Volvo C70 first generation

Photo: Reedhawk / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Volvo C70 first generation (1997–2005): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 26 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Model codes: P80, 873 · Sold in: European Union, United Kingdom, France, United States, and Canada

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,720 mm RDW	–	4,720–4,724 mm
Width	1,820 mm RDW	–	1,820 mm
Height	1,400–1,410 mm RDW	–	1,400–1,426 mm
Wheelbase	2,660 mm RDW	–	2,660 mm
Front track	1,521–1,550 mm ASTRA	–	–
Rear track	1,518–1,560 mm ASTRA	–	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,449–1,605 kg RDW	–	1,499–1,725 kg
Mass in running order	1,549–1,705 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	1,890–2,030 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	1,600 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	500 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	4 RDW	–	–
Doors	2 RDW	–	–
Luggage space (EPA)	–	227–368 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	–	2,492–2,577 L EPA	–
Performance
Top speed	195–240 km/h RDW	–	200–240 km/h
Torque	220–350 Nm ASTRA	–	220–400 Nm

Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/55R16, 225/45R17, 225/50R16, 225/40R18

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	71.0% (69.8–72.0)	69.2%	6,448

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Suspension	36.7%	41.6%
Brakes	36.4%	36.4%
Tyres	32.4%	31.2%
Lights and electrics	26.8%	28.8%
Noise, emissions and leaks	14.4%	17.1%
Steering	14.4%	7.7%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

124 complaints for model years 1998–2004. 5 crashes · 1 fire · 4 injuries

Electrical system 32
Speed control 30

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 26 versions of the Volvo C70 first generation

Show all 26 versions

United Kingdom 8 versions

New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2000–20042.0 T · 2.0T	2.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	9.7 L/100 km NEDC	230 g/km
2000–20042.0 T · 2.0T	2.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	10.6 L/100 km NEDC	253 g/km
2000–2004T5	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	9.9 L/100 km NEDC	236 g/km
2000–2004T5	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	10.9–11.2 L/100 km NEDC	261–268 g/km
2000–20042.4 T · 2.4T	2.4 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	9.5 L/100 km NEDC	226 g/km
2000–20042.4 T · 2.4T	2.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.0 L/100 km NEDC	263 g/km
2003–20042.4T	2.4 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	9.9 L/100 km NEDC	236 g/km
2003–20042.4T	2.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	10.9 L/100 km NEDC	261 g/km

United States 7 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1998–2004	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Front-wheel drive	19–21 MPG (11.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA	263–291 g/km
2001–2004CLKUP	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	19–21 MPG (11.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA	263–291 g/km
2001–2004CLKUP	2.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	19–21 MPG (11.2–12.4 L/100 km) EPA	263–291 g/km
1999–2000CLKUP	2.3 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA	276–291 g/km
1999–2000CLKUP	2.4 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA	276–291 g/km
19982MODE CLKUP	2.3 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA	291 g/km
19982MODE CLKUP	2.4 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Front-wheel drive	19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA	276–291 g/km

Canada 11 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1999–2004Subcompact	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	11.3–11.8 L/100 km 5-cycle	260–271 g/km
2001–2004Subcompact	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.8–12.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	271–288 g/km
2001–2003Subcompact	2.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.4–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	262–274 g/km
2001–2002Compact	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.1–11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle	255–267 g/km
1999–2002Compact	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	11.2–11.6 L/100 km 5-cycle	258–267 g/km
2000–2001Compact · Subcompact	2.3 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	11.3 L/100 km 5-cycle	260 g/km
2001Compact	2.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	11.2 L/100 km 5-cycle	258 g/km
1999–2000Compact	2.3 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	11.6–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	267–274 g/km
1999–2000Subcompact	2.3 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	11.9–12.4 L/100 km 5-cycle	274–285 g/km
1999–2000Compact	2.4 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	11.8–11.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	271–274 g/km
1999–2000Subcompact	2.4 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	12.0–12.1 L/100 km 5-cycle	276–278 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.