very good and everything has a high-quality feel to it, especially the incredibly cossetting seats. The Volvo C70 is a decent four-seater too with enough room in the back for adults (for shorter journeys anyway), although if you have a taller driver or front passenger, you'll find it a squeeze as the with the seats slid all the way back, there's virtually zero legroom in the back.
The boot could be better too. It's very spacious with the roof up with 404 litres of carrying capacity roof-up, but drop the top and this is cut to 200 litres. That in itself isn't bad, but getting to the space is made very tricky as the roof sits right in the way. However, to help, the folded roof can be electrically lifted slightly plus there's a ski hatch to transport longer objects. Like skis.
If you have the optional sat nav, it uses a neat screen which flips up from the dash top, although to work the system, you have to use a remote control and it's not a very intuitive system compared to those form Audi or BMW for instance. Setting the sat nav with the remote control is a pain too - it would be much easier with a dash mounted control or buttons.
Equipment from launch (January 2010):
S gets ECC (Electronic Climate Control), 16-inch alloy wheels, DSTC, front fog lights, electric windows, a trip computer, cruise control, a performance sound system with a CD stereo, floor mats, Bauxite trim and Borgholm upholstery. Safety is a key element too and all C70 models get dual stage driver and passenger airbags, Volvo's SIPS (side impact protection system), plus ROPS (rollover protection system) and door-mounted inflatable curtain airbags.
SE adds Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, Haverdal leather upholstery, aluminium trim, rain sensing wipers and a high-performance CD stereo with eight speakers and 4x40 W amplifier.
SE Lux includes power folding door mirrors including ground lights, a power drivers seat, leather upholstery and active bending lights with a headlamp cleaning system.
There is also an additional Premium specification on any engine in SE and SE Lux trim levels which includes the addition of leather upholstery and satellite navigation.
ES (from May 2010) is the entry-level trim and replaces the S specification. It includes all the same features and safety systems.
Volvo C70 (2010 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4582–4615 mm |
| Width | 1820–1847 mm |
| Height | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1699–1785 kg |
| Boot Space | 200–404 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12500–18000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £25,448–£39,545 |
| Insurance Groups | 28–38 |
| Road Tax Bands | G–K |
| Official MPG | 30.1–47.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until July 2013
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| D3 SE 2dr | £32,560 | 47.9 mpg | 10.8 s |
| D3 SE Geartronic 2dr Auto | £34,045 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| D3 SE Lux 2dr | £34,310 | 47.9 mpg | 10.8 s |
| D3 SE Lux Geartronic 2dr Auto | £35,795 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| D3 SE Lux Solstice 2dr | £36,060 | 47.9 mpg | 10.8 s |
| D3 SE Lux Solstice Geartronic 2dr Auto | £37,545 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| D4 SE 2dr | £33,410 | 47.9 mpg | 9.8 s |
| D4 SE Geartronic 2dr Auto | £34,895 | 44.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
| D4 SE Lux 2dr | £35,160 | 47.9 mpg | 9.8 s |
| D4 SE Lux Geartronic 2dr Auto | £36,645 | 44.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
| D4 SE Lux Solstice 2dr | £36,910 | 47.9 mpg | 9.8 s |
| D4 SE Lux Solstice Geartronic 2dr Auto | £38,395 | 44.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
| T5 SE Lux Geartronic 2dr Auto | £39,295 | 30.1 mpg | 8.0 s |
| T5 SE Lux Solstice Geartronic 2dr Auto | £39,545 | 30.1 mpg | 8.0 s |
On sale until April 2012
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| D3 ES 2dr | £29,805 | 47.9 mpg | 10.8 s |
| D3 ES Geartronic 2dr Auto | £31,290 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| D3 SE Inscription 2dr | £33,855 | 47.9 mpg | 10.8 s |
| D3 SE Inscription Geartronic 2dr Auto | £35,340 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| D4 SE Inscription 2dr | £34,645 | 47.9 mpg | 9.8 s |
| D4 SE Inscription Geartronic 2dr Auto | £36,130 | 44.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until April 2010
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| D3 (150ps) SE Lux Premium | £32,795 | 47.9 mpg | 10.8 s |
| D3 (150ps) SE Lux Premium Auto | £34,245 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| D3 (150ps) SE Premium | £31,895 | 47.9 mpg | 10.8 s |
| D3 (150ps) SE Premium Auto | £33,345 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| D4 (177ps) SE Lux Premium | £33,795 | 47.9 mpg | 9.8 s |
