Volvo C70 (P1)

The second generation C70 was introduced in 2005, as a replacement for the old P80-platform C70 coupe and convertible models. Instead of separate fixed-roof and drop-top options, Volvo partnered with sunroof and convertible roof specialist Webasto to make a sophisticated 3-piece folding metal hardtop.

As with Volvo's other S40, V50, and C30 small cars, the C70 rides on what Volvo calls their P1 compact car platform. The first all-new car born under Ford's stewardship of Volvo in their Premier Auto Group, this platform was co-developed with Mazda (as the Mazda BK platform) and Ford of Europe (as the C1 platform) at Ford's Cologne, Germany development center.

For the most part, C70s in the USA appeared in dealer showrooms with the turbocharged T5 "white block" five cylinder, mated to a 5-speed AW55 automatic or a compact variant of the M66 6-speed manual transmission made by Getrag and shared with the S60R and V70R. It was possible to special order C70s with the naturally-aspirated 2.4i engine available in the S40 and V50, but we've never a C70 like this ourselves; tell us if you have one!

Volvo's commitment to safety required some unique engineering solutions to keep occupants safe with the roof down. As with the previous C70 convertible, the ROPS rollover protection system included special body reinforcements and deployable roll hoops that would protect occupants' heads in an accident. New to this generation of C70 and uniue in the industry was a special version of Volvo's IC inflatable curtain side airbags, now deploying upwards from the doors and with special reinforcements to stay in position even throughout a top-down rollover event.

In 2010, a "facelift" exterior style debuted on the C70 following its S40 and V50 platform-mates' 2008 facelifts, with revised front and rear ends and LED tail lights as well as an available R-design package featuring a different bumper lip, rocker panels, and interior trim. As with other P1 platform cars, a Polestar performance package was available for the T5 engine, boosting power. 

A special Inscription package with unique paint colors, wheels, and trim was offered for the last two years of the C70's production, with final USA models being delivered in 2013. With consumers trending away from both 2-doors and convertibles, Volvo did not offer a replacement model either in the USA or internationally.

Model information is based on the USA vehicle market. Other model variations may exist outside the USA.