Volvo has reinvigorated its signature C70 hardtop convertible for 2011 with a sleek new look and an extended array of standard luxury features that add up to even greater value. The enhancements begin on the outside where the front sports a redesigned appearance that conveys a more aggressive appearence. The new fascia, grille with enlarged iron mark and headlights display Volvo’s enhanced design language influenced by the revolutionary XC60 and upcoming next generation S60.

Bodywork details such as the front fenders have also been redesigned, contributing to the new look. The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The new headlights and the décor around the fog lights, for instance, have been angled upward and toward the rear while the detailing of the lower grille and new, larger air intake reinforce the self-assured stance.

The exclusive high-tech LED taillights, similar in function to those found on the XC60, are the most noticeable update at the rear. The entire light unit is clearly integrated with the oval that frames the enhanced C70′s rear fascia. Rounding out the exterior revisions is the availability of Flamenco Red and Ember Black as dynamic new color choices.

Changes continue inside with updates that create a unique ambience. The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look. The surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the feeling of quality. Exclusive new instruments, with gauges and graphics specific to the C70, are yet another example of how the model’s premium qualities have been enhanced.

Price: $39,950.
Invoice: $37,555.

The already lengthy roster of standard equipment grows even longer for 2011. A five-speed ‘Geartronic’ automatic transmission, Sovereign Hide leather, Sirius Satellite Radio and 17-inch ‘Sirona’ diamond-cut alloy wheels are now standard. New Cranberry leather can be specified as a no-charge option.

Meanwhile, the C70′s raison d’etre hasn’t changed. The sporting reflexes and weather-tight security of a turbocharged coupe coupled with the wide-open exhilaration and fresh-air freedom of a convertible appeal to passionate adventure seekers. A key ingredient to the C70′s magnetism is its three-piece retractable hardtop.  With the touch of a button, the retractable hardtop folds away quickly and smoothly into the trunk. Apart from the flexibility offered by the design it also makes for a quieter, more comfortable coupe. The large rear window glass offers outstanding outward visibility and improves body rigidity.

Driving pleasure excels in the C70 with its standard turbocharged T5 engine. Output for the 2.5-liter light-pressure turbo powerplant is 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm with torque at 236 lb.-ft. from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. The flat torque curve puts the power to the front wheels evenly and makes the car highly responsive.

As a Volvo, the C70 is fitted with an impressive array of safety features. An important part of side impact and rollover protection is the Inflatable Curtain (IC). In the C70 it has been given a unique design. The curtain has an extra stiff construction with double rows of slats that are slightly offset from each other. This allows them to remain upright and offer effective head protection even with the window open. The curtain also deflates slowly to provide protection should the car roll over. This is a unique solution in the automotive world, and a world first for a four-passenger convertible.

Interior Design and Special Features

The C70′s cabin is anchored by Volvo’s signature “floating” center stack, a slim panel that spans the gap between the dashboard and the center console. The stereo, Bluetooth and navigation functions are unintuitive, but the now-familiar “mode man” climate controls are foolproof. The optional wood trim dresses up the center stack, but even the standard aluminum trim looks classy. The optional Dynaudio sound system is one of the best-sounding open-air audio experiences available from any automaker.

The C70′s front seats are superbly supportive, and a button on each backrest slides the seats forward for rear-seat access. Rear legroom isn’t expansive, but it’s better than the norm, allowing children or small adults to ride in relative comfort. With the top up, trunk capacity is a generous 12.8 cubic feet, though with the top down it drops to less than half that at 6 cubes. A button in the trunk activates the C70′s standard Load Assist feature, which lifts the compacted roof assembly a few inches to create a bit more space for small items.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Volvo C70 is a four-passenger luxury convertible with a retractable hardtop, and it’s available in only one trim level, the T5. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-retractable hardtop, front and rear foglights and heated outside mirrors. Standard interior features include leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with driver memory), automatic dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary audio/USB jacks and satellite and HD radio.

Five option packages are available for the C70, along with a variety of stand-alone upgrades. Going with the Multimedia package equips the C70 with a 14-speaker Dynaudio premium surround-sound system and a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic. The Convenience package adds keyless ignition/entry and rear parking sensors, while the Climate package includes headlamp washers, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats and an interior air quality sensor. The Dynamic package gets buyers 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlamps and a sport steering wheel with aluminum inlays. Stand-alone options include a wind blocker, a blind-spot monitor, a portable navigation system and interior wood inlays.

Powertrains and Performance

The front-wheel-drive 2011 Volvo C70 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine rated at 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic with manual-shift control is mandatory. This powertrain is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

Driving Impression

The 2011 Volvo C70′s rigid chassis keeps the structure flex-free over bumps, and its softly sprung suspension makes for agreeable commuting and cruising. The cabin is hushed with the top up and remains turbulence-free at sane velocities with the roof retracted. If you try to drive the C70 aggressively on a winding road, however, you’ll encounter numb steering, considerable body roll and pronounced brake dive. But for many convertible drivers, this will seem a small price to pay for the C70′s high comfort quotient. The turbocharged engine offers solid low-end torque and a distinctive soundtrack, even if it can’t keep the C70 abreast of pricier models like the BMW 335i and Infiniti G37.

Safety

The C70 comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for front passengers, roll bars that deploy in the case of a roll-over accident and whiplash-reducing front head restraints. In crash tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the C70 its highest rating of “Good” for frontal-offset and side impact protection.