Who owns Volvo?
It’s a shame that, amid the automotive-business shuffling today, no one seems to know.
This thought emerged as I recently drove the 2011 Volvo C70 retractable-hardtop convertible.
“Is Ford still in control?,” someone asked. No, Ford has sold Volvo. “Isn’t that Dutch company, Stryker, involved?” No, you’re thinking of Saab. “Where are they built now?” They’re still built in Sweden.
Chinese automaker Geely and investment firm Daqing have purchased Volvo from Ford Motor Co., which had owned it for 11 years. Volvo will continue its existing manufacturing facilities in Sweden and Belgium, though Geely said it may eventually explore opportunities to produce some Volvos in China. That seems an odd mix.
Regardless of future influence from China, the ’11 C70 displays the qualities expected of a Volvo – solid and safe, stylish and comfortable, steady performer.
The exterior look, more closely tied to the XC60, features wider grille, larger air intake, sleek headlights and sharply raked windshield, and at the rear are new LED taillights.
I flew to Santa Barbara, Calif., when the C70 model was introduced 12 years ago. At that time, it was a coupe or softtop convertible. Today, it’s combined into one, as a retractable hardtop.
Triggering a toggle switch on the center console will provide open-air driving in less than 30 seconds. The hard top splits into three sections and, with help from an electro-hydraulic mechanism, is stowed beneath the rear cover. Travel light, for this cuts trunk space to six cubic feet.
Atop a new instrument panel is a navigation screen flat with the surface until tipping up into place when activated. Sovereign Hide soft leather seats add comfort, and the rear seats, though short of legroom, are well-cushioned. The center console runs through to the rear and contains cupholders for backseat passengers.
The C70 is an agile and predictable handler. A turbocharger lends mild boost and decent low-end torque to its 227-horsepower, 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. An even split of city/highway driving time resulted in an average of 22.2 miles per gallon. A smooth, firm ride is provided by its MacPherson strut/multilink /antiroll bar suspension setup. Even with its relatively short wheelbase of 104 inches, the Volvo is burdened with a wide turning radius.
Volvo safety includes retractable sideview mirrors linked to a blind-spot warning system, along with front, side and curtain airbags. Roll hoops behind the rear seats will deploy under the threat of rollover.
A Dynaudio premium sound system includes 12 speakers, subwoofer and amplifiers. Among other options in the $46,550 sticker price are 18-inch wheels, xenon active headlights, headlamp washers, sport steering wheel, heated front seats and rain-sensor wipers.
Volvos have been sold in the U.S. since the mid-1950s.
Distinctive character
for Nissan Maxima
From a distance, the front of the 2010 Nissan Maxima resembles an Audi.
Up close, no comparison; the Maxima has its own distinctive character, such as coke-bottle shape body and its sunroof over the entire top.
I told you all about the redesigned Maxima a year ago. Last week’s model, the 3.5 SV, was priced at $39,180. It’s a strong runner with its 290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and smooth-operating continuously variable transmission with shifting paddles at the steering wheel. In 400 miles, it averaged 23.5 miles per gallon.
From a base of $33,180, the Maxima was boosted to near $40,000 by the dual-panel sunroof, rear power sunshade, premium leather seats (heated in front), heated steering wheel, interior wood trim, navigation and upgraded audio.
Notes from e-mail
Q: Bud, several months ago I was looking through the ads in the Sunday Denver Post and I came across your auto column. I read it and enjoyed it. Still look for it every Saturday and Sunday. You are a good story teller; it is obvious you know your cars and what is neat is you make test-driving them sound like an adventure. I am not a car guy, I am simply happy when they start and get me to where I am going without a lot of problems. Looking back at some of the adventures we had growing up and driving in Colorado, I really appreciate the advances the auto industry has made. I thought front-wheel drive was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I can remember chaining up my old ’48 Ford to get over Loveland Pass to ski at Arapahoe Basin. Now they have stuff like cameras to help you back up. We did it by sound; when you hit something you knew you had gone far enough. My wife and I have a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and a 2000 Saab 9-3 five-door HB. We bought both used and they run great. Living near Carbondale, we appreciate cars that work well in the snow and both of ours do that. Thanks for the entertaining information about cars. – G.N.
A: Thanks, Gordon, we’re both Colorado-driven.
2011 Volvo C70 Convertible
$46,550
(price as tested)
MPG City 19 Highway 28
Vehicle type: Near-luxury midsize convertible
Wheelbase: 103.9 inches
Length/Width/Height: 180.4/72.3/55.1 inches
Weight: 3,640 pounds
Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Fuel mileage: 22.2 mpg
Fuel tank: 15.9 gallons
Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles basic
Competitors: Saab 9-3, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37
Built at Uddevalla, Sweden
THE STICKER
$39,950 base
$2,600 Dynaudio sound, navigation
$1,900 Climate package, bending lights, heated front seats
$700 Blind-spot information
$850 Destination
PLUSES
Slick working top
Quiet cabin
Good handler
MINUSES
Slow working top
Wide turn circle