| D4 (177ps) SE Lux Premium Auto | £35,245 | 44.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
| D4 (177ps) SE Premium | £32,895 | 47.9 mpg | 9.8 s |
| D4 (177ps) SE Premium Auto | £34,345 | 44.1 mpg | 9.9 s |
| T5 SE Lux Geartronic Premium Auto | £36,130 | 30.1 mpg | 8.0 s |
On sale until January 2010
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0D S | £26,995 | 47.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 2.0D S Auto | £26,995 | - | - |
| 2.0D SE | £29,345 | 47.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 2.0D SE Auto | £29,345 | - | - |
| 2.0D SE Lux | £30,595 | 47.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 2.0D SE Lux Auto | £30,595 | - | - |
| 2.0D SE Lux Premium | £31,945 | 47.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 2.0D SE Lux Premium Auto | £31,945 | - | - |
| 2.0D SE Premium | £31,345 | 47.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 2.0D SE Premium Auto | £31,345 | - | - |
| 2.4i SE | £28,995 | 31.4 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 2.4i SE Auto | £28,995 | - | - |
| 2.4i SE Lux | £30,245 | 31.4 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 2.4i SE Lux Auto | £30,245 | - | - |
| 2.4i SE Lux Premium | £31,595 | 31.4 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 2.4i SE Lux Premium Auto | £31,595 | - | - |
| 2.4i SE Premium | £30,995 | 31.4 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 2.4i SE Premium Auto | £30,995 | - | - |
| D5 SE | £31,175 | 42.8 mpg | 9.0 s |
| D5 SE Auto | £31,175 | - | - |
| D5 SE Lux | £32,425 | 42.8 mpg | 9.0 s |
| D5 SE Lux Auto | £32,425 | - | - |
| D5 SE Lux Premium | £33,775 | 42.8 mpg | 9.0 s |
| D5 SE Lux Premium Auto | £33,775 | - | - |
| D5 SE Premium | £33,175 | 42.8 mpg | 9.0 s |
| D5 SE Premium Auto | £33,175 | - | - |
On sale until August 2009
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0D S Premium | £26,795 | 47.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 2.0D S Premium Auto | £26,795 | - | - |
| 2.0D Sport | £26,295 | 47.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 2.0D Sport Auto | £26,295 | - | - |
| 2.0D Sport Premium | £27,795 | 47.1 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 2.0D Sport Premium Auto | £27,795 | - | - |
| 2.4i Sport | £26,375 | 31.4 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 2.4i Sport Auto | £26,375 | - | - |
| 2.4i Sport Premium | £27,875 | 31.4 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 2.4i Sport Premium Auto | £27,875 | - | - |
| D5 Sport | £28,045 | 42.8 mpg | 9.0 s |
| D5 Sport Auto | £28,045 | - | - |
| D5 Sport Premium | £29,545 | 42.8 mpg | 9.0 s |
| D5 Sport Premium Auto | £29,545 | - | - |
| T5 Sport | £29,375 | 31.7 mpg | 7.6 s |
| T5 Sport Auto | £29,375 | - | - |
| T5 Sport Premium | £30,875 | 31.7 mpg | 7.6 s |
| T5 Sport Premium Auto | £30,875 | - | - |
On sale until December 2008
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.4i S | £25,448 | 31.4 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 2.4i S Auto | £25,448 | - | - |
| T5 SE | £30,762 | 31.0 mpg | 7.6 s |
| T5 SE Auto | £30,762 | - | - |
Model History
September 2009
Facelifted C70 unveiled
The facelifted Volvo C70 was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 2009 with a redesigned exterior and interior along with a choice of four engines. Production from November 2009 with deliveries from early 2010
The front of the new C70 takes inspiration from the S60 Concept that was unveiled in early 2009, thereby making the C70 more closely aligned with the design of the larger cars in the Volvo range. The front wings have been redesigned to give the nose a more distinct wedge-shape.
There are new headlamps which now have a more pronounced upward orientation, whilst more detail has been added around the fog lamps and the lower grille. A dramatic Flamenco Red Pearl colour has been introduced. The rear, high-tech LED lamps, as found on the XC60, are the most noticeable addition and the lamp unit is now clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70's rear panel.
The interior has also been given a refresh to create a more comfortable and luxury feel. The instrument panel has been redesigned to give it a wider, sleeker look with improved finish. The surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the quality feel. The seats have been upholstered in a new, softer hide offering all occupants a greater level of comfort.
Advanced engine and exhaust filtration means Volvo's engines combine high performance with low environmental impact. The Volvo C70 is available with the following petrol and diesel engines. The preliminary fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures apply to models with a manual gearbox running in the combined driving cycle.
