Volvo C70 2006 News

With fellow Swedish brand Saab tettering on the edge locally, Volvo Car Australia managing director, Alan Desselss, reckons the Volvo name could lure them across to the new C70 convertible.  "There is a good opportunity for us to go after ex-Saab convertible owners," Desselss says."Clearly there is a market that is open."  Local Saab sales have tanked with only one car sold so far this year as the product pipeline from Europe froze.Despite the company being saved from extinction by Dutch sportscar maker, Spyker, local dealers have watched buyers desert showrooms.  With the newest C70 S and T5 convertibles now arriving at Volvo dealers, Desselss is keen to snare sales from anywhere.The opener starts at $59,950 S with the range topper turbo T5 at $69,950.  Both the normally aspirated and turbo C70's use Volvo's five-cylinder petrol engines in 2.4 and 2.5-litre capacities.  The S develops 125kW/230Nm and the T5 169kW/320Nm.Although there are no plans for a four cylinder C70, Desselss says he would not rule it out in the future, saying such a model could help lower the entry price into the C70.  Volvo has already previewed a new-generation 149kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection four cylinder that will be rolled out in Europe in the S80, V70 and XC60.The engine is also destined for the new S60, which arrives in local showrooms later this year.  With the Saab 9-3 convertible effectively out of the picture, the C70 counts as its direct Euro rivals the Volkswagen Eos, BMW 1 Series convertible and Audi A3 convertible.

Volvo is destined to use a version of the 2011 Falcon's 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-charged EcoBoost four cylinder engine in some of its own cars late next year. The global Ford engine is rolling out across Ford, Volvo and Mazda cars around the world.A powerful 2.0-litre version of the Volvo engine, called GTDi and developing more than 150kW, is due to appear in the XC60 in the Netherlands. A smaller 1.6-litre version is also planned for other models.Volvo Cars Australia spokesperson, Laurissa Mirabelli, says the first GTDi engines, mated to a Powershift six-speed dual clutch gearbox, will roll out in Europe later this year but are not scheduled to arrive here until 2010. "We are still to look at positioning though and which specific models will get the engine," she says.Volvo is joining Volkswagen and Audi as newer hi-tech engines allow carmakers to downsize capacity to increase fuel economy and pass tougher European tax regimes on emissions. Direct-injection technology, combined with turbocharging, helps reduce engine displacement without any performance loss, but with about 20 per cent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.First seen on the S60 concept with 1.6-litre capacity, the GTDi produces 134kW yet returns an average fuel economy figure of 5.0l/100km and C02 emissions of 119 g/km in the concept sedan. Mirabelli says the face-lifted C70 cabrio, which arrives next March, will be too early for the GTDi powerplants.Visually, the C70 will receive Volvo's new family face, as previewed in the S60 concept earlier this year. The refreshed tin-top convertible will be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks with the C30, S40 and V50 following later.As the C70 shows, the range will get more angular headlights, a low-set grille, larger air intakes and repositioned foglights. The front mudguards have been redesigned to accommodate the more aggressive, wedged-shaped nose. At the back the convertible gets high-tech LED tail-lights, shared with the XC60.Although most of the changes are external, the cabin has come in for a makeover too. The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look and the materials are improved to lift quality against its key German rivals.The C70's already strong safety credentials carry over with the rollover protection system, side curtain airbags that inflate in the door, side airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners for all seats.In Europe the C70 is available with three petrol and two turbo-diesel engines but Australia will carry over the 169kW/320Nm T5 and 125kW/230Nm 2.4i five-cylinder engines only. 

The C70 convertible is the first to get the new look, which is based on the S60 concept sedan released earlier this year.The newest Volvo convertible will be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks with the C30, S40 and V50 following later. The C70 will share its design cues with the S60 concept.As the C70 shows, the range will get more angular headlights, a low-set grille, larger air intakes and repositioned foglights. The front mudguards have been redesigned to accommodate the more aggressive, wedged-shaped nose. At the back the convertible gets high-tech LED tail-lights, shared with the XC60.Although most of the changes are external, the cabin has come in for a makeover too. The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look and the materials are improved to lift quality against its key German rivals.The C70's already strong safety credentials carry over with the rollover protection system, side curtain airbags that inflate in the door, side airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners for all seats.In Europe the C70 is available with three petrol and two turbo-diesel engines but Australia will carry over the 169kW/320Nm T5 and 125kW/230Nm 2.4i five-cylinder engines only. 

