Segment:
Premium Compact/Mid-size Convertible.
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking a stylish, safe, and comfortable convertible with Scandinavian engineering and design.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Convertible, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible, Saab 900/9-3 Convertible.
Convertible Design:
Power-operated soft top, offering open-air driving experience.
Safety Focus:
Volvo's hallmark safety features, including integrated rollover protection system (ROPS).
Premium Interior:
High-quality materials, ergonomic design, and comfortable seating.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, shifting, maintenance, fluid checks.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, wipers, horn, battery, fuses.
Body And Interior:
Door operation, convertible top operation and care, seats, seatbelts, airbags, climate control, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors).
Safety Systems:
Seatbelt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint system installation, rollover protection system (ROPS).
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, windshield wiper blade replacement.
Convertible Top Operation:
Detailed instructions for operating the power convertible top, including manual operation in case of power failure.
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.
Emergency Procedures:
Jacking points, spare tire replacement, jump starting procedures.
Care And Cleaning:
Instructions for cleaning the interior, exterior, and convertible top fabric.
Depth:
Owner-level operation and maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in service manuals.
Digital Format:
PDF (if digital copy available)
Print Quality:
Standard commercial print quality, clear text and legible diagrams.
Binding Type:
Staple-bound or perfect bound booklet.
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock suitable for automotive manual use.
Engine Code:
B5234T3 (Turbocharged variant common for this year)
Engine Type:
Inline 5-cylinder, DOHC, 20 valves, turbocharged.
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2319 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 190 hp @ 5100 rpm (for the base turbo model)
Torque:
Approx. 206 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm (for the base turbo model)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential.
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher).
Oil Type Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (Volvo recommendation).
Coolant Type:
Volvo Blue Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based with corrosion inhibitors).
Transmission Type:
AW50-42 LE (4-speed Automatic Transmission)
Transmission Type:
Optional 5-speed Manual Transmission (M56H).
Automatic Features:
Adaptive shift control, 'Winter' mode for reduced torque at launch.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF JWS 3309 (or Volvo equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 177.6 inches (4510 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 100.4 inches (2550 mm)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 - 10.4 cu ft (with top up/down), variable.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500 - 3700 lbs (1588 - 1678 kg), depending on options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4500 lbs (2041 kg)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Generally good for its era, but specific ratings for this convertible variant might be scarce. Volvo's reputation for safety is a key selling point.
IIHS Ratings:
Good for its era, particularly in frontal impact, reflecting Volvo's engineering focus.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TRACS).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Optional side airbags (SIPS - Side Impact Protection System) might be available.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) - deployable B-pillar reinforcements.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts, height-adjustable front seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX (later nomenclature) or seatbelt-secured child seat mounting points.
Audio System:
Premium sound system options available, often featuring CD player and radio. Auxiliary input typically not standard.
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with manual override and cabin air filter.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking assist sensors were an optional feature for this model year.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by 2000 standards. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity standard. May feature provision for a dealer-installed Volvo On Call system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Major Service Interval:
Timing belt replacement typically recommended around 90,000-105,000 miles (145,000-170,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual for specific interval, often around 50,000-75,000 miles (80,000-120,000 km) for automatic transmissions.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 - 6.0 liters (5.8 - 6.3 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.0 liters (7.9 - 8.5 US quarts).
Convertible Top Mechanism:
Potential for hydraulic leaks, pump motor issues, or latching problems with the power convertible top mechanism over time.
Ignition Coils:
Early models with the inline-5 engine could be prone to ignition coil failures. Volvo revised these over the years.
ABS Module:
ABS control modules are known to fail on some Volvo models of this era.
HVAC Blower Motor Resistor:
Can fail, leading to non-functioning fan speeds.
Volvo Legacy:
Volvo Cars, founded in 1927, is renowned globally for its commitment to safety, durability, and distinctive Scandinavian design.
C70 Debut:
The Volvo C70 was introduced in 1997 as Volvo's first convertible and coupe since the P1800 ES. It was developed in collaboration with TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing).
First Generation:
The first generation (870 platform) spanned from 1997 to 2005, with the convertible variant being particularly popular.
Manufacturing Location:
Uddevalla, Sweden (primarily).
Model Years Covered:
Specifically for the 2000 model year, representing the early phase of the first generation.
Safety Awards:
While specific awards for the 2000 C70 are less common, Volvo as a brand consistently received recognition for safety innovations throughout this period.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated well for safety and ride comfort, though some reliability concerns in specific areas might be noted for early models.
