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2012 Volvo C70

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Overview

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2012 Volvo C70 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.1

Although the advent of the retractable hardtop can be traced back to the mid-1930s, it wasn't until the late 20th century that automotive engineers began refining and perfecting this technology of the "Golden Age." Today, the rising popularity of retractable hardtops stems as a result of their safety, light weight and, best of all, affordability. The 2012 Volvo C70 emulates all the desirable qualities one would expect from a premium cabriolet; however, conventional hardtops are unable to equal the C70's legion of safety features. And unlike the majority of 2+2 convertibles such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, Lexus IS 250C and the Audi A5 Cabriolet, the C70's rear seat offers reasonably comfortable accommodations for two adults.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you relish the unique driving sensation only a convertible can provide, but you desire the safety, security and refinement of a traditional hardtop coupe, the Volvo C70 will satisfy your distinctive new-car buying provisions.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your idea of open-air fun includes blasting through mountain roads purely for the enjoyment of driving, the C70 will leave you yearning for additional performance. Enthusiasts might find the BMW 3 Series convertible more appealing.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.1
Driving Dynamics

7.0
Comfort & Convenience

7.6
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.0
Value

6.8
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#6

out of 12

MPG

#7

out of 12

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.8 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

Changes to the 2012 Volvo C70 include standard Bluetooth with audio streaming capability, available LED daytime running lights, and a new smartphone application featuring concierge, maintenance and emergency services.

Driving the C70

Driving Impressions From the exceptional comfort of its form-fitting bucket seats to its pleasant and predictable road manners, the 2012 Volvo C70 is every inch the car Volvo promises it to be....

Although it doesn't possess the extreme handling and acceleration of cars such as the BMW 335is convertible or Audi S5 Cabriolet, the C70 will prove more than sufficient for the vast majority of drivers. Until the 2012 models arrived in showrooms, part of the letdown for enthusiasts was the C70's comparatively low 227 horsepower produced by the convertible's sole engine choice, a 2.5-liter inline-5. So to help appease performance-oriented drivers, the range-topping T5 Inscription model receives a host of refinements for the same engine, yielding a 23-horsepower increase along with an additional 37 lb-ft of torque.

Favorite Features

Retractable Steel Hardtop
Not surprisingly, the Volvo C70's principle draw is its reinforced retractable hardtop. Whether the forecast calls for a torrential downpour or an abundance of sunshine, the C70 has you covered – and uncovered, too.

Advanced Climate Control
Allergy sufferers can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the Volvo C70's comprehensive climate control system. To help maintain appropriate humidity levels and prevent atmospheric pollutants from entering the cabin, the C70's ventilation system employs a humidity sensor, cabin filter and Volvo's renowned Interior Air Quality System.

2012 Volvo C70 Details

2012 Volvo C70 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Exceptionally ergonomic and reasonably upscale, the 2012 Volvo C70's cabin produces an engaging experience. Like most modern Volvos, the C70's center stack contains prominent controls and user-friendly climate functions. Standard Sovereign Hide leather handsomely wraps the seating surfaces, while brushed aluminum inlays highlight the C70's athletic underpinnings. Although the C70's rear seats offer more legroom than most 4-seat convertibles, passengers relegated to the back seat will still find it a bit constricting. Another limiting factor is the retractable hardtop's impact on trunk space, which cuts cargo room nearly in half during open-top driving.

Exterior

Despite Volvo's Scandinavian origins, credit for the C70's sleek exterior architecture goes to Italy's celebrated Pininfarina design studio. In an effort to align the C70 with Volvo's current design language, a wedge-shaped nose fronted by the brand's trademark grille provides superbly good looks with the top up or down. Moreover, distinctive LED taillights and optional xenon headlights for both the high and low beams emphasize the C70's contemporary design. Highlighting the C70 T5 Inscription's supplemental horsepower is a set of 18-inch high-gloss alloy wheels, a black-painted grille with chrome accents, and a rear decklid spoiler.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Leading the list of standard equipment is the 3-piece retractable steel roof that opens or closes in less than 30 seconds. The standard audio system is comprised of eight speakers, a USB port for MP3/WMA players, HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Since the C70 is a Volvo, after all, it is chockfull of the latest active and passive safety systems like anti-submarining guards that help prevent passengers from sliding out of their seatbelts in the event of a collision.

Optional Equipment

Rather than overcomplicating the ordering process with a laundry list of packages and standalone options, the 2012 C70 can be configured in two simple trims levels: Premier Plus and Platinum. The Platinum trim includes perhaps the most desirable available feature for the C70, a premium audio system with a 12-speaker arrangement pumping out crisp Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound. The Platinum trim includes a hard drive-based navigation with a 6.5-inch pop-up display and real time traffic updates. If you're looking to breathe easy behind the wheel, opt for the available Interior Air Quality System that automatically shuts the external vents when the sensors detect traces of airborne impurities.

Under the Hood

The Volvo light-pressure turbocharging is designed more for economical all-around driving than for performance, but if you feel a 10% horsepower increase and a handful of additional standard features is worth $4K, Volvo offers the slightly more powerful C70 T5 Inscription model. Both the base T5 and top of the line Inscription models send power to the front wheels via a relatively outdated 5-speed automatic transmission.

