Volvo C70 Se Lux Coupe Convertible - Reviewed - page 2

14-06-2008 13:59

The ride and handling of the C70 is excellent thanks to the body structure being fully reinforced to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof making the C70 not only safer, but also very high in torsional rigidity. The chassis also helps improve the driving dynamics being wider at the front and rear than its predecessor while the wheelbase is shorter. Keeping the C70 firmly on the tarmac is McPherson front suspension and a multilink rear axle while negotiating the bends perfectly is the electric hydraulic steering giving the driver improved feel and response. Assuring the driver at all times is ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and EBA (Electronic Brake Assistance) plus DSTC, (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control).

Securing the C70 is an anti theft alarm, key integrated remote central locking with deadlocks, including the fuel filler, and visible VIN plates. The C70 SE LUX comes into insurance group 16E

The fear for any family choosing a cabriolet has to safety question, "what would happen if the car rolled over while the roof was down?" But Volvo, being Volvo, have installed some unique safety features such as Volvo’s reputable SIPS that interacts with the world’s first door mounted inflatable curtain for enhanced side impact and roll over protection. Hydro formed A-pillars in extra high strength steel combined with the further developed ROPS (Rollover Protection Bars), provides more effective rollover protection, while the body structure with reinforced sides effectively channel the forces backwards in a frontal impact. Volvo’s WHIPS is standard and with the IDIS installed, advanced information is relayed to support the driver. Of course, no car would be complete without the airbags and the C70 has drivers and passengers, SIPS airbags, SIPS plus IC (inflatable curtain) as standard.

Volvo cars are not the cheapest by any means. Volvo is a car manufacturer dedicated to safety and prices of their cars reflect this but then the cargo is priceless. The beauty of the C70 is twin fold. It is one of the few convertibles that can accommodate the family and looks stunning with the roof open or closed.

FemaleFirst Motoring - Jackie Violet