(Look-back) Volvo C70 convertible

There are so many convertibles you can choose from. BMW 3-series, Audi A5 and Lexus IS. What if you desire something a bit more Swedish? Well here's your last chance because the Volvo C70 will soon be discontinuted, but is it worth considering over its much better rivals? Let's find out. 

Performance: There's only one engine available for the C70 and that's a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder which produces 227hp. Acceleration around town and on the highway is strong. Most buyers will spend their time on the highway and this is where the C70 shines. It's strong turbo pull makes it very entertaining to drive. Sadly no manual gearbox is available. You'll have to make due with a slightly dated five-speed auto gearbox.

On the road: If you are looking for fun to drive you best venture elsewhere. The C70 is about as fun to drive as most Volvos which is bland like plain vanilla ice cream. Handling isn't great due to too much body lean in corners. Steering feels almost numb at times with very little feedback. The body shudders over bumps. Compared to most convertibles with ragtops, the Volvo C70 has a metal roof which helps iron out wind noise. However, some wind noise can be heard through the pillar-less side windows. Road noise is also a unwelcome visitor in the cabin. With the roof down buffeting is well isolated.

Behind the wheel: the C70 dashboard is covered in tiny buttons that are hard to see at first glance. The infortainment system is a nightmare to use due to too many confusing menus and a tiny screen that makes it harder to use while on the go. The front seats however are very comfortbale. The folding metal roof eats up more boot space than fabric roof convertibles. With the roof lowered you have less space than keen rivals. There is somewhat decent space for four passengers, but the rear seat is best used for cargo space rather than people space.

Equipment: The C70 comes standard with climate control, electric front seats, fully automated folding metal roof, cd-player and daytime running lamps. You'll have to step up to the top of the range trim to add Xenon headlamps, heated front seats, navigation system and rain sensing windshield wipers.

Buying & Owning: The Volvo C70 seems like a bargain when you look at the more costly 3-series convertible and Infiniti G-series. Compared to the Audi A5 and Lexus IS convertible however the C70 loses it's value appeal. Both vehicles are priced similiarly to the C70 and offer similar equipment as a well. The C70 offers more power but that's not saying much here. Running costs should be decent thanks to somewhat okay fuel economy. Resale value however won't be as impressive as its keen rivals, but it shouldn't be too disappointing.

Quality & Safety: The C70 is a classy car thanks to appealing materials used in the cabin. Everything feels built to last. Volvo reliability record is only so-so. We highly suggest paying close attention to the electricals which tends to be a problem with most Volvos. The C70 comes with an array of safety features like all other Volvos. Anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control both come standard. Active head restraints, roll-over protection and duel front and side airbags are standard as well. An engine immobilizer with anti-theft locks come standard to keep theft away.

The C70 is a classy convertible that's not the most fun to drive when you compare it to BMW, Audi and Lexus. One thing Volvo has that the others don't is the extreme focus to safety and it's cheaper to buy than most rivals. However, we still think that the C70 just isn't as fun to drive as the equally comparable Audi A5 cabriolet. Reliability record is only so-so with resale value boarding risky. If you desire a Swedish Convertible this may be your last chance, but a second-hand Saab 9-3 makes more sense than the C70.  Even the more expensive rivals make more sense. Unless you have to have a Volvo convertible we strongly suggest looking elsewhere. 

Performance: **** Turbo pulls very well.

Ride & handling: * Doesn't feel as sharp as rivals.

Refinement: * Too much wind and road noise.

Buying & Owning:  ** Cheaper to buy but not by much.

Quality: * Reliability record is only so-so.

Safety: **** It's just as safe as other Volvos.

Behind the wheel: ** Confusing controls and lack of fun to drive factors.

Space & practicality: * Over glorified two-seat with not much boot space.

Equipment: **** Generous compared to rivals.

[Look back] review of Saab 9-3 sedan

Likes: Strong turbo engine, comfortable front seats, Swedish design inside out, smooth transmissions.

Dislikes: Choppy ride, can get expensive at the top of the line, more horsepower would be nice.

Saabs have always been quirky left field vehicles for those who choose to stand out in a crowd. They pride themselves in safety and their aircraft heritage. With distinct styling and quirky interior design, can the 9-3 bring a special offering to the competition?

Performance: There's only one engine available for the Saab 9-3, and that's a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 210hp. There's plenty of pace for both city and motorway driving. You may desire more power however, with the optional all-wheel-drive system which adds extra weight. The engine never feels underpowered, but many rivals offer more power for the same price.

