If you don’t want to be labelled by the car you drive, then buy a Volvo C70 coupe. It doesn’t have the bling, bling of a Mercedes-Benz or the chalk stripe loudness of a BMW but it is the Jedi knight of the motoring world. On the surface inscrutable, but beneath the skin it can kick ass.

Introduced to the UK in 1997 the Volvo C70 coupe offered an alternative to the established coupe players. At £35,000 it wasn’t cheap but powered by a 240bhp turbocharged engine, neither was it dull. And unlike many of its competitor it will always have the distinction of being exclusive when after just 6 years and 5,300 sales it ceased being sold in the UK.

Being the flagship of the Volvo range ensured that most C70 coupes went to good homes so more often than not used examples come with comprehensive service histories, even on older cars. But despite Volvo’s having a reputation for durability it is important to check a used C70 over carefully. On top spec models electric seats, onboard computers and sophisticated stereos can all be subject to failure and none are inexpensive to put right.

On high performance T5 models the front wheels which handle both power and steering can take a beating. Take your time to check the tyres, suspension and brakes for signs of wear.

If high performance isn’t an essential element of your driving then the C70 coupe can still satisfy. Within 12 months of its introduction other engine options followed including a 2.0litre turbo producing 163bhp, a 2.4 litre turbo producing 193bhp and for a brief period in 1999 a couple of normally aspirated 2, 435cc units, one producing 165bhp the other 170bhp.

Being 5 cylinder units all come with the unique but not unpleasant exhaust note. But with most engines being turbocharged it is always important to check for a smoky exhaust under hard acceleration, a sign that the turbo could be on the way out.

For a big car (the C70 is as long as a Volvo V70 estate) the handling is surprisingly sharp, thanks in no small part to expertise of TWR who helped tweak the cars set up. Sat in the large supportive leather seats, standard on most models but essential on all, the C70 coupe feels every inch the gentleman’s GT. Impressive sound insulation, a high quality stereo and an expansive bonnet provides an environment that will encourage that high speed trans European jaunt just for the fun of it.

Rear seat passengers are unlikely to complain with two generous individual seats and surprisingly good visibility for a coupe which unlike many competitors can genuinely accommodate four adults plus their luggage.

Standard equipment on the C70 coupe is pretty good with alloys, ABS, alarm, front fog lights and side airbags standard since day one. But cars lacking air conditioning and leather upholstery, which became standard equipment on all models only after 2000, should be avoided unless priced accordingly.

Thoughtfully Volvo provided the option of manual or automatic transmission on all models. I’d plump for the 4-speed auto option on most as it performs particularly well with the extra torque of the turbo engines. But if it’s a T5 you are looking at stick with the 5 speed manual. Drop a gear, floor the throttle and few drivers will tire of the cars performance which continues to raise a grin every time I drive one.

So there you have it, the Volvo C70. There are faster cars, there are prettier cars but there are few that are more pleasantly surprising. If you find yourself sat next to one at the traffic lights take a long hard look at the driver, I bet they will be smiling.

• Mirrors – water ingress around the door mirrors is not uncommon but is difficult to cure, check the carpets for signs of damp
• Stereo – superb stereo as standard with optional 4x100w system and surround sound
• Front tyres – high performance T5 models will eat them if driven hard
• Traction control system – GT models come with stability and traction control system as standard, up rated stereo, front cup holders and heated front seats
• Wheels – 16’’ alloys standard but easily scuffed, 17’’ were an option
• Electrics – Driver Information system (onboard computer), electric seats and stereo – all expensive to repair
• Spare wheel – space saver tyre standard
• Brakes – Check front discs and pads as wear can be heavy
• Insurance – high performance T5 reasonable group 16, least powerful 2.0T group 14
• Colours – prices are colour sensitive, ‘burnt orange’ was popular but now worth £500 less than classic silver metallic
• Wood trim – dark wood more popular than light wood but it’s a personal choice
  

• Volvo C70 T5 2.3 GT
  5-speed manual
  2001 ‘Y’ with 60,000 miles
  Pay £12,495 at a dealer or £11,250 privately

Total UK sales of all C70 coupe models 1997-2003 = 5307

 © Jason Dawe Productions Limited October 2004