Volvo, owned by Ford, is rumored to have a “For Sale” sign on its factory door. True or not, it hasn’t stopped Volvo from introducing the C70 all-wheel drive wagon. It’s 4 inches longer and 2 taller than its ancestor, space intelligently utilized by Volvo’s engineers. It’s a family vehicle suitable for inclement weather.
Volvo C70 Interior Has Surprises
The new C70 isn’t as bland as its German rivals. The electrically-operated leather buckets, a small part of the $2,995 Premium Package, adds class to this $37,500 base price vehicle. In back the split/folding bench cradles three in comfort. Complimenting the seats are well padded door armrests and a large center console. The trunk is generously sized but the spare is a “donut.”
Turning to the dash and its surroundings drivers will discover minimal instrumentation but numerous cupholders, power points and a trip computer. Safety-wise the C70 is equipped with front, side and side curtain airbags plus a Whiplash Protection System. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction and Roll Stability Control, a tire pressure warning system and a burglar alarm will please.
Other features include cruise control, heated electric mirrors plus power windows and locks. The wheel hub houses auxiliary sound system controls, there’s a tilt/telescope steering column and keyfob entry is standard. The air conditioning and heating unit employs dust and pollen filters. HomeLink (Ford’s version of General Motor’s OnStar) is standard.
The C70 Engine and Transmission
Lift the bonnet – British for hood – and you’ll find a 3.2 liter inline “six” producing 235 HP. This well-proven engine utilizes variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder. Zero to 60, as measured during a week-long test using a Belkin accelerometer, took 8.9 seconds. Fuel efficiency on premium was observed at 14 city and 19 highway (EPA 15/22). These figures are uninspiring, especially considering the C70’s weight of 4,092 pounds.
A major part of the drivetrain is the transmission. It's a 6-speed automatic that shifted flawlessly. The all-wheel drive box, an extremely sophisticated unit, included a viscous center differential and “limited slip.” This means it’s smart enough to vary power to each wheel in accordance with the road surface. There’s no High/Low transfer case: the C70 is an inclement weather ace, not an off-road champ.
Handling and Ride
The C70 has near impeccable road manners. Body lean through turns is perceptible but not excessive. Remember, though, this Volvo isn’t made for aggressive driving. Ride, the nemeses of handling, is somewhat stiff but not to the point it’s a problem. There may be a downside: over large bumps the 4-wheel independent suspension seemed to “bottom.” As this isn’t a Volvo characteristic it was almost certainly due to previous overenthusiastic road testers. The turning circle is 38 feet, slightly below average for the class. The 17” inch Sargas alloy wheels, a $550 option, were shod with marginal all-season radials.
The C70 Sound System
Audiophiles may appreciate the C70’s Dynaudio Package, a $1,650 option. You get a 12-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 unit and a Sirius Satellite radio. Also included are 5 130-watt amplifiers, Dolby Surround Sound, rear headphone jacks and audio controls. While fidelity was better than average fringe area signal pulling power needed upgrading.
Quality Control ... And the Verdict
The C70’s fit and finish were excellent. Though a fine car the C70 needs a more powerful engine that also returns better fuel efficiency. Before buying take a l-o-n-g test drive: be sure the “bottoming” mentioned earlier doesn’t occur. Overall, though there's a lot to like.