2.4 D5: 180bhp/400Nm, 42.8mpg, 174g/km CO2
2.0D: 136bhp/320Nm, 47.1mpg, 158g/km
T5: 230bhp/320Nm, 31.7mpg, 209g/km
2.4i: 170bhp/230Nm, 31.4mpg, 215g/km
The Volvo C70 transforms smoothly from a coupe into an open convertible in just 30 seconds. At the press of a button, the three-part steel roof folds quickly and silently away, disappearing neatly into the boot. It has also been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market with regard to both preventative and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique to convertible cars and the lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements.
The Volvo C70 features sturdy metal roll bars that extend up behind the rear seat passengers to create added protective space should the car roll over. These bars, which are part of Volvo's Rollover Protection System – ROPS – are activated by a gyro-sensor. Since the Volvo C70 has a glass rear window, the bars force through the glass if the roof is in place and so have been fitted with small hardened metal spikes that break the glass to guarantee protection.
One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, IC, which is installed in the doors as there is no roof rail to fit it to. The curtain has an extra-stiff design so the curtain can remain upright and help protect the head effectively even if the window is open. The curtain also deflates slowly, helping to provide added protection should the car roll over.
In addition to the inflatable curtains on either side, the front seat occupants also have side-impact airbags. The size of these bags is dimensioned to protect both the chest and hips. The IC interacts with the belt pre-tensioners to offer the best possible protection for front seat occupants in the event of an accident. All four seats come with safety belt pre-tensioners.
May 2010
New five-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel from the all-new Volvo S60 made available throughout Volvo Cars' model range and replaces the familiar four-cylinder 136 PS unit in the C30, S40, V50, C70, V70 and S80. All new engines are available to order now.
The new five-cylinder 2.0D diesel is, in principle, the same engine as the well-established 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. The injection system also has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimize fuel consumption with their exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure to promote extremely efficient combustion.
As part of Volvo's new engine naming and to simplify Volvo's engine badging, all new engines, including the new five-cylinder 2.0D, will be badged depending on the power output. For example, the 150bhp version of the new 2.0D in the C70 is named D3 and an uprated 177bhp version of this same engine is labeled D4.
Both emit only 154g/km of CO2 and offer 47.9mpg. The D3 and D4 are available in both manual and automatic transmissions. The 2.4i and D5 are no longer available in the C70.
Another facet of Volvo's 2011 Model Year update is a change in the specification hierarchy with the introduction of the ES trim level. The ES replaces the S specification and includes all the features and safety systems you would expect from Volvo.
November 2011
Volvo announced the arrival of the new Inscription edition of the C70. The new Inscription edition blends distinctive exterior details such as the painted grille and black 18-inch wheels with exclusive interior features, including Sovereign Hide upholstery and a leather-covered dashboard.
The Volvo C70 Inscription is available from £33,855 on the road for the D3 SE Inscription and can be ordered from mid-November with first deliveries in February 2012. Worldwide production volume is limited to 2,000 units a year.
The Inscription can be combined with both five-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engines offered in the UK: the D4 (177 hp/400 Nm) and D3 (150 hp/350 Nm). It is available in three colours: Black Stone (Solid), Black Sapphire (Metallic) and Ice White (Solid) and also benefits from exclusive 18-inch black Midir alloy wheels with black detailing and polished spokes and outer rim.
At the front of the Inscription edition, the high-gloss paint on the grille and the LED Daytime Running Lights are both surrounded by contrasting chrome, giving this C70 a distinctive "face".
What to watch out for
See earlier Volvo C70 2006-2010.
16-09-2012:Powershift dual clutch automatic transmission requires fresh fluid every 3 years at a cost of £250.
16-11-2016:Report of repeated failures of 235/40/18 Pirelli P Zero tyres and the wheel rims of a 2013 C70 now at 25,000 miles. 4th catastrophic tyre failure in 3 years. Latest failure was of a tyre replaced 1 year ago. The wall had a 5"split. The 3 previous failures were at motorway speeds so the tyres were totally wrecked and their original failure mode therefore masked by the damage.
01-12-2018:Problems reported with Volvo C70 Powershift: Selecting reverse doesn’t engage immediately and the car will roll. After 3 or 4 seconds it will work. When pulling away in Drive it’s like a double stab at the clutch (like a manual car when you don’t get the correct balance of clutch and throttle). Lastly the gearbox will only go to 5th gear even in manual mode. No indication from reader of age of car, mileage of car or when it last has its essential 3 yearly Powershift fluid and filter change.
