Why British Autumns often deliver some of our best weather is a mystery to me. But I was delighted that the sun decided to shine on the weekend I tested Volvo’s C70 coupe-cabriolet.
As soon as I saw the clear blue morning sky, I was straight down to the car and furiously jabbing the open roof button. I sat there, confused as to why the roof was immune to my demands. Then I noticed a little digital read out telling me to go and look in the boot.
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There is a plastic tray that has to be locked in place if you are going to be able to use the electronic roof. It essentially ensures there is enough space in the boot above your luggage for the roof panels. So you have flexibility. If you have a lot of luggage, you leave the roof up and move the tray to give you space for suitcases. If you don’t have more than a couple of over night bags, you lock the separator in place and jab the button again.
This time the roof elegantly folds away into the boot and a big smile spreads across everyone’s faces. You scream off down the motorway and the smiles remain firmly held in place because whilst it is quite sunny, this is England in the Autumn, and anything above tootling speed is really cold.
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It is the wind chill that makes things unbearable. So I scrambled about in the boot again and brought out what looks like the sail for a topper. But it is in fact a wind-sheeter that locks in place over the rear seats, decapitating anyone left in the back. Which is a blow because until I put that in, the fact that 3 (and if I were shorter 4) adults can sit in a cabriolet not just in comfort, but in luxury, was a revelation.
Putting the wind breaker in for the first time is a bit like screwing something together from MFI after a long break away from DIY: Initially it is intimidating, and for a few minutes afterwards you worry about an imminent collapse, but once it survives initial testing you swell with pride.
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So you hoon back out onto the motorway, and hoon is right, because this car accelerates easily, but the handling is very light and so the ride can feel a bit choppy.
And out on the motorway, as the clouds moved in and the outside temperature dropped, I was amazed to find that the wind-sheeter made such a difference. I was perfectly warm, despite the deteriorating weather. I have driven past people with these wind breaks in their cars and always assumed they were a bit of a waste of time. But they will actually allow you to get much more value out of your cabriolet because you are much more confident about setting out topless on cool days.
Cruising over the Slough bypass on my way into Windsor one evening, there was a terrific pink sky and the roof was still down and I was still enjoying this car. Infact I spent three solid days with my top off and everyone has since commented on how well I look.
I wonder if they are being subliminally influenced to say I look well by the atmosphere of wealth that driving this car creates around you. In gleaming red, with dark leather trim, this car is highly noticeable. It is every-inch a Lexus or Mercedes cabriolet competitor.
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It has the presence, looks and kit you would expect to compete at this level. Although the Sat Nav system really needs throwing away and replacing with something designed by Volvo. It is just like the one in the XC90. It appears on a fold away screen (which is amusing to small children) and you can operate it by remote control (like it’s a TV) or by hidden buttons super glued onto the back of the steering wheel. It then suggests absolutely bonkers routes that can really increase your average journey time. It actually diverted me into a traffic jam in Putney.
When you compare the fantastic, elegant and stylish dashboard, the industry leading seat comfort and sophisticated roof, it is amazing that the Sat Nav has been left in the car.
But apart from that and the major problem threatening the continued popularity of all cabriolets, which isn’t Volvo’s fault at all, this is a first class GT car. What’s the problem? The problem is that modern cars, in order to be more practical, now all have really powerful windscreen cleaning jets. Pull up with your roof down behind someone who is cleaning his windscreen, and you’ll find out what the problem facing all cabriolets is.
Summary
A classy cabriolet: distinctive handsome styling with a premium brand feel, but at everyday prices. Especially on the used market. It is both fun and practical.
Road test car details:
Volvo C70 T5 SE
OTR: £ 31,425
0-60: 7 secs
MPG: 28.8
Co2 / KM: 217
Words: Matthew Tumbridge