The car brand trumpeted as the world's safest will catch up with the pack next month. Volvo is at last making sure every car it sells in Australia is equipped with ESP and traction control as standard. It has yet to confirm details of the ESP upgrade, including prices, though all Australian cars coming off the production line this month – which means deliveries in June once they are shipped from Sweden – will have the system. “We can confirm that dynamic stability control and traction control will be standard on all Volvo models from May production,” says Laurissa Mirabelli of Volvo Cars Australia. While Volvo is talking up its ESP upgrade, it is also working to finalise details of next year's model line-up after an upgrade last week in Europe. They should be here by October, and the all-new XC60 all-wheel-drive wagon will be the headliner. The most obvious change, on everything from the baby C30 to the C70, is a larger Volvo badge on the boot. It picks up the prominence of the badge on the XC60 and the latest mid-sized wagons. The only other change across the range, though not confirmed for Australia, is exterior mirrors that fold flat for parking. “There will be some minor changes to Volvo's MY09 line-up this year, as there is with its models every year,” Mirabelli says. “The MY09s won't be here until much later this year and we're not in a position to confirm the extent of the changes yet, given we're still going through the business case process.” She says there are only minor tweaks to the range, apart from the XC60, and nothing big on the technical front. In Europe, there are minor tweaks to nine models and one of the best is an optional system called Homelink. It uses buttons integrated into the sun visor to operate remote-controlled home appliances such as garage doors, house alarms and lighting. There is an upgrade of the optional satellite navigation on the S40 and V50, a hard load cover is now standard on all C30s and the climate control is upgraded in the C70 with the addition of the Powershift gearbox already fitted to the C30, S40 and V50. The S80 flagship gets heated washer nozzles and chronograph-style dials in the dash.  

The biggest recall has hit Toyota, which wants to check 144,500 Camrys for headlights, and nearly 8000 Honda Civics also have light problems.The federal Department of Transport says eight imported cars have been recalled since June 1, even Volvo, which makes safety a key selling point, hasn't escaped, recalling cars to check on a faulty door assembly.The latest recalls are;Audi: A6 built between March 2004 and March 2005 may have a software fault which, in exceptional circumstances, could delay release of both front air bags in an accident. Number of cars, 464.Toyota: Camrys built from June 2002 to May 2006; faulty headlight switch which may cause headlights to flicker or temporarily fail. Number involved, 144,589.Honda: Civic sedan and somes hatches built between 2001 and 2002; problem with plastic terminal connector melting, causing low beam lights to fail. Number, 7979.Volvo: Current model C70 may have incorrect left hand door assembly, so it doesn't meet legal requirements in an accident. Number, 173.Mazda: The Mazda3 MPS built from May 2006 to May 2007 may have a loose bolt securing the engine and transmission to its mounting. If it falls out, the engine may drop, detaching the drive shaft. Number of recalls, 1160. Recall will start next week. 

Read related storyPatrick Loved the yellow Hummer, I just want one !Grant The Subaru Tribeca seems an awesome car. Look at its list of standard features for $53000 - leaves an X5 or Territory for dead. OK, the front grille takes a bit of getting used to, power could be up a bit for its weight, but you do get all the usual Subie delights, 5 star safety and quality. Definitely worth a test drive on November 25!Mark Mercedes e280cdei definatly the bestDan The absolute standout was the new BMW 3 series coupe. Can't believe no one else has mentioned it. What a sexy car! Looks much better in the metal than in photos...David Rome The Mazda CX7 is very fresh and the new BT-50 ute looks the goods to take some salesMichael Volvo C70 What a Glamour!!the engineer Mitsubishi TRM 380- bring it on in AWD! Would sell double current! Should have been the original 380 GT.Audi R8 ;-)Captiva <8>-(French Body Art 8-)Bob Rona Gotta Be the Lexus RX 350 Sports Luxury!!Jay The Saab Aero X concept car looks extraordinary. I was pretty impressed with the XR5 Turbo Ford Focus - hopefully if they bring it out in diesel, there would be a lot more interest and salesDavid Lunn Mazda CX7John The Mitsui 380 supercharged - grabbed allot of attention (so did the girls in the red dresses); I also like the new Outlander V6 & Astra convertible (or at least my wife did).Lex Biggar Audi R8william yates dark 4 door mitsi I believe it's a Tommy Mac serise and also shannon's stand the rest well............Kim I must agree with Bob MX-S ROADSTER COUPE The best by far!Jim Until I hit the Mitsubishi stand the show was a let down for me. Thank you to the Mitsubishi Girls for making the show worthwhile.Julie Definetely the Honda Legend & the Audi RX8.aaron need this so i could have this to have it better then i wont be a laughting stockNick Definitely the Mitsubishi TRM 380 - because I might be able to afford it and it looks great. Can't wait to test drive it.David Lyons Peugeot 207Stephen HSV GTS is my current realistic dream carROBERT DAWSON MX-S ROADSTER COUPEKris Audi R8 looked absolutely brilliant, that will be a real winner when it lands here. The Audi TT also looked really neat.Other cars to impress were the Volvo C30 and Suzuki SX4 WRC prototype.wazza smith nonesasha The Convertible Ford Focus. I simply love it. The new Fairmont Ghia was nice too.I did not like the Camry V6 sorry Avalon, sorry again, Aurion.Now I have gone and twisted my tongue. Anyone know a good tongue doctor <8>-). .... At least I can still type.The Volvo C30 was nice too as was the Land Rover Discovery.The Holden Commodores looked pretty decent although the Captiva did not captivate.Its too tall and skinny. I saw one in a shopping centre car park right next to a Territory and boy did it look like it needed some widening.I was also quite impressed with the Audi R8.The Hummer reminded me too much of the war in Iraq (I am against senseless wars). I also thought the Citroens were cool.Sean Hickey HSV GTS a true sports car at third of the price.I enjoyed the show,love to dream but quite a few people could get a GTS