C70 T5
2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5
227 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1500 to 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg

C70 T5 Inscription
2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5
250 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1500 to 3000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Volvo C70's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts just over $41,000 and tops out close to $51,000 with all the trimmings. The Volvo C70 finds itself in a small but enviable pack of European-built convertibles. Like the more expensive BMW 3 Series, it offers the advantage of a retracting hardtop, while its other chief rival, the Audi A5 Cabriolet, is equipped with a folding fabric top. With a retractable hardtop and comparable sticker price, the Lexus IS 250C is conceivably the C70's closest competitor. A quick glance at Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price will show you the typical transaction price for C70s in your market area, so be sure to reference it before you begin negotiating. The Volvo C70 maintains above-average 5-year resale values, but falls short of the marks set by the BMW 3 Series, Audi A5 Cabriolet and Lexus IS 250C.

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2012 Volvo C70 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 61 Ratings for the 2006 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.5/10

I love it

By jeff (NJ) on Friday, March 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this 1 1/2 years ago and love it. Compared to the BMW 3 series convertible (The closest alternative) this one has a more usable and bigger trunk and a pass through. Is much more comfortable - even in the back seat. Blind Spot warning is great. It has saved me from a major accident. I'll never buy another car without it. I will admit that the BMW handled a bit better at speeds and turns faster and tighter than anyone should be driving, but this handles just fine. I haven't had any problems, and it's only been to the dealer for normal service."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Fantastic Car

By BOisadonkey (SC) on Saturday, March 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Exterior/interior styling. Exclusivity. Solid feel"

Cons: "Nice if gas tank was a bit larger"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My 4th convertible including two BMW's. While my 2005 330CIC did excelerate quicker and was a bit more nimble, overall, I like the Volvo better. I think the car is quick enough and handles beautifully. It cruises quietly and is a more "liveable" daily driver than the 330. I have the optional Premium and climate packages with the sovereign leather as well as the Dynaudio and 18 inch rims all of which make the car a very attractive package. Top down driving with the wind blocker and superb stereo is very relaxing. I also love the fact that you just don't see many C70's rolling around. My only detracting comment is the brake pedal is too close to the gas. I'm used to it now but had my shoe partially hit the brake pedal a few times when hitting the gas. I also am not a fan of the exhaust note particularly when compared to the BMW or the FX45 that I owned a couple years ago. Minor issue that the car's comfort and overall performance more than makes up for."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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I was in love but the car really sucks!!!!

By JCU (NM) on Tuesday, January 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,500

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "STYLE"

Cons: "PERFORMACE and SERVICE"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I have been having issues with my VOLVO c70 Inscription since day one. The car chokes on my when I needed the most. Now the defogger is not working at last but not least the radio stopped working. The dealer Master tech told me that the gas I was using was inadecuate. (I use only SHell and Chevron Premium) SO I ask the guy and he told me that POLESTAR recomend 97+ to maximize the car performace. I wrote to Polestar and it is not true. This is not my only Volvo but this will be my last."

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The best convertible value in its class!

By Student4Life (FL) on Thursday, January 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 22,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great Styling, Comfortable Seats, Best Value"

Cons: "Lots of warning lights, underpowered engine"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've owned my 2011 C70 for almost 2 years. I have never before received SO many compliments on a vehicle. From workers at drive-thru's to folks stopped at a light next to me...all giving shout-outs to how stylish this car is. Always when the top is down too! Mind you, I'm in South FL where there's tons of BMW, Audi, Mercedes convertibles on the roads, but since there aren't that many C70's produced (there is talk the factory in Sweden that manufactures it is being closed down and Volvo may not come out with a replacement convertible) the car is not as ubiquitous as other drop tops. Smooth and quiet ride, but wobbly handling and mediocre acceleration. However, it makes up for these shortcomings in style and safety ratings as well as decent trunk space for a hard top convertible. This is a great commuter car and I get 300+ miles on a full tank. Some quirks you should be aware of: 1. No spare tire- I learned this the hard way, had a flat with damage to the sidewall and had to be towed to dealer and buy a new tire for $300. There is a can of fix-a-flat spray in a compartment instead if your tire damage is on the tread. 2. Electrical warnings- a lot of warnings go on and usually go away on their own- if your car comes with the optional BLIS system you will see the check system light many times. I've always ignored it and the BLIS continues to work perfectly. I've also had the "top malfunction service required" warning where the roof wouldn't close back up. I simply parked the car and re-started the engine after 10 minutes and everything worked again and warning message went away. Even my service advisor at Volvo condones my not taking these warnings too seriously as they usually amount to nothing (on a newer vehicle still in warranty). I had similar electrical quirks with a volvo S40 sedan and a Saab 9-3 convertible...if these things bother you, don't get a Swedish car. This car is super stylish, comfortable and safe besides being a convertible which always ups the fun factor."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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I LOVE MY C70 T5

By Izy (HI) on Saturday, April 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 350

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "comfort, style and quite drive smooth"

Cons: "fuel mileage in city.."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Incredible ride...just bought it...is metallic red in color, white soft leather seat...I called it First Class Auto...so quiet, comfortable and fun to ride Hard Top comes down is like owning a robot...jajaja I take the Top Down in the evening after leaving my work...the breeze and the stereo sound and softness of the style is amazing...i always want to owe a VOLVO it is for real one of the nicest cars i ever bought...! I am in love with my car...lol"

8 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Love my froofroo car!

By HaM (AL) on Thursday, February 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, quiet for a convertible"

Cons: "Turning radius"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my C70 for over a year now and LOVE it! It is the first convertible I have owned and I have enjoyed the convenience of the power top and the quietness of the hard-top. The only thing I would improve upon is the turning radius -- you need a wider area to turn around in then I am used to. That minor complaint though will not keep me from buying another one."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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