Ride & Handling: The 9-3 isn't the sharpest handling vehicle in its class. But it does hang on to corners well. The steering often feels dull at times, but its nothing to discourage sporty driving. The 9-3 is fun to drive, but ride never feels settled on rough surfaces.

Refinement: The interior can hush out a reasonable amount of road and wind noise. Models with the sport suspension let in more noise than lesser versions, but it's not too intrusive. At motorway speeds, the 9-3 feels very comfortable and relaxed.

Behind the wheel: The driver's environment is superb thanks to comfortable seats, and a no-nonsense dash layout. There's plenty of adjustment in seat and steering wheel. You'll easily find a driving position that suits you best. The instruments are a paragon of clarity.

Space & Practicality: There's plenty of space in the rear for three passengers. Good headroom and decent legroom, although shoulder room is a bit tight. The large boot can hold plenty of luggage, and the rear seat folds 60/40.

Equipment: No matter which trim you choose, all 9-3's come well equipped for the money. You get premium sound system, automatic climate control and rain sensing windshield wipers all come as standard. The range topping Aero trim adds Xenon Headlamps, sporty exterior trim and twin exhaust pipes.

Buying & Owning: The 9-3 is aimed at German rivals. So you get more power and more equipment for far less cash than many German Saloons. The engine is fairly fuel efficient and offers good performance. Resale value isn't the strongest in its class. However, most Saab owners tend to keep their vehicles longer than German rivals.

Quality & Reliability: The 9-3 has improved over the years in terms of reliability. The cabin materials don't look classy, but they have a long lasting feel. JD Power surveys has rated the 9-3 below average in terms of reliability by its owners.

Safety & Security: When it comes to safety, Saab is class leading. There's front and side curtian airbags standard. Anti-whiplash head restraints are also standard. ESP traction control is standard across the range. The 9-3 has an excellent reputation for keeping theives out.

The 9-3 is a distinct sedan with so much personality. There are German rivals that can out class the 9-3, but you'll be missing the point. It's designed for those who don't want a typical German Saloon. A vehicle that stands out where ever it goes, and whenever a owner talks about their Saab they always seem to have a smile on their face. It's not the classiest sedan among rivals, but it sure does offer a huge bang for your buck.

Devon does tribute to 9-3 Viggen

The 9-3 Viggen was the hottest and fastest 9-3 you could buy in Saab's line-up. It started off with a 2.3-liter high-output turbocharged four-cylinder which pumped out 225hp and 252lb-ft torque. Later it was pumped up to 230hp and 258lb-ft torque. This was one of the last of the Saab vehicles that really did leave a special place in my heart.

On the road: The 9-3 Viggen I was able to get my hands on had a 2.3-liter high-output turbocharged four-cylinder producing 230hp and 258lb-ft torque. All this power was sent through a five-speed manual that was slick shifting at times. The engine felt smooth and urgent when you put your foot down, but often times you'll want to grab the steering wheel with both hands. The front wheels felt like they were searching for traction and the chassis often felt overwhelmed by the amount of power the engine produced. This sent a huge amount of torque steer to the front wheels before the ESP kicked in and helped keep things under control. If the 9-3 Viggen would've been a rear wheel drive car, the torque steer would've been to a minimal. But then again its all part of the charm. It's one of those cars you can just take to a race track and have a hoot with, and drive it home and feel comfortable. The suspension was firm but not overly firm where it left you feeling beat up after driving a few miles on patchy surfaces.

From behind the wheel: Everything in the 9-3 cabin feels logically laid out. All the controls are easy to navigate and everything is within reach of the driver's hand. The instrumental panel and the way its designed has a sort of cockpit feel to it. The ignition switch is tucked away neatly between the front seats as well as the power window switches and power door lock switch. It was one of those designs you either hated or loved. Most people loved it because it really did make Saab different from other cars.

Practicality: One of the best things about the 9-3 Viggen is the amounts of space and practicality it offered. There is plenty of cargo space in the boot, and the rear seats can accommodate two adults and one child, or three kids. The front seats offered plenty of support and visibility all round is very good. Saab has always been known to incorporate practicality in their vehicles, with a splash of sport.

The 9-3 Viggen is a rare find and is worth the look. This is one of the last of the Saab vehicles that really did gain cult status among fans before Saab started chasing BMW and discontinued the iconic hatchback for a more mainstream sedan. One thing for sure though is there is no other car like a Saab, and even if Saab isn't in production anymore. Saab will always be the company that started the turbo craze and the whole left field illogical thinking. Ingenious safety features and some of the best turbo engines you can ever drive. Saab is and will always be a great company.