The Volkswagen Eos, BMW's M6 Convertible, Volvo's second-generation C70 and the Alfa Romeo Spider all debuted at the Show."Australia's deepening love affair with convertibles reflects the strong growth of the market segment," says FCAI chief executive Peter Sturrock."The Australian International Motor Show is the perfect forum for the latest convertibles to hit our shores - to showcase to the public their individual advances in technology, styling and performance," he said.Volkswagen is setting a world first with its new Eos - a four-seater with a five-section CSC hardtop convertible roof.Together with its length and height, the vehicle's width lends the Eos a powerful stance that contributes to the car's extra agility and safe handling.Another four-seater to be revealed at the motor show is BMW's M6 Convertible, featuring its internationally acclaimed five-litre V10 engine.Producing a massive 373kW, the M6 engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.The M6 Convertible has the same performance package as its coupe counterpart in addition to the styling cues that clearly identify it as the work of BMW.Volvo's much anticipated second-generation C70 convertible, to be unveiled for the first time in Australia at the motor show, features a three-piece folding hardtop, which converts the car from coupe to convertible in less than 30 seconds.The new C70 offers comfortable interior space and world-first safety for four passengers.The motor show will also see the return of the Alfa Romeo Spider in a new-generation form.The rear of the new version of the classic two-seater sports car has been redesigned to focus attention on its open-top character.

