2007 Volvo C70: And Retractable Hardtops for All
Crossovers certainly garner more headlines these days, but while those tall station wagons have been enjoying the spotlight another segment has undergone its own transformation. Not so long ago the retractable hardtop on the Mercedes-Benz SLK afforded it major bragging rights. Now there's a BMW, Chrysler, Mazda, Pontiac, Volkswagen and Volvo sporting this technology -- and all of them cost less than the SLK. Pretty soon soft-top convertibles will be like four-speed automatics -- they'll still exist...but you won't know why.
I've long been a fan of this technology, mostly because I'm not a huge fan of convertibles. The increased noise and body flex (even when the top is up) was never balanced out by the top-down driving "fun." But when I first drove the SLK I was like, "Ah-ha! I could drive with the top up and never know it's a convertible. And on those rare occasions when I feel like getting weather-beaten and/or sunburned, I still can. That works." The Volvo C70 essentially fits that description, though even with the top up there was wind noise coming from the driver's side glass and a rattle coming from directly above and behind my head. Neither was abhorrent, but I doubt they'd have been there on a true coupe.
Performance isn't this car's strong point, though the 218 horsepower, 2.5-liter inline 5 and six-speed manual get the job done. I'd like a little more low-end torque, but power and refinement are impressive as the tach swings past 3,000 rpm. Ultimately this car can't compete with those other retractable hardtops in terms of sportiness (well, maybe it can compete with the Sebring...). Safety is up to Volvo standards, with all the usual items as well as standard side airbags, head airbags, roll-over hoops that deploy if the car goes shiny-side down and anti-whiplash seats.
Between the safety equipment and (mostly) coupe-like ride quality when the top up there's almost no compromise to driving this convertible. Some might even say the spirit of driving a convertible is lost with cars like this. Which means I may need to give the segment another serious look...
I think we do know why four speeds exist. They are cheap to make and half of the people who buy cars dont care how many gears are in their tranny.
The C70s is way too expensive but it looks good. Much better than the Eos. I find the G6 HT to be very attractive with the top up as well but it needs more power.
Like you, Karl, I've never been a fan of convertibles. For the same reasons as you, as well. The hardtop makes the convertible so much more appealing. I'm hoping the next gen S2000 has a retractable hardtop.
The C70's retractable hardtop is a great piece of engineering. I saw one on display at the Harrisburg, PA Auto Show a few months back. It was displayed with the top in mid-transition (just like in the pic you posted). If that isn't a complex engineering beauty, I don't know what is.
There's one of these on my block in black. I never though I'd say this about a Volvo, but it's damned sexy.
But, to quote Rolls Royce designer Ian Cameron; ""There is nothing more romantic than driving a convertible in the rain at night and hearing the drops hit the roof."
I like the Corvette's removable roof panel as a good compromise.
Karl: I think you mean "shiny side down", not up.
Said in an Ed McMahon voice, "You are correct sir!"
Fixed
Thanks 7driver.
$40,000? ....Er......think I'd have to pass.
Used to like the old C70, that was quite a handsome car. But, to me, this thing looks a bit odd, like they took the (too short) front of a S40 and grafted in on to the rear of a bigger car, proportions just look out of whack to me....I guess it has to have a fat ass to fit the hardtop in the trunk, like the new Sebring.
Have a 06 Mustang GT conv, has a few creaks and a bit of flex, but it's a lot of fun and cost a lot less than the C70.... and practical managed to get my 67 year old mother in the back too! Ilike the clothtop too and totally agree with the raindrops hitting the roof statement.
I think what matters is what people who DO like convertibles think of retractable hard tops.
My only problem with ragtops is the small rear window. But retractable hardtops don't make much of an improvement on that (removable ones do). And retractable hardtops take forever to open and close. I'd go crazy; I like that putting my top up or down only takes as long as a grab, a pull of the arm, and a bit of latching. Granted that's only true for 2-seaters.
I wonder if there are surveys showing how much time convertibles spend top-down, for each model out there.
That would be a very interesting study. I can tell you that I see an army of convertibles on PCH everyday, many of them premium cars like SLs, 3 Series, 911s, etc.
The tops are NEVER down.
The folding hardtop is cool, but expensive. On the less costly cars, the styling is somewhat compromised, along with storage space.
Yet there's just something special about knowing you're looking a convertible (top up or down) as soon as you set eyes on it. The new BMW 3-series looks terrific, but it's hard to tell from a coupe at first glance. Even the new hardtop Miata looks a little awkward. I'm glad they're honoring tradition with a softie.
A soft convertible top demands a little compromise and owner involvement, which is why I guess the folding hardtop has become the new trend.
True, that would surely i think costly, its obviously well designed with the parts like of Volvo park lights that are made from a premium quality stuff. Volvo did not forget that whatever kind of vehicle it produces, safety would not be compromised as well as all other things essential in a vehicle.