A rolling topless vault
Seat-mounted side airbags, door-mounted curtain airbags, stability control, advanced braking systems and other self-defense hardware are all present and on full alert. There are even pop-up roll-bars that engage automatically in case drivers fail to keep the shiny side of the car facing upwards. Engineers have even added little metal spikes to each one that automatically shatter the rear window if the roof is on.
Safety here is much more than a list of abbreviated gadgets in a brochure, as it feels apparent in every inch of the C70. From the door handles to the switches to the ride itself, everything feels solid, heavy and substantial. There's nothing flimsy to be found, and it's as if the entire C70 was honed from a solid piece of marble.
The feeling of vault-like sturdiness imparts a high-quality sensation too. This is matched in full by the beautifully trimmed interior with its contrasting colors and textures, and the sophisticated, inviting atmosphere.
Moving along peacefully
Moving all C70 models is a turbocharged, 2.5 litre five cylinder engine with 227 horsepower. It's got to lug around over 3,800 lbs. of roof panels and Swedish leather- so the machine is far from a neck-snapper.
Things get moving along impressively when drivers drop a few gears from the six-speed stick and wind things up to pass, though. In the process, the turbocharger muffles much of the engine's exhaust sound, and the sound deadening traps most of what's left.
The end result is that the engine makes scarcely a peep. It's also so smooth that you could easily forget to shift up. Remember to, and mileage will average around 10L / 100km.
Like the engine, the steering does its job with little effort or notable sensation. There's minimal feedback, and you may find yourself occasionally correcting the wheel after a lane-change or passing maneuver as C70 sometimes feels hesitant to lock onto the driver's requested trajectory.
The ride favors a laid back approach, too. It's perfect for cruising hundreds of miles in comfort, but like the steering and engine, there isn't much more than an isolated and relaxed sensation for the driver to enjoy.
Two thumbs up for comfort
Should you be looking for something to excite the senses and set your driving-enthusiasts soul on fire, this probably isn't the car for you. However, if you're after a tranquil, safe and top-optional environment where 4 occupants can relax while touring, C70 hits the bull's eye.
photo:Justin Pritchard
Seat-mounted side airbags, door-mounted curtain airbags, stability control, advanced braking systems and other self-defense hardware are all present and on full alert. There are even pop-up roll-bars that engage automatically in case drivers fail to keep the shiny side of the car facing upwards. Engineers have even added little metal spikes to each one that automatically shatter the rear window if the roof is on.
Safety here is much more than a list of abbreviated gadgets in a brochure, as it feels apparent in every inch of the C70. From the door handles to the switches to the ride itself, everything feels solid, heavy and substantial. There's nothing flimsy to be found, and it's as if the entire C70 was honed from a solid piece of marble.
The feeling of vault-like sturdiness imparts a high-quality sensation too. This is matched in full by the beautifully trimmed interior with its contrasting colors and textures, and the sophisticated, inviting atmosphere.
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| The $2,250 Dynaudio stereo kit employs 14 speakers and twin-subwoofers to send bass-laced shockwaves. |
Moving along peacefully
Moving all C70 models is a turbocharged, 2.5 litre five cylinder engine with 227 horsepower. It's got to lug around over 3,800 lbs. of roof panels and Swedish leather- so the machine is far from a neck-snapper.
Things get moving along impressively when drivers drop a few gears from the six-speed stick and wind things up to pass, though. In the process, the turbocharger muffles much of the engine's exhaust sound, and the sound deadening traps most of what's left.
The end result is that the engine makes scarcely a peep. It's also so smooth that you could easily forget to shift up. Remember to, and mileage will average around 10L / 100km.
Like the engine, the steering does its job with little effort or notable sensation. There's minimal feedback, and you may find yourself occasionally correcting the wheel after a lane-change or passing maneuver as C70 sometimes feels hesitant to lock onto the driver's requested trajectory.
The ride favors a laid back approach, too. It's perfect for cruising hundreds of miles in comfort, but like the steering and engine, there isn't much more than an isolated and relaxed sensation for the driver to enjoy.
Two thumbs up for comfort
Should you be looking for something to excite the senses and set your driving-enthusiasts soul on fire, this probably isn't the car for you. However, if you're after a tranquil, safe and top-optional environment where 4 occupants can relax while touring, C70 hits the bull's eye.
photo:Justin Pritchard
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