Test Drive Volvo C70 since 2005 coupe

Three days of frivolity

Today, even the firms from which first and foremost expected solid family machines are building convertibles. Three days from Volvo-C70 held Sergey Kanunnikov.
Photo: Alexander Batyr
 
Volvo C70.
A convertible coupe with a removable rigid roof started in the fall of 2005.
Engines: in Russia gasoline 2.4 l (170 hp) and 2.5 l (220 hp).
Gearboxes: 5- and 6-speed mechanical, 5-speed automatic.
Complete set: one option.
Price: $ 55 90059 900.
Test car: 2.5 l, 220 hp, automatic transmission, options, $ 71 300.
The spoiled capital was used to any cars, including convertibles. But in this car, under the views of pedestrians and drivers, felt like rare fish or reptile in the aquarium (especially it seems when the roof is lowered, and the side windows are raised). Most of the whole coupe-convertible was interested in owners of all varieties and ages. Despite the fact that this convertible is already second generation, the Swedish brand does not associate with the frivolism of the open car. How is all this combined?
Accurate mechanics
For someone who feeds curiosity to mechanical devices (let's say, I tried to repair in childhood, and then improve the bike), Striptease Volvo-C70 Ploy! Under a quiet rumbling, the trunk lid opens in the opposite normal side, the roof breaks down, the rear window is passed Now we are topless! Small gaps, everything will be curved to a millimeter. But to enjoy the beauty of power-moving ingenious helicate levers and craving, you need a partner. Or a partner. You can only manage the roof from the machine, at idle engine speed by pressing the brake pedal. Safety at the Swedes Pole. It is right!
If the roof is raised, the driver will not immediately understand what is around a convertible coupe. Those who are familiar with Volvo, all the usual and native. There is no feeling, not luxury, but the thoughtfulness of ergonomic solutions, solidity, coziness. Interestingly, closing the roof, unwittingly omit the head. However, space remains above the top. A little, of course, but to present the driver in the coupe in the Ushanka, especially in the papakh, it is difficult.
Sit into the car is convenient. It is spacious and width, and in length. But if the driver and his neighbor on the right will be free, the space will be left behind only to children or young ladies with a model set and, preferably, an increasing incision.
Nose over wind
If the glass is raised when the roof is lowered, in the cabin, even at speeds, almost do not feel the street in the cabin almost do not feel the street. The climate setting is slightly cooled by aquarium, the radio is not included at all on the full volume, the noise of the outside world, of course, is heard, but does not prescribe. And there is practically no wind in the car. From the rear seat, fond of a slight newspaper.
Life in the cabriolet brings, in general, simple, but not felt hurt the truth. Let's say if the chapels are not too thick, even in one day, the macushkin can burn. On traffic lights and in traffic jams, you start at times nervously looking around: with a certain dexterity, it is possible to extend something from the rear seat quite quickly. Not to mention the fact that leave an open car even on a gas station somehow restlessly, but to do it at the store for only the desperate idealist.
But all this is a bore! After all, the motor confidently and powerfully disperses the car. When starting on overheated asphalt, it is not difficult to achieve a light challenge of leading wheels. The gearbox works clearly and disputes, except in the kick-down mode makes the lowest gear later than I would like. For a sedan, maybe, normally, but from an open car you want more across.
This, alas, is not the only feature that creates a kind of dissonance. The steering is nestor, even soft. At the same time, the suspension is rigid so much that sometimes it seems there it does not compress anything there, and the car jershits together with a bit frightened content. On the highway with the filled ruts, it is noticeably marking, trying to leave an unpleasant way. To resist, you need to rotate the steering wheel more expected.
Have or not having?
For three days, I once asked myself: I would like to own such a car? I go mostly alone or two, loads of bulk packages from the store do not translate. With a raised roof of Volvo-C70, the All-weather compartment with a pretty roomy trunk. And in our climate, the need to fold the hard up (which, unlike soft, special care does not require) will not arise at least eight months a year. But in the summer, in good weather you can admit a little frivolity.
That's just the suspension quickly leads to jumps and the need to constantly monitor even the minor defts of the road, irritating the traveling from behind, inhibits where other cars are passing easily. No, perhaps, ride on such a car every day I would not want
And it's a sorry to part. After all, being frivolous, even realizing the consequences in the soul, as you know, it is still easier, and most importantly more pleasant than to return to the usual, ordinary rhythm of life.
Volvo C70 Interesting, although not the perfect combination of practicality and junction.
+ Comfortable landing on the front seats, rich equipment, good speaker, excellent insulation in standard modes.
- Hard suspension in combination with relaxed steering.
For the same money
BMW Z4.
Є42 50080 100 ($ 56 950107 330)
Elegant roadster can be bought with 265343 hp engines. The car is fastened and suggested than Volvo. On the winter, snow-covered street will be uncomfortable. SP, 2006, № 10
Mercedes-Benz CLK
Є47 200109 400 ($ 60 190139 490)
Elegant, prestigious convertible sell with motors with a capacity of 163 to 481 hp Classic roof, soft. Selecting an interesting package, it is easy to make Mercedes more expensive in one and a half, or even twice.

 
 

A source: Journal "Behind the wheel"