- Flexible 2.4-litre petrol engine
- Powrful Dolby Surround ProLogic sound system
- Competent ride/handling balance
- Usable rear seats (by coupe standards)
- Turbo lag for 2.3-litre T5 engine
- For C70 T5, suspension lacks compliance
- Steering lacks feel
- Firm ride
Review: Volvo Mk.1-I C70 Coupe (1998-01)
Overview
Released in March 1998, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase I (Mk.1-I) C70 Coupe was a four-seat coupe. Manufactured in Uddevalla, Sweden, the front-wheel drive Volvo C70 Coupe range initially consisted of T5 variants, with the 2.4T following in September 1999.
B5234T and B5254T engines
Of the engines,
- the 2.3-litre B5234T five-cylinder petrol engine for T5 variants had an aluminium block and cylinder heads, fracture-split forged steel connecting rods, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. The turbocharger provided peak boost pressure of 1.66 kPa, though 1.4 kPa was available from 1800 rpm; and,
- the 2.4-litre B5254T engine for 2.4T variants had similar properties, though its low-pressure turbocharger provided peak boost pressure of 0.4 kPa and the engine operated with a compression ratio of 9.0:1.
Both engines were initially offered with five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions. In 2001, however, the four-speed automatic was replaced by a five-speed unit.
| Variant | Engine | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T5 | 2319 cc B5234T3 turbo petrol I5 | 1998-00 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
176 kW at 5400 rpm | 330 Nm at 2400-5100 rpm |
| 2001 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
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| 2.4T | 2435 cc B5254T turbo petrol I5 | 1999-00 | 4sp auto., 5sp man |
142 kW at 5100 rpm | 270 Nm at 1800-5000 rpm |
| 2001 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
Dimensions
Compared to the Volvo 850 with which it shared its platform, the C70 Coupe was 50 mm longer (at 4720 mm), 60 mm wider (1820 mm), the same height (1410 mm) and had a 5 mm shorter wheelbase (2660 mm).
Suspension and steering
The Volvo C70 had MacPherson strut front suspension and trailing twist beam rear suspension (Volvo’s ‘Delta-link’ semi-independent rear suspension). Furthermore, the Volvo C70 had rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance.
Safety equipment
Initially, standard safety equipment for the Volvo C70 Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and traction control. From September 1999, however, the C70 Coupe was also equipped with front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters.
Features
Standard features for the Volvo C70 T5 included 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker Dolby Surround ProLogic sound system (including two nine-inch subwoofers) with a three-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a power sunroof, rear spoiler and immobiliser.
As standard, the C70 Coupe was also fitted with a limited slip differential as standard.
Introduced in September 1999, the Volvo C70 2.4T was differentiated by its 16-inch alloy wheels, though heated front seats were fitted as standard for both variants.
Related links
Review: Volvo Mk.1-II C70 Coupe (2001-02)
Overview
Released in August 2001, the Volvo Mk.1 Phase II (Mk.1-II) C70 Coupe introduced a revised range as the 2.4T was discontinued.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T5 | 2319 cc B5234T3 turbo petrol I5 | 5sp auto, 5sp man. |
176 kW at 5400 rpm | 330 Nm at 2400-5100 rpm |
Safety equipment and features
Compared to its Mk.1-I predecessor, standard safety equipment and features for the Volvo C70 Coupe were largely unchanged.
Related links