Never mind the sunburn — from $35,000 to nearly $300,000,open cars are being lined up for eager buyers.The flood of new models is heating up the rivalry between traditional fabric-roofed convertibles and a new breed with foldaway hardtops.Holden, Volvo and VW will make the switch from their soft-tops to solid roofs as replacement models arrive.Mitsubishi is joining the trend, with an open-air version of its Colt hatchback due next month. The Italian-made cabriolet, expected to cost $35,000, will have a retractable hard roof.And Mazda is having an each-way bet. Its traditional canvas-topped MX-5 — billed as the world's best-selling roadster — has been joined by a folding hardtop version, called the roadster coupe.The $47,660 "coupe", costing $2930 more than the basic model, has a composite plastic roof that folds away in 12 seconds, claimed by Mazda to be the fastest in its class.MX-5 program manager Takao Kijima said he expected traditional enthusiasts to prefer the soft-top original."Even so, there are many potential customers who . . . have hesitated because of concerns about security and comfort."Mazda expects 60 per cent of MX-5 buyers in Australia to take the hardtop.The latest fabric-roofed models to arrive are the Audi A4 (from $83,000) and the Chrysler PT Cruiser cabriolet (from $36,000).On the way late this year is the Alfa Romeo Spider, based on the Italian marque's new Brera coupe, expected to be $70,000-plus.The soft-top ranks will be further boosted in December when Mini introduces a new cabriolet version, called the Chilli, from $41,100.And Sweden's Saab is marking 20 years of convertible production by releasing a $68,400 anniversary model.Holden dealers say the present Astra soft-top — now $39,990, a $6000 price cut — is to be replaced by a radically different TwinTop, so named because of its two-piece solid folding roof. It is expected to be unveiled late next month, and be on sale for summer.Mercedes-Benz already has both fabric-roofed (CLK) and hard-top (SLK, SL) convertibles.In the extra-pricey league, Audi says it will introduce a high-performance version of the A4, the $187,500 RS4, in January.Only 25 V8-powered cars will be imported from Germany, and the company says it has 15 orders already.Its rival, BMW, is to introduce an M6 convertible with a 10-cylinder engine, expected to cost about $290,000 and arrive before Christmas.Safety-minded Volvo has a second-generation C70 convertible on the way, introducing a three-piece steel roof in place of the previous model's fabric top. The five-cylinder model will be priced from $69,950.Early next year, VW is to release the Eos, a larger hardtop model replacing the fabric-roofed Golf convertible. The VW is likely to be the first convertible to have a diesel engine as an option.FAST FACTSMitsubishi Colt Cabriolet-Turbocharged 1.5-litre MIVEC engine.-110kW (150hp) @ 6000rpm and 210Nm of torque @ 3500rpm.-18-inch alloy wheels.Audi A4 Cabriolet-1.8T with 120 kW and 225 Nm.-new 3.2 FSI petrol direct injection V6 is also now available with 188 kW and 330 Nm.-$83,400 and $107,800 for the 4-cylinder and V6 models respectively.PT Cruiser Cabrio-power-folding soft retractable roof, which can be raised or lowered in just 10 seconds.-normally-aspirated 2.4-litre petrol engine.-105 KW at 5, 200 rpm and 214 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm.-16" alloy wheels.-$35,890Alfa Romeo Spider-3.2 JTS V6 and 2.2 JTS.-twin phaser continuous variator for control of the intake and exhaust valves.-191kW and 136kW.-Q4 permanent AWD.-0-100 km/hr in 7 seconds.-18” sport or multispoke.-$70,000-plusMini Chilli-1.6 litre, 4 cylinder/16 V.-85 kW (115 hp) at 6000 rpm.-150 Nm at 4500 rpm.-0-100 km/hr: 9.1 s.-top speed: 200 km/h.-$41,100Saab limited edition 20th Anniversary-turbocharged 2.0 L.-110 kW and a powerful 240 Nm of torque.-five-speed automatic transmission.-17-inch alloy wheels.-$68,400Astra Twintop-petrol and diesel.-77 to 147kW (105 to 200hp), with the top-of-the-line 2.0-litre turbo motor reaching a top speed of over 230 km/h.-two-piece electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof.-likely to be named 'Astra Convertible' in Australia.Mercedes CLK-5.5-litre V8 engine powering the CLK 500 (peak torque of 530 Nm).-0-100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds.-top speed is 220 km/h (electronically limited).-CLK 63 AMG uses AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine and produces 354 kW of power and a peak torque 630 Nm.-CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR: $99,400-CLK 280: $109,100-CLK 350: $134,100-CLK 500: $163,100-CLK 63 AMG: $213,100SLK SL class-285 kW and 530Nm.-V8 engine in the SL 500.-0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.-six-cylinder engine in the SL 350 is another new unit, with 200-kW V6, and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.-SL 600 has a V12 biturbo engine, with output of 380 kW and torque of 830Nm. Accelerates 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.SL 350: $214,900SL 500: $299,900SL 600: $374,900SL 55 AMG: $374,900SL 65 AMG: $457,900Audi RS4-4.2 FSI V8 engine-V8 engine with an output of 309 kW and peak torque of 430 Nm at 5,500 rpm.-electro-hydraulic hood can be opened entirely automatically in 21 seconds and can be operated up to speeds of 30 km/h.-$187,500BMW M6-5.0-litre V10.-373 kW, 507 bhp, 520Nm.-0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the standing-start kilometre completed in 22.9 seconds.-top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h.Volvo C70LE-2.4 (125kW), 170hp, 230Nm.-5-cylinder petrol.-0-100km: 10s (auto).-Max speed: 215km/hr (auto).-$69,950.00-T5-5-cylinder turbo charged petrol.-162kW, 220 hp, 320Nm.-0-100km/hr: 8s (auto).-Max speed: 235 km/hr (auto).-$79,950.00-VW Eos-two engines are available: a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder motor putting out 200 horsepower and a 3.2L VR6 motor that makes 250 horsepower.-200hp 2.0T FSI or a 250hp 3.2l VR6 FSI (according to current data for the US market).-five-section roof structure with glass/sliding/tilting roof integrated as standard

