- A second-generation convertible from Volvo Cars
- Electrically-operated, three-piece retractable hardtop
- Youthful, technology-inspired interior
- Space and comfort for four adults
The all new Volvo C70 is a modern convertible with classic proportions, four comfortable seats and a retractable hardtop in three sections.
"We wanted to create two cars in one - without compromising," says project manager Patrik Widerstrand. "We have succeeded in creating a car that is both an elegant convertible and a sporty coupe."
The new C70 can be transformed smoothly from a coupe into a convertible. The retractable hardtop folds and tucks into the boot quickly and smoothly.
"One press of a button and the transformation takes place automatically and the whole process takes just 30 seconds," says Fedde Talsma, head of design for the all new Volvo C70.
Apart from the flexibility offered by the retractable hardtop it also makes for a quieter, more comfortable coupe. The normal-sized rear window, made of real glass, offers good visibility to the rear and extra rigidity for the body.
Rounded shapes and a powerful profile
The new C70 is slightly shorter and lower than its predecessor but just as wide. In combination with a slightly shorter nose section, the new C70 has a powerful profile. The corners, in true modern Volvo style, are gently rounded.
The shoulder line swings up towards the rear to give an impression of dynamism and reinforces the feeling of a protective collar around those travelling in the back. The slope is balanced visually by the wave-shaped sill line.
"Achieving harmonious lines with and without a roof is not an easy task," says Talsma. "We opted to first design the new C70 as a coupe. Once we were satisfied with the result we made the necessary convertible adaptations. In our experience this is the best approach."
The rear section is cut away sharply and has the characteristic Volvo taillights. The C70's taillights have a lower profile than those on the sedan models to highlight the 'C factor'.
Interior with a Scandinavian feel
The C70's interior is marked by Volvo's modern, innovative design features, inspired by Scandinavian tradition with clean surfaces, genuine materials and good function.
"We have chosen to give the C70 a youthful, technology-inspired feel," says Talsma. "Inspiration has been drawn more from Scandinavian product design than pure car design."
The super-thin, apparently floating centre 'stack', introduced in the compact S40 sedan and V50 wagon has also been included in the new C70. The decor panel can be varied according to the customer's wishes with four different appearances: aluminium, wood effect, ivory tan and bauxite.
Special upholstery has been developed for the C70 called Vulcaflex. It is a synthetic material with a skin-like surface structure and a high-tech feel. Vulcaflex is used in combination with textile and with soft leather. Full leather upholstery is a third option.
Good comfort for four adults
The C70 is designed to accommodate four adults. The two rear seats have comfortably angled backrests and generous space to the side. The front seats are ergonomically shaped. With a practical control on the backrest they can be moved forwards easily to facilitate entry to the rear seat. The electrically operated seats (option) move forward twice as quickly as in the previous C70 model. Legroom in the front seat is very generous.
Flexible, carefully considered design
In the passenger compartment there are spacious storage areas beside each seat. Several of them are linked to the car's central locking system for convenient locking using the remote control. In addition, a completely new system is being launched - Private Locking - whereby certain areas can be locked with the key from the glove compartment. Private Locking is particularly useful in a convertible parked with the roof down.
The boot is unusually spacious for a convertible of this size. It has a 400-litre capacity with the steel top up and 200 litres with the top folded down. A practical boot divider makes it easy to assess how much can be loaded with the top down. To facilitate loading and unloading when the top is down, the whole three-piece package is lifted approximately 200mm with the aid of an electric motor and a control button.
A 'ski hatch' in the backrest of the rear seat also makes it possible to transport long objects inside the car.
"We really have tried to make use of every centimetre in the car to enhance passenger comfort," says Talsma. "Despite the compact dimensions of the C70 there is ample space and room for personal effects."
Facts about the C70 retractable hardtop
- Panels made of steel
- Divided into three sections
- The joints between the sections have rubber seals
- An electric motor, hydraulic pump and computer operate and control the opening and closing action
- From opened to closed in approximately 30 seconds (regardless of the weather)
- The car should be at a standstill when the top is opened/closed
- The side windows fit into the steel top after it has been raised
- The rigidity of the body is improved by around 15 percent when steel top is up
- The boot lid is made of aluminium and opens in two different ways, for operation of the top or for access to the luggage compartment.
The all new Volvo C70 - dimensions (compared with previous C70 convertible)
Length: 4580mm (4716mm)
Width: 1820mm (1820mm)
Height: 1410mm (1429mm)
Wheelbase: 2640mm (2664mm)
Track, front: 1550mm (1521mm)
Track, rear: 1560mm (1521mm)
Issued by:
Todd Hallenbeck
Public Affairs Manager
Volvo Car Australia
65 Epping Road
North Ryde, NSW 2113
(02) 9020-1613
0412-259-635
Thallen2@volvocars.com