- 2009
2008 Volvo C70
- Used Volvo C70
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
Long known for its commitment to filling its vehicles with state-of-the-art standard safety features, the 2008 Volvo C70 is no exception. The C70 receives the admirable "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Virtually every review affirms that Volvo has become synonymous with safety. Edmunds states "the Volvo C70 is likely the safest convertible currently available," and is "one of only a few convertibles to offer side curtain airbags that can deploy when the top is down -- they're mounted in the doors." The Auto Channel adds both safety and fun "are not mutually exclusive," and that the Volvo C70 "offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience in addition to safety."
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2008 Volvo C70 an overall rating of "Good" (the highest score) for frontal offset crash protection and side impact crash protection. Federal government crash tests have not been conducted on either the 2007 or the 2008 Volvo C70.
Accident Avoidance
The Volvo 2007 C70 comes with a long line of standard safety features to help drivers avoid an accident. These include a high rear brake light, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), and Volvo's Dynamic Stability and Traction Control System (DSTC). This last feature corrects potential skidding by using sensors that monitor the wheels, steering wheel and the car itself.
Crash Protection
Accident avoidance not withstanding, it is in its crash protection features that the Volvo C70 really shines. In fact, Cars.com points out that "Volvo never would have created a convertible if it didn't believe it could keep you safe."
The C70's standard crash protection features begin with three-point seatbelts, with pre-tensioners in all seating positions, and adjustable seatbelt length (for taller passengers) in front. The C70 is one of the first convertibles to incorporate side curtain air bags that protect front occupants in a side impact. There are special door-mounted, head-protecting side curtain air bags as well. These are unique in that they inflate upward from the door panels, instead of from the ceiling. The Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) is able to keep front passengers from submarining under the dashboard during a crash.
If sensors do detect an impending vehicle tip, the ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) fires a charge to quickly extend metal bars located behind the rear passenger seats. This system also works when the roof is up. In that case, the bars are designed to break through the rear window -- away from passengers.
Overall, the entire structure of the Volvo C70 is designed to progressively deform in a collision from any direction to better absorb crash energy.
Advanced Safety Systems
The 2008 C70 can come with Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which assists drivers in notifying them when a vehicle enters their blind spot by illuminating a light. This option is available at an additional cost.