As it turns out, it's not only what women want. Statistics say women buy more than 50 per cent of new cars and 85 per cent of buying decisions are made or influenced by women.Carmakers are increasingly taking this into account and turning to women to determine the design and comfort of vehicles, and it's not just for your typical "female" cars.Volvo is one manufacturer leading the way. It has developed a customer group of women in Sweden who have influenced smart solutions for the company and these have become qualities of all new Volvo cars, including the new C70, due in Australia by September.Volvo spokesman Todd Hallenbeck says: "It's been going for a few years, at least close to a decade. They're just very much in tune with ... how they can improve ."While the list of changes that evolved from this female customer group includes some qualities that may be viewed as typically "female", like colour coding on lids underneath the bonnet, "comfortable upholstery when wearing shorts or nylon stockings" and vanity mirrors, it also includes developments that suit all people regardless of gender.These include comfort, handling and logic for towing and steering-input forces and gear-shift forces. Volvo unveiled the first concept car in the world to be designed and developed by women at the 2004 Geneva motor show. It says the vehicle, Your Concept Car (YCC), was made for everyone. One of the YCC project managers, Camilla Palmertz, says: "We've included women, not excluded men."The end result was a sports coupe with gull-wing doors and a variety of practical solutions. Other carmakers are also looking to women for advice and increasing the number of women in the workplace.In February this year, GM Holden was awarded an Employer of Choice for Women citation for the second year in a row.GM Holden was the only automotive manufacturer this year to be among the 116 recipients of the Federal Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) award however Ford has won the award before. GM Holden spokeswoman Kate Holehouse says the establishment of a Women's Council in 2005 has resulted in greater contribution by women in Holden. The company also has five women on its board of 13 directors.GM Holden's Asia Pacific chief designer of colour and trim, Sharon Gauci, says women have various roles in Holden - with many influencing the outcome of vehicles.Ford Australia says it has 41 women in senior management positions and four out of of the 12 members on the company's Operating Committee, are women.Volvo's female-friendly changesChanges made to Volvo cars because of suggestions made by the company's female customer group include:Introducing colour-code markings on the lids under the bonnet, blue for washer fluid, black for oil and the same symbols used on the lids as used on the instrument cluster;Improving front-seat adjustment range;Improving seat-belt comfort and position;Altering seating position when driving with knees together;Using more comfortable upholstery for drivers wearing shorts or nylon stockings;Adjusting the doors to make it easier to get in and out of the car;Improving rear seat comfort;Making it easier to move seats when entering the rear seat of a convertible;Installing vanity mirrors;Putting logic, function and symbols on controls such as climate control;Putting controls within easy reach;Reducing force needed to use pedals, shift gears, park brake and steering, and for opening doors, bonnet and boot;Improving steering-wheel adjustment range;Parking assistance;Installing hooks and trays for bags and shopping in the boot;Making owner's manual less technical and easier to understand.

Car makers are following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz and Lexus by putting folding metal hard-tops within the reach of more car buyers than ever before.It's a case of Viva la France in this instance, as Renault and Peugeot have folding metal hardtops starting well under the $50,000 mark, with the Pug 307CC Sport the only transgressor at $55,000.The rest of the Peugeot drop-top range – the two 206CC models and the 307CC Dynamic – will feature on the Peugeot display at Wayville, giving wind in the hair motoring with French fl air for a $32,990 starting price.The base 206CC is powered by a 1.6-litre engine – there's a two-litre model as well – and it's only got decent room for two people, although it offi cially seats four. The 206 is nearing the end of its model life so stay tuned for a drop-top 207.The 307CC offers a little more room for the rearseat occupants, although it uses similar drivetrains. Holden might be sourcing its light and small car entrants from Korea, but its fashionable two-seater drop-top is still from Europe. The two-seater is keenly priced and, while only available in manual, will get plenty of attention from new car buyers. Holden's present Astra has a soft-top but expect the next one to follow in the Tigra's tyre tracks, although it's no sure thing for Australia.Mitsubishi will be showing something close to its drop-top contender, the Colt coupe-cabriolet, which has started production in Italy.The folding metal hardtop is built from the Colt fi ve-door platform and rather than the three-door, the 2+2 convertible will join a revamped Mitsubishi light car range.But don't think the rag-top has gone the way of the dodo – anything but.The reigning Wheels Car of the Year is Mazda's new MX-5, which retained its manual folding soft-top for the sake of saving weight.BMW's 6-Series drop-top might cost more than $200,000 but that pricetag buys a soft-top, albeit one that is well-insulated. The company's Z4 has retained a rag-top, as has the BMWowned Mini range.Chrysler's Crossfire – a feature of the brand's stand at this year's show – also has a rag-top.Volvo's new open-topped star, the C70, has ditched the cloth roof for a solid top, while the Lexus SC430 has offered buyers of the brand the security of a metal roof with wind-in-hair enjoyment since its inception.Bentley and Lamborghini will be wellrepresented in the megabuck drop-top realm with cloth lids, as will the all-new Jaguar XK convertible.