Volvo C70 2.4 Geartronic SE Road Test Report
Performance 
The vehicle we drove was the 2.4 Petrol, although there are four engine derivatives available, including two diesel engines which are proving very popular with those drivers looking for a mix of performance and economy. The 2.4i Petrol engine provided a smooth and unruffled drive more suited to that of a grand tourer rather than an out and out sports car, which to be fair the C70 was never intended to be. The engine sounds fantastic with a distinctive warble at lower revs and plenty of audible excitement to be had when pushed. The drive with this engine really was effortless and combined with the automatic gearbox was a very relaxing experience, however switch to the Geartronic mode and you can turn the car into a different beast altogether!
Ride & Handling
This was by far the best feature of the Volvo C70! We had the Se model which came with leather seats amongst other features. You really are cosseted in comfort in this car; the seats are tight and supportive yet extremely comfortable whilst the cabin is a genuinely nice place to be. I found myself actually looking forward to my next journey! Anticipating relaxing in the seats, turning the excellent stereo up and cruising off to my next destination. The steering wheel by the way is a very thick leather trimmed sporty affair and feels very nice indeed!
Build Quality & Reliability
Volvo has a reputation for Rock solid build quality and reliability and we found no evidence to the contrary. The doors close with a solid clunk and the trim in the cabin is full of soft touch materials which provide a refined feel. You do get a sense of being in a ‘premium’ car here.
Safety & Security
More airbags than ever in this car with curtain airbags provided for driver and passenger. Volvo put a lot of emphasis on the reputation their vehicles have for being able to provide occupants with a safe and reassuring driving experience and you do get a definite sense of this in the C70.
Space & Practicality
For a Cabriolet coupe the C70 has lots of legroom for both front AND rear passengers whilst the driver can enjoy all the space they need without compromise. The boot is dependant on if you want the top down or up. With the top up the boot is really quite generous with room required for when the roof comes down! The roof operation is akin to watching the new transformers movie and unlike other coupe-Cabriolet contenders you get the impression with the Volvo that it won’t go wrong…..ever!
Ownership & Value
Ownership of any Volvo is generally perceived as a relatively painless experience with good dealer service and a solid warranty thought typical of the marque. Good residual values make for promising leasing rentals!
Performance 
I absolutely loved this car. The colour, ride, stereo, leather interior, everything – and the best bit dropping the roof down and feeling the sun on your face. And yes it was sunny. I kept inventing places to go and people to see just so that I could take the C70 out. The C70 was great to drive, effortless, comfortable and relaxing. There was enough initial speed to nip out into oncoming traffic. The automatic gearbox made traffic jam driving so easy, and cruising on the motorway was just smooth, smooth, smooth.
Ride & Handling
Fabulous. The ride is so easy, a great feeling of luxury combined with fantastic comfort and a feeling of security and safety. Much bigger than my usual car but I had no problems manoeuvring around the shops and parallel parking. Visibility was good all round.
Build Quality & Reliability
Good solid feel that you would expect from all Volvos, and fabulous to look at too. This is a truly beautiful looking car with touches of luxury everywhere. All the knobs and whistles were intuitive and easy to use; I didn’t have to look in the handbook once! Nothing felt as though it would fall off in your hand the minute you drove off the forecourt.
Safety & Security
It’s a Volvo – what more is there to say. Safety and security as standard (very reassuring).
Space & Practicality
Really spacious for a soft top. Considering the space required in the boot for the roof, I still got the golf clubs and gym kit in the boot with the top down. I had no back seat drivers with me, but there looked to be plenty of space in the rear, and the front was roomy even for those 6ft plus.
Ownership & Value
I have had Volvo’s before and found them reliable, practical and great to drive. This one goes even further providing all that and much more. Tremendous fun and practical too. The C70 would be fantastic for anyone needing a truly practical family car, combined with superb comfort for high mileage driving and with the added zest and fun of the convertible. I loved it!