Press Releases

The sleek new Volvo C70 - relaxed and refined elegance

 

The new Volvo C70 has the same smart three-piece retractable hardtop, comfortable seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety as before.

But the updated design and elevated premium feel bring the sleek convertible up to a completely new level of relaxed, refined elegance.

 

The Volvo C70 is in actual fact two attractive cars in one. The elegant coupe turns into a sleek convertible through a smooth 30-second roof operation. Above all, however, the Volvo C70 is a car to enjoy, ideal for people who reward themselves with the best in life.

"The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own. What we have done is to carefully redesign the front and rear so they harmonise more with both today's and tomorrow's Volvo models. This brings the convertible visually closer to the upcoming all-new Volvo S60," explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars. He adds:

"We have also increased the exclusiveness of the materials and trim details to enhance the atmosphere of luxury and enjoyment inside the car," he adds.

 

Modernised, confident front

The new front reveals traces of the all-new S60. The C70 has thus been upgraded to relate more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range.

Bodywork details such as the front wings have also been redesigned, contributing to the decidedly altered appearance.

The nose is more wedge-shaped. Three-dimensional depth has been added by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The new headlamps and the décor around the fog lamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced.

From head-on, the front forms an open, inviting "V". The enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intake reinforce the self-assured stance. Owners who want an even more extrovert look can choose a vibrant new red colour, Flamenco Red Pearl.

 

Exclusive new rear design

The exclusive high-tech LED lamps, of the same type as found on the Volvo XC60, are the most noticeable update at the rear. The entire lamp unit is clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70's rear panel.

As at the front, new lines and details in the bumper and elsewhere have been integrated to emphasise the depth and dynamism of the design language.

 

Interior that rewards the driver

The interior has been updated in several respects to create a unique ambience in the Volvo C70. The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look, and the surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the feeling of quality.

The exclusive new instruments, with gauges and graphics specific to the C70, are yet another example of how the car's premium feeling has been emphasised still further.

"We've focused the new interior features around the driver to give the owner a stronger perception of being rewarded behind the wheel. The seats are upholstered in soft hide and general attention to the finish of the various details makes driving a more pleasurable experience than ever before," continues Fedde Talsma.

 

World-leading safety among convertibles

The new Volvo C70 has been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market, as regards both preventive and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique in the world of open cars. The lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements and sophisticated technology.

The Volvo C70 has sturdy roll bars that shoot up behind the rear seat passengers to create added protective survival space should the car roll over. These bars, which are part of Volvo's Rollover Protection System (ROPS) are activated by a gyro-sensor.

 

Unique door-mounted inflatable curtain

One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, IC, which is installed in the door. The curtain has an extra-stiff design that keeps it upright and helps protect the head in an effective way even if the window is open. What is more, the curtain deflates slowly; helping to provide added protection should the car roll over.

In addition to the inflatable curtains, the front seat occupants also have side-impact airbags. The size of these bags is dimensioned to shield both the chest and hips. The inflatable curtain interacts with the belt pre-tensioners to contribute to the best possible protection for front seat occupants in a side impact or rollover situation. All four seats come with safety belt pre-tensioners.

 

Engine range, Volvo C70

Advanced engine and exhaust filtration technology means Volvo's engines combine high performance with low environmental impact. The Volvo C70 is available with the following petrol and diesel engines. The fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures apply to versions with a manual gearbox running in the mixed driving cycle.

 

Petrol engines

Power output

Fuel consumption

CO2

T5

230 hp/320 Nm

8.9 l/100 km

209 g/km

2.4i

170 hp/230 Nm

9.0 l/100 km

215 g/km

2.4

140 hp/220 Nm

8.9 l/100 km

212 g/km

 

Diesel engines

Power output

Fuel consumption

CO2

D5

180 hp/400 Nm

6.6 l/100 km

174 g/km

2.0D

136 hp/320 Nm

6.0 l/100 km

158 g/km

Keywords:
C70, 1997
Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Cars's international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.